Page 96 of Wade’s Wrath

Wade leaned against the closed door. “You sure?” Harlow smiled at that question. He always asked that question—even when his eyes were dark with need. Even when his hands were clenched at his sides, like keeping them off her required actual effort.

“Yes, I’m sure,” she said.

“You could stay with Princess longer,” he offered.

“I know,” she breathed.

“You don't have to move back just because we're together,” he said.

“I know,” she said. “Wade.”

“What?” he asked.

“Shut up,” she whispered. Harlow crossed the room, and his eyebrows rose.

“That's how we're starting this?” he asked.

“Yes.” She grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled his mouth down to hers. Wade lasted about half a second before his control snapped. His arms wrapped around her, dragging her against the solid length of his body. Harlow gasped into his mouth. There was no careful distance, no polite Wade, and no pretending he didn't want her. His kiss was hungry and demanding. It was everything she'd spent three weeks missing.

Harlow threaded her fingers into his hair and kissed him back just as hard.

Wade made a rough sound deep in his chest. “Fuck, I missed you.”

“Then show me,” she challenged.

His hands tightened at her waist. “Harlow.”

“What?” she breathed.

“You've got about two seconds to stop saying shit like that,” he warned.

She smiled against his mouth. “Or what?” she asked.

“Woman,” he growled, grabbing her ass with both hands.

“That's not an answer.” Wade kissed her again, and Harlow's back met the door. The impact wasn't hard, but the sudden press of Wade's body against her stole her breath. His hands settled on her hips—warm and strong. They were possessive without trapping her. His mouth moved from her lips to her jaw, and then lower. The scrape of his beard against the sensitive skin of her neck sent a shiver through her.

“Wade.”

His mouth stilled. “Good?”

She swallowed. “Very.”

“You sure?” he asked.

Harlow caught his face between her hands and pulled him back to her mouth. “Does that answer you?”

“Getting there,” he breathed. She laughed as his mouth returned to her neck. He took his time, almost as if he was teasing her. Harlow tipped her head, giving him more room, and Wade took advantage. His beard scratched her skin while his lips followed the curve beneath her ear.

She gripped his shoulders. “God.”

“Been thinking about this for three weeks,” he admitted.

“This specifically?” she asked.

“This.” Another kiss against her neck. “This.” His hand slid along her waist. “And a whole lot of shit I'm trying really hard not to say right now.”

Harlow laughed breathlessly. “Your restraint is touching.”