Gabriel's Inferno (Gabriel's Inferno #1)(132)

Julia felt herself blush against his hands, the warmth traveling across her face and down her neck.

“I can feel you flushing, your skin blossoming in heat and color.”

He stroked her eyebrows, and she opened her eyes, staring into large, dark-blue pools.

“Your pupils are dilated.” He smiled against her mouth, barely grazing her lips. “And I can hear your breathing speed. You know what that means.”

Julia searched his eyes. “He said I was frigid.” She sounded ashamed.

“Cold like snow. It made him angry.”

“Only a boy who knew nothing about women could be so blind and so ridiculous. Never think that about yourself, Julianne. I know for a fact that it’s far from true.” His lips curved into a seductive smile. “I can tell when you’re aroused, like now. I can see it in your eyes. I can feel it on your skin. I can — sense it.”

Gabriel traced a single finger across her eyebrows to relax them. “Please don’t be embarrassed. I’m not. It’s tantalizing and very erotic.”

She closed her eyes and inhaled his scent — Aramis and peppermint and blessed Gabriel.

He chuckled. “I think you’re telling me that you enjoy my cologne.”

He leaned down so that her nose was able to skim his neck. The scent of Aramis was stronger there.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m building desire, Julianne. Now tell me what you want. You’re flushed, your heart is beating rapidly, and I can hear your breathing acceler-ate. What do you desire?”  He cupped her face in his hands again and brought his mouth close to hers. Close, but still not touching.

“I want to kiss,” she breathed.

He smiled. “I want to kiss too.”

She waited. And still he would not move.

“Julianne,” he blew across her lips.

She opened her eyes.

“Take what you want.”

She inhaled sharply.

“If you don’t initiate on occasion, I’ll conclude that you don’t want me. That I’m being demanding. After a night like tonight, the only person doing the demanding should be you.” Gabriel’s eyes were wide and dark, and they pierced her.

She didn’t need another invitation. Surprising both of them, she wrapped her arms around his neck and tugged him forward. When their lips met, his hands trailed down to her lower back, and he imagined caressing her naked flesh. She teased his bottom lip and drew it into her mouth, copying an act he’d performed with her before. She was less skilled, but he was no less pleased.

Her unhurried ardor enticed him, and within a moment, he felt his skin heat and his heart race. For as his tongue expertly explored her mouth, he wished nothing more than to part her modest knees with one of his own and press himself against her. And sweep her into his bedroom to fraternize…

He pulled away, placing his hands on her bare forearms. “I have to stop.” He leaned his forehead against hers and exhaled deeply.

“I’m sorry.”

He pressed his lips to her forehead. “Never apologize for acting on your desires. You’re beautiful and sensual. And very, very arousing. I can enjoy you without becoming more intimate, but I can’t kiss you again. Not right now.”

They stood frozen, holding each other for several minutes, until Gabriel opened his eyes and stroked her cheek.

“Whatever you want, Julianne. Tonight, I’m yours. Do you want me to take you home? Do you want to stay?”

She nuzzled his jaw with her nose. “I’d like to stay.”

“Then I think it’s time for bed.” He extended his hand and helped her to her feet.

“Doesn’t it seem strange to you? Sharing a bed with me?”

“I want you in my arms and in my bed every night.”

Julia was quiet for a moment as she picked up her messenger bag.

“Does that bother you?” He frowned.

“No. Maybe it should.”

“I’ve missed you this week.”

“I missed you too.”

“I sleep better when you’re in my arms.” He smiled at her warmly. “But it’s your choice where you sleep tonight.”

“I’d like to share your bed,” said Julia shyly. “If you’d let me.”

“I’d never deny you that.” He led her down the hallway to his bedroom.

She sat on the bed, and he picked up the framed photograph from on top of the dresser.

“You have a picture of me under your pillow. I thought I should return the favor.” Gabriel smirked as he handed her the photograph.

Julia racked her brain to try to remember when he could have found the old photo she had of him.

“How did you get this?”

“I should be asking you where you obtained a picture of me from my days on Princeton’s rowing team.” Gabriel untucked and unbuttoned his dress shirt, exposing the tight t-shirt that clung to his chest.

Julia grew embarrassed and looked away, silently ruing the day men decided to wear undershirts. Watching him undress was even sexier than watching him in a purple towel that was far too small.

“Um, Rachel had it on her bulletin board. And the first time I saw it, I took it.”

He leaned down to lift her face up so that he could examine her expression. “You took it? You mean, you stole it.”