Page 178 of Force Play
Lucia
Thedisplaytonightatthe bar stirs up something in me.
IneedAri right now more than I need my next breath.
As soon as we get home, I’m more determined than ever to show him how much.
He closes the front door behind him, and I immediately pull him in and kiss him with as much fervor as I can. Ari matches my energy, molding his body against me.
We’ve shared too many kisses to count at this point, but I’ve never felt one like this. Electricity courses through every inch of my body, charging the air around us.
When we break apart, I rest my forehead against his.
“You never told me you defended me at Harlow and Knox’s wedding,” I say softly.
“I never felt the need to,” he smiles, pushing my hair out of my eyes. “I didn’t do it for the recognition. I did it because that’s what you deserved.”
“But we weren’t even friends. I would never have expected you to do it.”
Ari lets out a deep breath, looking as if he’s ready to divulge something. “We didn’t get along; there’s no denying that. But Lucia…” His eyes find mine, and I see nothing but tenderness and care within them. “I’ve always cared.”
“Always?” I ask, his admission leaving me breathless.
“Since the moment we met, sweetheart. There was always something about you.”
“What do you think that was?”
“I think deep down I knew that if I got to know you, I’d learn how fucking incredible you are. That was enough to keep my attention for those two years.”
“What do you think now that youhavegotten to know me?”
Ari’s smile pulls me in and holds me captive. “I think you’re the most incredible person I’ve ever met, Lucia. There’s nobody else like you. Fucking no one.”
As soon as the words register, I’m absolutely desperate for him.
I kiss him hard and start leading him away from the door.
“Ari, I need you.”
“Then I’m all yours.”
We frantically move to his bedroom. I slip off my heels and lie down on the bed while Ari kicks off his shoes. He stalks back over to me, a look on his face that I’ve never seen on him before.
“Lucia,” he breathes, eyes roaming over me from head to toe. “God, you’re so fucking beautiful.”
He brackets himself on top of me and kisses me, swiping his tongue into my mouth as I pull him impossibly closer.
And that’s still too much space between us.
I slip my hands under his black T-shirt, urging him to take it off. He does so quickly, fixing his glasses as his silver chain dangles from around his neck.
Ari helps me sit up and pulls my shirt over my head, letting my breasts fall free. I remove my skirt while he pushes his jeans and boxers down to the floor.
His gaze leers over me.
“What are you doing?” I ask.
Ari smiles in disbelief. “Just admiring you, sweetheart. Thinking about how lucky I am to have you in my bed.”
