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Rising onto her tiptoes, she wrapped her arms around his neck. As if he intuitively knew what she needed, he placed a palm on her lower back and brought her in even closer.
Now, their bodies separated by only their clothing, she had no doubt how much he desired her.
The realization sent desire careening through her.
Reading her perfectly, he deepened his possession, their tongues meeting in a thrust and parry. Nothing existed except his masculine demand and her womanly acquiescence.
Never, ever had she been kissed with this kind of ferocity. It thrilled her, awakening a rush of longing.
If he didn’t end this soon, she would beg him to take her. And that would be a catastrophic mistake.
She relaxed her grip on him and placed her hands on his shoulders, trying to pull herself back a little. While she still could.
Slowly, as if reluctantly, he lifted his head before uncurling his fist to release the grip he held on her hair. His gentle pull had left her scalp tingling.
Neither of them moved, and their gazes locked.
His expression was as intent as it was predatory, triggering her fight-or-flight instinct.
Instead of doing anything, she remained in place, hypnotized by the power he held over her.
Her lips were swollen, and because the corset was so tight, she struggled to catch her breath. “I… Need to be going.”
“Did you drive? Or catch a ride into town?”
“I have the company van.” That was old and cantankerous.
“Did you check it with the valet?”
She shook her head. “They weren’t open when we got here, so it’s in a parking lot.”
“I’ll give you a ride to your vehicle.”
Her protest came from a place of self-preservation. “That’s not necessary. I can—”
“Are you always so stubborn?”
She clamped her mouth shut. If she argued, she’d prove his point. His Cheshire Cat-like smile showed he knew the same thing.
“If you think I’m letting you walk through the French Quarter at this time of the night in those heels and dressed as you are, you can think again, Abigail.”
The command in his voice left her no room to argue.
Nor did she really want to. His offer was a blessing. The last thing she wanted to do was walk half a mile in her boots.
“I’m ready anytime you are.”
Grateful to escape him, if only for a moment, she dragged the ladder back inside the booth, then gathered her belongings. She decided she could grab her hat tomorrow.
“You don’t need anything else?”
“Raven and I are meeting in the morning to load it all up.”
He nodded. After they ducked to exit the booth, he finished lowering the zipper. Then he pulled out his cell phone—the newest Bonds phone, if the shiny metallic surface and slick logo were anything to go by.
After typing in a few things, he repocketed the device and addressed her. “Anything else you need to do before we leave?”
“No. I’m ready.”
