Page 10 of The Hitman's Forbidden Obsession

I bring my hand up to her face, cupping her jaw to tilt her head further, kissing her harder, deeper, until her whole body is trembling. I can feel it. But she’s not scared. She’s burning, just like I am.

I kiss her deeper, slower, letting her feel every ounce of the heat I’ve been holding back. I want this imprinted on her. I want her lips swollen from my mouth. I want her walking away from the kiss and remembering exactly who she belongs to.

Because that’s what this is. A claim.

I don’t care who sees us. Let every bastard out there know she’s got someone now. Someone who’ll burn the goddamn world down if they so much as breathe near her.

When I finally pull back, it’s only because I have to. Because if I don’t, I’ll take her right here, up against this wall, under the stars where anyone could see. And she deserves more than that for her first time.

She’s breathing hard, lips kiss-bruised and parted, eyes glazed like she’s still spinning somewhere between reality and whatever the hell just happened.

I rest my forehead against hers, jaw clenched tight, trying to get a grip on myself.

Trying, and failing, not to fall completely.

“Come back to my place tonight,” I whisper against her lips.

Her lashes flutter. Her hands stay fisted in my shirt like she’s afraid I’ll vanish if she lets go.

Avery hesitates. I feel the flicker of caution, or decency, maybe, trying to reassert itself. And that panic I never let anyone see surges up fast and hot.

I don’t know what I’m going to do if she says no. I only know there is no way I can let her go home. Not when she’s sleeping under the same roof as someone who wants her dead.

I’d never forgive myself.

Then she looks up at me, lips curling into a breathless smile that damn near knocks me off my feet.

“Okay,” she says softly. “Yeah. Let’s go.”

Relief crashes through me like a tidal wave. I press a quick, almost reverent kiss to her lips before pulling back again.

Then I take her hand in mine, small and warm and perfect, and lead her toward the car, jaw tight with the effort it takes not to haul her over my shoulder and run.

Because she said yes, and now she’s coming home with me.

And I don’t think I’m ever letting her go.

Chapter Five

Avery

The door closes behind me with a soft, final-sounding click.

I stand just inside the entryway, frozen for a second, taking it all in. Dante’s place is... stunning. All clean lines and expensive finishes, dim lighting casting everything in a soft, golden glow. It smells like him too, warm and masculine, and I’m not sure if I want to explore or just stand here and breathe in the scent of him like some kind of lovesick maniac.

I take a few hesitant steps forward, trying not to feel too out of place in a house that looks like it belongs in a magazine. My stomach flutters. I’ve never been in a home like this. I’ve never been on a date like that. I’ve never... done any of this.

My heart is still racing from the kiss outside the restaurant. From the way he’s looked at me ever since he walked into the library earlier today. I fold my arms loosely over my stomach, suddenly aware of just how real this is. I’m in his house. With him. And I know exactly what’s about to happen.

That’s when I feel him step up behind me.

His arms slide around my waist, strong and sure, and every nerve in my body lights up like a switchboard. I don’t have time to think before his lips find the side of my neck, soft at first. Like he’s giving me a chance to stop him.

As if I could.

A tiny sound slips from my lips before I can catch it, and I feel his smile against my skin. My breath catches, legs going a little weak. Every last trace of nervousness burns away beneath the heat of his mouth. He kisses a spot just beneath my ear, and I swear something inside me melts.

“Relax,” he murmurs, voice low and sinful against my skin. “You’re with me now.”

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