Page 142 of Force Play
I look over at Ari to see how he’s reacting, but I’m surprised to see his eyes on me.
His breathing is heavy, and the look on his face is like he wants to consume me.
I’ve never seen that from him before, but the air between us is charged, and my pull to him is magnetic.
I close the distance between us, and he throws his arms around my shoulders.
Brushing his lips over my ear, Ari whispers, “We’re celebrating them a bit longer, but we’re getting out of here as soon as possible.” He pulls his head back a little, and I can feel the heat from his eyes. “Ireallyneed to get you home.”
All I can do is nod and agree.
forty-one
Lucia
I’veneverfeltanticipationlike this before.
Like Ari said, we stay a while longer to really celebrate Josh and Ella. We’re all unbelievably excited for them.
But as soon as the moment presents itself, Ari all but yanks me out of there to take me home.
There’s a feral need in his eyes, and I know that whatever is waiting for me at home will be better than anything I’ve ever experienced.
He pulls into his reserved parking space in the underground garage, and we both hurriedly step out of his Aston Martin and make our way over to the elevator.
As soon as the doors close behind us, Ari has me pressed up against the wall with his lips on mine. My hands are in his hair as his tongue explores my mouth, sweeping over me until the charge between us is palpable.
It feels like something shifted tonight, and I think that shift was caused by our friends’ pregnancy announcement.
When we get to the top floor, he takes my hand in his and leads me off the elevator over to the penthouse door.
If I thought he was relentless before, I was mistaken because once we’re inside, he throws all caution to the wind.
The kisses are deep and frenzied, and the tension between us is building into a crescendo, one we’ll take the leap off of together.
I nip Ari’s bottom lip, and he moans in response.
“Fuck,” he breathes, fire burning in his eyes. “I need you, Lucia.”
“So have me,” I reply. “Fucking have me, Ari.”
His response is to kiss me harder than before, pick me up off the ground, and wrap my legs around his waist as he walks us toward my bedroom.
Or so I thought.
I’m caught by surprise when we pass my door and head straight for Ari’s.
“Your room?” I ask, voice breathy, as we cross the threshold.
“My room,” he murmurs. “I need to see you in my bed tonight, sweetheart.”
My heart swells.
I don’t know what this means to him right now, but I know for a fact that he’s never brought a woman into his bedroom before.
I’m the first.
I can’t help but be overwhelmed by that.
