“Well, you might want to show a more positive attitude for starters, instead of being so pessimistic. That alone would do wonders.”
He gave her an elegant nod. “Fair point.”
“In my parents’ estate where I grew up, we had a cow who was frightened of thunder. Every time there was a storm, she would kick and hit her head against the wall. The poor thing hurt herself. So I stayed with her every time it thundered, holding her with a rope quite firmly. It took a while, but she overcame her fear of thunder and had never hurt herself since.”
“Fascinating story, but?—”
“No but.” She’d had enough of his ‘but’s. “You must be hopeful. That’s the first step. I won’t let you destroy yourself because I care about you.”
Finally, that tear spilt and rushed down his cheek as if in a hurry.
She cupped his cheek. “I care about you, Tristan.”
Was it so important for him to hear that?
“Promise me you’ll do everything to stop this madness.” She brushed his cheek with her thumb. “Promise me.”
Another tear slid down. “I feel no motivation to do so. There isn’t anything in my life that excites me or makes me happy. Aside from you.”
“That’s a start, and I’m here for you. We’ll find something that replaces hurting yourself, something safer. And you sound very ungrateful. Rowan loves you. Harris cares about you. I careabout you. And frankly, I’m disappointed you don’t find me exciting enough to make you stop.”
He flashed his sad smile. “Another fair point.”
“Good. What do I have to do to convince you? Shall I kiss you?” She meant it as a joke, but why not?
The change of his mood was immediate. His eyes brightened with attention, and blood returned to his cheeks. Even his lips became an intense pink, catching her eye.
Heat stirred inside her as his gaze dipped to her lips.
“Do you mean it?” he asked in a low voice.
“Yes. If a kiss will convince you to try, I’ll kiss you.”
“Another negotiation.” He pressed his cheek against her palm.
“Negotiations seem to interest you.”
“You interest me more.” His eyes locked on hers, and she couldn’t gaze away.
She inched closer, smelling his cologne mingled with the disinfectant the doctor must have used. He slid his long fingers to her nape with infinite tenderness, sinking them in her curls. A flare of heat made her dizzy as their lips became a feather apart.
“You must promise me,” she whispered against his lips.
“Anything you want.” He brushed his lips against hers in a gentle stroke that fuelled the heat inside her like a breeze on a fire.
She shivered at the contact. He repeated the gesture, light and gentle, until she moaned. When he pressed his mouth against hers firmly, sensation exploded below and spread through her body. With his hand on her nape, he guided her closer, and that was the only warning she had before his velvety tongue demanded entrance.
She yielded immediately and trembled again when he explored her mouth with slow lashes of his tongue. Her toes curled, and a fierce hunger reared its head within her. He kissedher faster but was always careful to make her feel everything, every detail of the kiss.
The heat of his expert tongue made her inner muscles clench with anticipation. He kissed her thoroughly and desperately, his chest brushing hers.
He trailed his fingers down her neck to her breasts until he found her nipple. A breath rushed out of her when he teased her nipple with his thumb. Liquid heat pooled between her legs. Sweet sensations took control of her body, prevailing over reason, and she surrendered willingly.
If he weren’t injured and tired, she would beg him to take her.
He broke the kiss slowly, scattering little kisses on her lips and chin and stroking her nipple. His breathing came out ragged, just like hers.
For a long moment, they didn’t speak, but their hearts were having a conversation made of fast pulses and loud thumps. He touched his forehead to hers, his nose brushing hers.
