Ask Me Why(31)

“Thought you weren’t volunteering to give me an endorphin boost?”

My shoulder brushes hers when I shrug. “Changed my mind.”

“So glad I could persuade you to fall under my voodoo spell.” Sarcasm coats her words.

“Happy to hear you finally owning up to it.” I sweep some hair off her shoulder, exposing bare skin.

Her breath hitches. “I admit nothing.”

“You don’t have to. I read it on your beautiful face.”

“Maybe that’s part of my ploy. I’m just waiting for you to step in my trap.”

“You’ve got a smart mouth.” I flick my eyes to her pouty lips.

Her tongue darts out, dragging slowly across them. I track her sinful movement. We’re close enough to touch.

“And you know just what to do with it,” I add.

The veil lifts from her eyes, those mossy depths reeling me in. I’m helpless against the pull.

“Do you like that about me?” she whispers.

“More than I should,” I tell her honestly.

“You don’t sound too unhappy about it.” Her rapid breaths puff against my neck.

“Because I’m not.”

“This sure is an interesting turn of events.”

“Don’t go turning this into some grand gesture. You’ll be sorely disappointed.”

Braelyn huffs. “Trust me, I won’t lose any sleep over you.”

“Tell me what’s happening up here?” I gesture at her temple.

She leans into me, ever so slightly. “Too much. I can hardly see straight.”

“You dating anyone serious, Braelyn?”

She doesn’t speak, just shakes her head.

I press against her, our chests rising and falling in tandem. “Good, that’ll make this less complicated.”





Braelyn



Chemistry



Who’s the hussy exchanging seductive lines with this man? Urging him on, feeding the flames? Oh, that’d be me. I’m having an out-of-body experience. Or this is a dream. Maybe both.

Before I can process this surreal development further, Brance pounces and seals our mouths together. My ass slams against the shelf behind me, but I hardly notice. All I feel is him. He growls against my lips, demanding entry. I open for him without pause and moan when his tongue slides along mine. He tastes like peppermint and midnight fantasies. I’m already certain the combination is highly addictive.

He nips at my bottom lip, only to lick away the sting immediately after. I flutter my lashes at the heady sensation and reach out for something to hold me steady. My palm lands on Brance’s torso, the muscle bunching on contact. I curl my fingers into the rich fabric of his shirt. He steps into me, erasing distance I didn’t realize was there. His body aligning with mine sets off a round of sparklers in places long abandoned.

I want to question his intentions, but shove that curiosity under layers of arousal. It’s not important and won’t change anything. I focus on the inferno overhauling my neglected system. Brance surrounds me, stealing any shred of lingering doubt. A roaring blaze ignites under my skin, the thermostat ratcheting to dangerous levels. His mouth demands more of mine. I’m all too willing. He can take everything. Being in this position, feeling this heat, is something I’ve been depriving myself of. I haven’t kissed anyone in years. Not since—

I squeeze my eyes shut and force that thought away. Instead, I clear my mind and get lost in Brance’s hard edges. Nothing about this man is soft. Everyone else is cautious with me, almost to a fault. Brance is different. And I like that a lot.

My guard shatters when his body vibrates with a rumble. I angle my head and welcome him deeper. He delves in, taking what I’m offering up so freely to him. I don’t realize my mistake until it’s too late.

Try as I might to remain locked in this moment, inky memories swoop in. I choke on the past clawing up my throat. The onslaught is just too much, all at once from every direction. A single droplet escapes and zigzags a path into my bliss. Something cracks inside of me, but it doesn’t hurt. Just the opposite. I toss off the chains and dive into the pleasure.

When his big palm cups my cheek, our connection sizzles. Brance tenses and rips his mouth off mine. His wild eyes study my face, wet with tears.

“The fuck?”

A jolt zips up my spine at his gruff tone. I tug him toward me by his tie. “I’m fine. Keep kissing me.”

He begins prying the silk from my grasp. “The hell I will. You’re crying.”

I strengthen my hold. “It’s nothing. Please don’t stop. I need this.”

Brance shakes his head. “Are you stoned? You must believe I’m some sort of sadist. Sorry to disappoint, but even I have boundaries. This is a hard limit for me.”

“Please, Brance,” I beg again. “I’ll explain later. Kiss me. Make me break. I wanna see stars again.”

He hesitates but I feel the moment his body wins against whatever conscience is trying to stake claim. The fight leaves his flexed muscles. He dips down and murmurs, “You better tell me all of it.”

I’m nodding even before he finishes speaking. He’s not asking and the why will come eventually. There are far more important matters to address, right the eff now. I yank on his tie, and Brance folds around me. When his lips press against mine, I’m not a hollow shell pieced together by sorrow and pain. In this instant, I’m a woman being desired and devoured. I get seriously turned on by it.