Page 60 of Spock’s Snare

One word.

That’s all it takes.

Triumph surges through me so fast and fierce, I feel like I’ve won the biggest prize of my life. Not because I’m getting her into my bed, but because she’s choosing to trust me.

I take her hand and lace our fingers together.

“You sure?” I ask, because I need her to know she can still change her mind.

Her smile is small but certain. “I’m sure.”

I lead her through the clubhouse, ignoring the curious glances from the brothers still gathered in the common room. Chloe stays close beside me as we climb the stairs.

When we reach my door, I unlock it and look at her one more time.

She squeezes my hand.

I open the door and lead her inside, closing it behind us. Then I watch Chloe take in my room.

Her gaze moves slowly over the neatly made bed, the dark wood furniture, and the framed Star Trek posters hanging on the wall beside a bookcase filled with novels, technical manuals, and memorabilia. Her lips twitch when she notices the model of the Enterprise sitting on the top shelf, but she doesn’t tease me about it.

Not yet, anyway.

She steps farther into the room, her heels sinking into the thick gray carpet. Her hands slide over the sides of her dress before clasping together in front of her. The nervous gesture doesn’t escape me.

So, I stay where I am.

Every instinct in my body is screaming at me to cross the room, grab her, and strip that dress from her body. I’ve been imagining what she has on beneath it since she walked out of her bedroom tonight. Hell, I’ve been imagining what she looks like naked since long before tonight.

But wanting Chloe isn’t enough.

I need her to trust me.

A woman like Chloe has spent years taking care of herself and everyone around her. She built a company in an industry filled with men who probably questioned her abilities before she ever opened her mouth. She’s dealt with sabotage, threats, and a foreman who thinks he can bully her into submission.

She doesn’t need another man trying to wrench control away from her.

She needs to know that if she gives me control, I’ll take care of her. That I’ll pay attention. That what she wants matters more than how badly my cock is straining against my jeans.

So I give her time, and I give her space.

When she slowly turns around and our eyes meet, I watch with satisfaction as the uncertainty fades away. She glances down my body before lifting her gaze again. Heat replaces the nervousness, and my restraint begins to fray. But I still force myself to wait. This has to be her choice.

I open my arms.

Chloe releases a soft breath, then walks toward me. The second she steps into my embrace, my control snaps. I wrap one arm around her waist and lift my other hand to the back of her neck. Leaning down, I capture her mouth and devour the little gasp that escapes her.

She tastes like everything I’ve ever wanted.

Her hands grip my kutte as she opens for me. I deepen the kiss, sweeping my tongue against hers while drawing her closer. Her soft curves mold against the hard planes of my body, and a low growl rumbles from my chest. I let my hands roam over her.

I trace the curve of her spine, slide my palm down to her hip, then follow the flare of her body until my fingers settle against the smooth fabric covering her ass. I pull her firmly against me, making sure she feels exactly what she’s doing to me.

Chloe moans into my mouth.

The sound nearly brings me to my knees.

She releases my kutte and slides her hands over my chest before circling my neck. Her fingers push into my hair, holding me to her as she kisses me with the same hunger burning through my veins.