Page 119 of Collide
I grip his shoulders, pressing into him, needing more, feeling his hands slide beneath my shirt, his fingers digging into my bare skin.
He lifts me and lays me out on the dining table, taking in the sight of me, sprawled out, wild, and wanting.
“Take your shirt off,” I beg breathlessly, longing to feel his skin. He takes it off in one smooth move, and his lips are back on mine, starving and desperate.
His mouth trails down my throat, slow and teasing, the scrape of his stubble leaving sparks in its wake. I tilt my head, giving him more access, and his grip on my hips tightens in response. His breath is warm, unsteady, a sharp contrast to the cool air against my flushed skin.
He begins taking my shirt off.
Then—
A loud knock at the door.
We both freeze.
Breathing hard.
Alex’s lips hover over mine, his breath warm against my mouth.
“You have got to be kidding me,” he groans, his voice thick with frustration, his forehead resting against mine.
The knock comes again. Louder.
“Elena? It’s Riley. I forgot my purse. Which also has my key!”
I let out a mortified laugh, burying my face in Alex’s shoulder.
He groans again, dropping his head against my neck, muttering something in Swedish that I’m pretty sure is a curse.
He pulls back, breathless, still dazed from the heat of the moment, from the way my body still thrums with desire.
Alex looks at me, his pupils blown wide, chest rising and falling unevenly.
“This isn’t over,” he murmurs, his fingers tightening against my jaw.
I pulse in anticipation.
No. It’s definitely not.
Chapter 17
Before You
Adjusting the diamond-studded clasp on the red satin gown Rio chose for me, I exhale slowly, steadying myself. The grand ballroom of the Astoria Hotel glitters under the warm glow of chandeliers, the air thick with the hum of conversation and the clinking of crystal glasses.
Tonight matters.
The Annual Montgomery Charity Gala—raising funds for a dozen causes, all carefully curated and tax-deductible. But beyond the polished smiles and champagne, it’s something else entirely.
It’s the first time my entire family will be under one roof.
And that alone makes me nervous.
“Elena!”
Riley’s voice cuts through the crowd, and moments later, she’s at my side, her amethyst gown making her cascading red curls shine. Her eyes are alight with mischief.
“Sorry I’m late, work was shit…Damn girl, you look like a whole damn movie star.”
