Page 142 of Carnal Games

The arrogant tone has me firing back, “Now who’s flirting? You’re always lighting the match. Don’t blame me when I’m drawn to the flames.”

“There wouldn’t be a fire if you weren’t dripping in gasoline, Iris. It’s there in every glance, every innocent touch, in every single breath you take. Your existence is a temptation.” Backing me against the door, his fingers grasp my chin andforce my head back. Bending down, he growls right over my lips, “How the fuck am I supposed to resist? Tell. Me.”

You’re not.

“We wouldn’t be here if I knew how,” I murmur, sounding as torn as him.

He thinks he’s suffering. Let him try for three agonizing years, hopeless and with no promise of ever coming close to the person you truly want. Somehow, being around him is hurting far worse than watching him from afar.

As long as I’m marrying Nathan, fake or not, my hands are tied.

Kian’s deep sigh gusts over my mouth as he closes his eyes for a second before reopening them. They’re swirling with urges he can’t act on. “If you were wearing any other man’s ring, I wouldn’t think twice about making you mine.”

“I know.” Despite what the world whispers or Nathan believes, Kian loves his brother. Once there are no secrets between us and I have his utmost trust, I’ll ask him for the truth about why he left.

I reach for his rugged face and graze his unshaven jaw. So sharp and angular. Up close, I can see the light freckles on the bridge of his nose. My heart skips a beat as he leans into my touch.

“We’re alone, rainbow.”

“I’m aware.” I’m mesmerized by my fingers roving over the contours of his face, loving the free rein.

His head dips to nuzzle his nose against mine. “You promised me something yesterday.”

“To lock myself in my room.” Staring at him pointedly to reveal I wasn’t pleased with that stern order, I mutter, “I did.”

An almost-smile tips his lips. “Not that.”

“What then?” I rack my brain over our phone call. He had me so worked up, mad, and turned on in the same breath. AllI remember is running into my room and taking the edge off. Again, it left me unsatisfied.

“Saying my name as many times as I wanted.”

“That offer was for yesterday.”

“What will it take today?”

“Tell me why you’re so desperate for me to say it now?”

“Because you haven’t said it since yesterday. Because the only time I like my name is when you say it. Ineedto hear it.” His palm slides down to curl around my throat, and he demands, “Now. Say it.”

My toes curl as I rasp, “Kian.”

“This is what angels must sound like.”

Delirious warmth spreads inside my chest. My heart is a puddle at his feet. Emotions clog my throat at his beautiful compliment. I squeeze the back of his neck, dragging him closer. “Oh, Kian.”

“Sweetest sound ever.” His lips press against my temple, lingering for a heartbeat before he releases me and straightens.

I’m too stunned to move, still recovering from the gentlest and most romantic kiss he laid on me. No one could guess that tenderness would come from a hardened man like him. It’s downright lethal, meant to leave any woman powerless.

As he turns around, I come to my senses and unglue myself from the door. “Where are you going?”

“The gym,” he grunts, gaze aglow with savage lust. “If I can’t take my frustration out by burying myself inside you, I have to take it out elsewhere.”

“I’m coming with you.”

He twists around and crosses his arms. “Fine.”

“You can’t—” I abruptly pause my little speech about how he can’t tell me no, absorbing his answer. “Wait. You don’t mind? Seriously?”

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