A simple question he hadn’t anticipated. “I had my reasons.”
The flash of pain in his eyes was a dead giveaway that whatever the reason, he’d been forced to take such an extreme act. “I’m so sorry.”
Caught off guard, he didn’t move for an entire ten seconds. But as before, the mask of steel that had been his protection was once again slipped into place.
“No, Grace. I’m a terrible person and I’m sure whoever told you what happened also mentioned that you should stay away from me. And that I was dangerous.” He continued backing away, his eyes pinned on mine and completely unreadable.
“Two people did.” I didn’t share with him that I didn’t listen to what anyone had to say. “But I know better in that you’re not a terrible person. You’re kind and loving. The way Sailor reacts to you, Ellie May. That tells me something. That tells me everything I need to know. Whatever happened, you had a life and death reason to take a life.”
Viper stopped moving, fisting his eyes. I knew the action. I’d done so a dozen times myself. Trying to shut out the world, the pain and the memories. “That isn’t enough, Grace. You should stay away from me. Your godfather is right.”
I’d be damned if he didn’t try to walk away from me again. How in the hell had the conversation gotten so turned around? I chased after him, jumping in front and smashing my palms against his chest. “You are not going anywhere until this conversation is finished. Since you know all about my godfather, then let me tell you something. He said no such thing. He told me to follow my instinct and that’s what I plan on doing. Damn it. If you weren’t so freaking hardheaded, you would have figured out you could trust me. And that I wouldn’t judge youbecause I’m not that kind of woman. But no, you just assumed I’d believe everybody else. That’s bullshit.”
Oh, the man was going to drive me insane. I couldn’t take it any longer, turning and heading toward the house.
There was no sound, no hard boots on the ground following me.
Just the dogs barking, whining that they weren’t getting enough attention. Well, hell. I felt exactly the same way.
In the next three seconds, my world was brought to a standstill when Viper swung me around, slipping one arm around my waist and the other fisting a handful of hair.
“Lady. Did anyone ever tell you that you could drive a man into sheer madness and that you talk entirely too damn much?”
He was close, his hot breath skipping across my face. I clung to him, twisting his shirt in my hands. “You just did.”
“Then you better listen.” As he crushed his lips across mine, I melted into his arms. The kiss was hard, urgent, and unforgiving.
This was undoubtedly a mistake, but in my mind, it was the best mistake I’d ever made.
CHAPTER 15
Grace
Damn the man.
Damn him for refusing to trust me enough.
Damn him for being so attractive, making me incapable of ignoring him like I’d insisted we do.
And damn him straight to hell for the kiss that literally took my breath away.
Everything else was momentarily forgotten as Viper claimed my mouth, his tongue sweeping inside. Light faded from every nook and cranny and even the sound of the dogs faded into little more than a distant hum.
That’s how powerful the man’s kiss was, so passionate he’d blindsided me with the fury and desire, the necessity that bordered on obsessive.
My toes were off the ground, his massive arms holding me in midair. I still had my fingers wrapped around his shirt, tuggingand pulling in a reflex. The taste of him was incredible, spice and peppermint, a combination that seemed to awaken every one of my senses.
Or maybe that was because Viper wasn’t going to take no for an answer.
I rolled one hand over his shoulder, tangling my fingers in his hair and I inhaled his scent. Whatever soap he’d showered with was manly, a hint of musk and citrus an incredible combination.
He swung me around, sliding his hand under my bottom. In reaction, I wrapped both legs around him as he dominated my mouth and tongue. Every sound was guttural, like we were beasts and nothing more. I couldn’t seem to get enough of him, even sucking on his tongue. He pulled away briefly, his eyes hooded as he stared down at me.
The way a slow and steady smile crossed his face was an indication of the naughty things he had in mind. Then he dragged his rough tongue along my jawline, taking his time while keeping a firm hold on me. I had a sense he wasn’t about to let me go even if I wanted him to.
Which I didn’t.
The hunger was raw, spiraling through every muscle while his presence left me in awe. I was shocked how much more powerful he seemed while his desire exploded at the same rate as mine. He yanked my head closer, holding our lips just together before brushing his lightly across mine.
