Page List

Font Size:

I stare down at her mouth, fighting the urge to bite. Claim. Mark.

“You really want this war, Aspen?”

She rises on her toes, lips a breath from mine. “I’m not scared of war.”

My chest rumbles. “Then get ready to lose.”

Her smile is pure sin. “Ladies first.”

Jesus Christ.

I need to get space. Now. Before I do something I can’t take back.

I step away—rough, fast. Like pulling teeth out of my own ribs.

She stares, confused. “You’re walking away?”

I don’t turn. “Before I throw you over that table and make decisions for both of us.”

Silence.

Then—voice low, threaded with pure trouble—“Who says I don’t want you to?”

I stop walking.

Every muscle locks.

I look back.

Her head is tilted. Hands behind her back. Lip caught between teeth. Watching me like a dare.

I stalk toward her again—slow. Heavy. Predatory. She doesn’t run.

“You keep pushing,” I warn.

“Maybe you like it,” she whispers.

I crowd her against the table—no space, no escape—and murmur against her ear: “You think I need excuses to want you?”

She trembles. “No.”

“Good.” My voice drops lethal. “Then stop giving me reasons to hold back.”

Her breath shudders.

I step back again. Just enough to clear my head.

Her eyes narrow. “You’re infuriating.”

“You’re reckless.”

“You’re control-obsessed!”

“You’re climbing me like a tree every time trouble hits!”

She throws up her hands. “Maybe you’re just available real estate!”

Oh, that does it.