Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 104127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 521(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 347(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 521(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 347(@300wpm)
Instead, I breathe in a ragged breath, forcing my need down and allowing her to lead.
Her teeth graze my skin, making my Adam’s apple bob as my chest heaves with my restraint.
I clench my fists at my side. I’m fighting the urge to just take her in my arms and kiss her.
It feels so fucking good, too good, but I can’t touch her.
I’m like a moth drawn to the flame. I can feel the heat on my skin and can’t help but inch closer. It’s like a drug, and I can’t resist it. I’m fighting against myself, but I know I can’t lose this battle.
Inhaling deeply, I breathe through the moment, letting her hands roam. Allowing her access to my body, but really, I’m giving her more…
I’m giving her my fucking soul.
40
SASHA
Slowly, I pry open my eyes. It feels like a heavy blanket of fog is draped over my face. Reaching my hand out, I scrub at the remaining sleep lingering inside me.
What time is it?
The early morning sun creeps through the curtains, sending out warm ribbons of light that dance across my face. Something that has become one of my favorite things about this room.
After Gideon, of course.
I close my eyes again, not ready for the new day. Reminiscing about the night before is what I’d prefer to do. The memory playing out behind my lids fills me with a warm, tingly feeling.
Gideon shocked me.
When I made the suggestion, I never thought he’d go for it.
I was half joking, prepared, and willing to do anything for him at that moment. When he agreed, the wind was knocked out of my lungs.
I’m not stupid.
I know it was hard for him. I also know that it meant more than sex. Gideon gave me a gift last night, and I will never forget it.
But now, in the early light of the day, I’m not sure what that means for us.
Are things different now?
Do I want them to be?
He placed his trust in me. I’m falling for him, and even if I didn’t want to, I can’t stop it. It’s a foregone conclusion.
This man has pushed his way into my heart, and I’m not even mad about it.
He’s so much more than I could’ve ever imagined.
Although he comes across as ruthless, and he is, there’s a softness inside when he looks at me and touches me.
I know in my heart that I’m not alone in my feelings.
Gideon Byrne is falling for me too.
But is that enough to turn my back on what he does for a living?
Yes. And what that means for the future, I’m not sure.
A part of me wants to come out and ask him, but I also don’t want to rock the boat, just in case his feelings aren’t enough to warrant an actual future. I’m not sure I could take the rejection.
I’m still going to have to stay here, so it would be smarter to just keep things as is and not read too much into anything.
Turning to face him, I find that his side of the bed is already empty.
For a second, my stomach drops, but then I hear the shower running, and I know he must be getting ready for the day.
Gideon’s bed is so warm and cozy that I never want to get up, but I know I have to leave this bubble.
The sound of his footsteps on the floor has me turning in the direction of the bathroom door.
Gideon is standing in the center of the room in a towel. He prowls toward me, and my center pulsates with desire.
My skin tingles as he approaches. The need to be touched by him is all-consuming.
I’m parched for him.
An unquenchable yet ever-present thirst lingers inside me.
Desperate and yearning.
This can’t be normal to feel like this.
It’s just lust.
No.
Even I don’t believe that.
“Morning,” he drawls out, crossing the space and leaning forward.
Gideon’s alluring aroma draws me in. He smells of fresh citrus. Like an orange grove, but he also reminds me of the lingering smell of burning wood during a campfire.
It’s delicious.
I meet him halfway, tipping my head up so our lips meet. Reaching my arms out to run my hand through his damp hair.
He groans into my mouth, deepening the kiss.
His tongue swipes against mine, and I’m lost and never want to be found.
But unfortunately, like most things in life, all good things must come to an end, and as Gideon slowly breaks our kiss, pulling back until his nose nuzzles mine, I deflate.
Opening my eyes, I find he’s peering down at me.
I know this private bubble we created for ourselves last night has burst, and the real world needs to be let back in.
“Firefly.”
“Mmm,” I groan, not wanting him to leave me and wanting to hear what he’s about to say even less.
“You have to let me go,” he teases, and that’s when I realize my arms are still wrapped around his neck, fingers still gripping his hair.