Page 23 of Sins (The Sins Trilogy 1)
Wrapping a hand around her long, silken hair, I brush my lips against hers.
She goes still as a statue, her breath tickling my face. My tongue flicks across her mouth. I tug gently at her lower lip, seeking entry.
A small shudder runs through her. She parts her mouth, and the flavor and feel of her flood my senses—so sweet, lush and soft. I swear she tastes like cherries and caramel. No, better. More addictive and sweeter, disarming me, making me forget what the hell I was trying to do with the kiss in the first place.
Her delicate response reins me in. My lips, tongue and teeth move over hers with a tenderness I’ve never shown anybody, but I’m helpless to do anything else.
She tilts her head so we can fit better. Her tongue strokes across my mouth teasingly, stoking my desire until my whole body feels tight and hard. I deepen our kiss, devouring her. She’s everything I want. Moaning softly in her throat, she arches until her breasts press against my chest.
“Tony…”
I know exactly what she wants. Our mouths still fused, I move my hand to cup her breast.
She murmurs, “Don’t stop…” against my lips. The two words penetrate my lusty haze, hit me like a bucket of ice-water, and everything inside me stills.
This isn’t what I was expecting. She was supposed to tell me to stop, then call me a bastard when I didn’t. She was supposed to stay away from me afterward, and never say anything in my defense.
I tear away, since I promised myself I would do the exact opposite of what she asked. But even without the promise, I would’ve done it. My reaction stuns me. I’ve never given myself so completely over to a kiss. Ever.
Her cherry and caramel taste lingers on my lips, making me want more. I’m already swaying toward her, craving her with an intensity that leaves me breathless.
Hell.
I run the back of my hand over my mouth to erase her taste. If I don’t, I’m going to do something I’ll really regret. Like continuing the way she asked me to.
Her gray eyes wide pools, she watches me wipe my mouth. Her chin begins to tremble.
I won’t be able to stand it if she cries. So I exhale and say, “Did that prove your point?” in a tone designed to annoy her.
She doesn’t answer, but thankfully, the trembling stops and her eyes flash with a hint of temper.
I stand up, my motions measured, then walk away, my skin hot and prickling. I need to get away from her. Now.
Restless lust churns inside me. I move toward the front entrance. I need to go see if Dalton still owns his boxing gym so I can work off some energy.
Jonas is standing in front of the entrance and—amazingly—doesn’t move when I approach.
“What is it?” I ask, my tone curt. Normally, I would never talk to him that way, but I need to get the hell out of here.
“Dinner will be served at six sharp,” he says. “Formal attire.”
A formal dinner means a six-course meal. “Any guests?”
“Just family. In honor of your return.”
My mouth dries. This is a big fucking deal. Maybe the break I’ve been looking for. I glance at my watch. It’s a quarter to four. “Got it.”
“Your mother… She’s grown very fond of white orchids,” Jonas adds quietly.
“Thanks.”
Without his advice, I would’ve gotten her magenta carnations, which she loved when I was a little boy. Guess a lot of things have changed in the last nine years, not that I would know. I sent her so many letters. All of them were returned, unread.
The heaviness in my heart eases a bit. Perhaps Mother’s finally decided to absolve me, if she’s willing to host a formal dinner. I need to know if I’m forgiven for what I’ve done.
Without her forgiveness, I’ll never be able to forgive myself.
