hand along my forearm as if to use my trembling as evidence against me. “You need rest. I am going to
take you back to my suite and tie you to the bed if I have to. You may even enjoy it, ¿sí?”
“I can’t…” An exhausted sigh nearly robs me of balance. I sway as he tightens his grip, steering me
against his chest. For the first time, I notice the real world beyond him. Rain is lashing at the
windows and a streak of lightning lances across his face, illuminating the tension in his jaw. “I can’t
sleep,” I croak. “I can’t think. I’m so damn tired.”
“Fine. But staying here is obviously distressing to you.” Through gritted teeth, he proposes, “So let
me take you somewhere else—”
“No. What if—”
“Away from here,” he continues to insist. “Look at me.” He cups my cheek against his palm as thunder
resonates through the walls. “You shouldn’t be here alone. Not during a storm.” Ironic, considering
that his heat feels more destructive than anything lightning could inflict. “Let me take you somewhere
else. Anywhere else.”
“Why?” My voice lacks the taunt it should have. “It’s not just the storms I’m afraid of. I’ll never
escape him. I’ll never—”
“Enough.” He lunges, but the act his lips inflict isn’t a kiss. It’s a kill shot. Swift and decisive,
designed to shut me up. Distract.
Disorient.
And it works. Shock strips me of everything—thoughts, fears, common sense. All that remains is
searing fire.
And I want to burn in it.
His touch is an inferno I eagerly throw myself into. Grunting, he captures my waist in both hands,
igniting me through the thin silk of my robe. His tongue invades, his mouth conquers, and there’s
nothing I can do to withstand the onslaught but breathe.
So I do, inhaling all I can of Damien Villa. It’s a dangerous game to play. With every frantic gasp of
air, my chest meets his, causing my nipples to harden beneath the friction.
“Wait,” he breathes, pulling back. “Just wait—”
“Please.” I slide my hands down to his hips.
“Mierda.” His teeth nip the tip of my tongue in response, sending a jolt of alarm through my entire
body. A warning.Submit, Juliana.Let him regain control and this won’t go any further.