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Less than a minute later he returns. With an arm around my waist, he drags me to the center of the bed so my legs aren’t dangling over the edge. I snuggle against his chest, one arm draped across his abdomen. We’re both panting, and I don’t know about him, but I can’t seem to stop smiling.
The two-year drought has ended.
“What are you thinking about right now?” he asks, his lips resting against the top of my head.
That my legs are on fire and I hurt in places I’ve never hurt and it feels so damn good. I’m also thinking that whatever this is between us, it’s stronger than I gave it credit for.
“I’m thinking you tried to kill me, Mr. Ambrosi.” Propping myself up, I look at him and smile. “And I’m thinking death by orgasm might be the best way to go.”
His gorgeous eyes warm, and I find myself drowning in their chocolaty depths. No one has ever looked at me this way, and it makes me want to run away and pull him in close all at the same time. It’s an overwhelming feeling: wanting someone, but knowing you shouldn’t.
“What?” I whisper.
“Nothing.” He shakes his head. “It’s just…nothing.”
My throat clogs with emotion because I know what he’s thinking, what he’s feeling. I feel it too. Whatever we just did, it sure as hell wasn’t a quick fuck. As much as I want to believe I can walk away and never look back, I’m not so sure I can.
“Rex?”
“Hmm?” He runs his fingers up my bare back, circling my shoulder blade before traveling back down.
“You have to stop looking at me like that,” I whisper.
“Like what?”
“Like I’m some sort of princess. Like I’m special.”
He sits up abruptly, pulling me onto his lap. I wrap my legs around his waist because there isn’t anywhere else for them to go.
“I’m not special,” I whisper, remembering where I come from—who I come from. I’m the opposite, the girl your mother would never want you to bring home. The girl who lost one family only to have another walk away from her. The girl who can’t hold onto something good if her life depends on it.
Rex blinks rapidly before pinning me with a clear, determined gaze. Cupping my cheeks in his hands, he rests his forehead against mine.
“You are mesmerizing, Shae, and I can’t promise I won’t look at you like that again. But make no mistake about it, I’m not looking for a princess, because I’m sure as hell not a prince.”
My heart expands, pushing painfully against my ribs, and even though I know I shouldn’t say the words, I push them out anyway. “What are you looking for?”
“Right now, or in the long run?”
“Right now.”
“Right now, I’m looking for a sexy brunette with warm blue eyes that hold more secrets than my own. She’s innocent, but I can tell she’s seen more in her life than most people. It’s written across her face; it’s ingrained in every move she makes. She doesn’t trust easily, but for some crazy reason, she let me in. She makes me want to be more—do more. Oh, and she makes me smile. Her name is Shae. You might’ve met her.”
I run my fingers across his chest, fighting back a smile. “I have met her. She’s little snarky, if you ask me. Too closed off. You could probably find someone much more accommodating.” Pushing my hands up his chest, I cradle his neck and lower my voice. “For the record, you don’t need to be more. I’m pretty sure she likes you just the way you are.”
Without breaking eye contact, Rex leans in and brushes his lips against mine. I tilt my head, and he takes the invitation. His tongue slides deep, tangling with mine.
Exploring.
Tasting.
His hands are everywhere, but mine stay locked around his neck. Warm fingers glide down my arms and over my waist before traveling up my back. One hand pressed to the center of my back, the other at the base of my neck, he holds me tight. Our bodies, slick with sweat, press together. My heart beats rapidly, and there isn’t a doubt in my mind that he can feel it against his.
Despite all the voices in my head telling me why we aren’t a good idea, I allow myself to get lost in him—in us.
Rex pulls back all too soon. His lips move across my cheek and down the side of my neck. My head drops back as he licks his way down my chest.
“Rex.” I whisper his name, needing him to pull away because I know I can’t. If we continue whatever this is, if I open myself up to him, he will get hurt. It’s inevitable. But JJ was right. I’m not strong enough to walk away because Rex makes me yearn for things I thought were unattainable. He makes me believe I can settle here in Chicago and start a life, though I know that’s not safe.
