His other hand instantly slid to the back of her neck, fingers spreading possessively against her skin while he lowered his head toward her again.
“Eli—”
The words never fully left her mouth.
His lips crashed against hers again.
This kiss was rougher. More aggressive.
And then suddenly—
He bit down on her lower lip.
Amara winced sharply at the sting, a soft sound escaping her throat as pain shot through her mouth. The bite wasn’t enough to make her bleed like he had earlier, but it still hurt enough to leave her breathless.
Her eyes widened in shock as she looked up at him.
Elias stared down at her intensely, his breathing uneven now.
“Don’t piss me off,” he said in a low voice.
His thumb brushed against her swollen lower lip where he had bitten her.
“The only person who gets to know what you taste like is me.”
His eyes darkened further.
“Don’t even think about kissing another man.”
Amara’s jaw tightened instantly.
She shoved against him and tried to pull away, but Elias only tightened his hold around her waist while his grip on her hand refused to loosen.
“Let go of me!” she snapped angrily, struggling harder against him.
But Elias held on stubbornly.
Finally, frustrated beyond control, Amara yanked herself roughly out of his grip.
This time she managed to break free.
She immediately took several steps back, breathing hard while fixing her dress and pushing her hair back in irritation.
Then she looked up at him sharply, forcing herself to calm down.
“What is going on between you and Maverick?” she demanded suddenly.
The question made Elias’s expression shift slightly.
Amara crossed her arms tightly over her chest.
“What were you talking about earlier?” she asked. “And what did you mean when you told him not to come near me?”
Her eyes narrowed suspiciously.
“What’s wrong between you two?”
“It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.”
