Page 9 of Savage Temptation
“Jagger.”
My gaze traces the curve of a broad chest before lingering on the tempting scruff shadowing a sharply defined jaw. Warmth creeps over me. Every single memory I have of his hands on my body floods my mind. And my body reacts with a flush of fiery heat that causes my nipples to harden and my core tighten with a need only Jagger can pull from me.
Or it could be my body confusing fear for arousal.
He looms over me like a beast made of two parts muscle and one part rage. It’s all over his expression with how his eyes suddenly narrow into dark slits. Like he’s considering putting my body in the dumpster beside me. Maybe this was a mistake.
Blood roars through my ears. I wait. And I hope that is really not the case. What else can I do?
One heartbeat.
Two.
Humid air locks in my lungs. Will he turn me away? I won’t survive the night if he does.
“Emilia.”
Oh God, thank you,I silently pray inwardly.
He finally speaks. Shock and relief filters down my spine.I’m not going to die. I’m not going to die, my head screams. And then time speeds forward and my senses click back on.
His voice is more gruff than I remember. Like smoke tumbling over a bed of rock.
“Who did this to you?”
Rage and concern stare back at me with a healthy dose of control. I know without a doubt whenever he gets his hands on Oliver, he will personally end him.
As if he can read my thoughts I watch cold-blooded murder steal over his expression, pulling the already angular lines of his jaw tighter to the point it looks like his teeth might crack. I don’t get to answer before strong arms come around me and I’m pulled into the warmth of his embrace, leaving behind the frigid embrace of darkness I’ve lived in for five years.
I’ve never been so relieved in my life.
Plums of feathers and a thin puff of glitter catch in the overhead light when he hauls me up his body and crushes my curves to his muscular form.
My arms go around him, and Jagger buries his face into the crook of my neck. The warmth of his breath rushing over my skin is my new favorite sensation. I do the same, just breathing in his essence for several minutes.
He still smells like crisp fall air, oranges and leather. He stands over six feet, leaving my bare feet to dangle in the air. I lift my legs and I wrap them around his middle. My body threatens to turn to molten heat at the feel of his warm breath brushing over the tender skin of my neck. From scared to turned on is not a logical trajectory of emotions, but I’ll take the latter any day.
He inhales deeply again and again. I count each one to help control my spiking nerves. Large hands span the width of my back, running up and down like he can’t believe it’s me in his arms.
“Emilia.” His voice is a husky whisper layered with what sounds like reverence. I squeeze my eyes shut trying to stop the tears but they fall down my cheeks to wet his shirt anyway.
“Jagger,” I choke out. “I’m so sorry. So sorry. I didn't know where else to go.” Getting all those words out through shameful tears is nearly impossible.
“Hey, baby. Shh. I don’t care what brought you back to me. You’re here. We’ll deal with whatever it is later. Let me just hold you.”
This can’t be real, but the heavy thud of his pounding heart beneath my palms is unmistakable. As is the heat in his eyes when Jagger pulls back to stare into my eyes. A hand comes to rest on the back of my head. Our breath intertwines. The weight of what I did to him and us in the past pulls my gaze to fall on his chin. I can’t seem to look him in the eye for long.
A hand cups my jaw, tilting my head up. Our eyes meet again but this time I can’t see for all the tears filling my eyes.
“Eyes up here, baby. There you go. Let me see you. Talk to me,” he says quietly. “I’m here. You’re safe. You’re safe.” He presses his forehead against mine.
I don’t know what grabs a hold of me or what right I have to do it, but those last words break me. Hot tears run freely down my cheeks. I squeeze him tightly, peppering his cheeks, his forehead and even the tip of his nose with light kisses.
I stop, pull back. His eyes shimmer with the same confused happiness I know I never expected to feel again in his arms, especially tonight.
My world comes undone and I can’t imagine another minute where my lips are not on his. I crush my lips to his and I fuse all the regret and love I’ve stored up over the years into our connection. Air leaves my lungs and his. We break apart only to crave more. This time his lips find mine. His tongue sweeps across my lower lip and he growls this possessive sound that has chills spilling over my skin. He takes the plumpness between his teeth, giving it a delicious nibble before claiming my mouth fully.
He kisses me deeply, tasting of hope. Our tongues meet and our bodies meld together. His hands come to my waist. Skin on skin. I moan softly, surprising myself. Strong hands curve around my ass, cupping me through the feathers and lacy bits of my costume.
