Page 204 of Power Play

“I’ve been waiting four fucking years to hear you say it. I’m allowed to enjoy the moment.”

I stared up at him, my heart swelling against my ribs. “We don’t need a dramatic Facebook announcement.”

His mouth curved. “I’m adapting to your generation.”

“You’re twenty-five.”

“Ancient.”

“You’re ridiculous.”

He kissed the corner of my mouth. “No Facebook status required, princesa, but nobody gets to call this hanging out again.”

I winced because he had every right to make me feel that one. “Nobody will.”

His eyes searched mine, and I knew he heard the promise beneath the words. He had trusted me with the parts of him he kept hidden, and I would face my parents before I let anyone reduce him to something shameful.

“And just so we’re clear,” he continued, “you’re still very fucking taken.”

“That part was already established.”

“I enjoy reminding you.”

“And you?”

His expression shifted into that cocky Ryan look I knew too well. “Baby, I’ve been fucking taken. You’re the one who needed three business days and a Spanish lesson to catch up.”

I shoved his shoulder. Ryan laughed and caught my wrist before I could do it again, pinning my hand gently beside my head as his mouth returned to mine.

“You’re obnoxious.”

“You like me.”

“That remains debatable.”

“You drove four hours to Chicago.”

“I was temporarily confused.”

“You learned Spanish.”

“For educational purposes.”

“You sat on my stairs for an hour.”

“I enjoy concrete.”

His laugh broke against my lips. “Liar.”

I kissed him before he could say anything else. Ryan released my wrist and slid his hand slowly along my side beneath the sheet. His teasing expression gave way to something warmer as he looked down at me, and then he lowered his mouth beside my ear.

“Quiero estar dentro de ti una vez más, mi hada.”

Every nerve in my body woke beneath his hand.

I turned my face toward his. “Translate.”

His mouth curved against my cheek. “I want to be inside you one more time, my fairy.”