Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 74103 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74103 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
“No, I shake my head while internally screaming, yes.
Each step he takes is measured with precision, stalking me like I’m his prey. Unconsciously, I take a few steps back, wanting to put some breathing room between us, but he eats up the distance with his long legs, and soon my back is pressed against the wall.
Peering up at him, I can see his pupils are dilated, his features are brutal, beautiful, and like a priceless piece of art, I want to stare at him. In a blink, he covers the remaining distance between us, pouncing on me.
His lips crash against mine like waves of water on a cliff’s edge. Dazed, I’m unsure of what to make of his lips on mine. His lips burn against mine as he kisses me with a fever that I’ve never experienced before. Burying one hand into my hair, he places the other on my hip, holding me in place as he possesses my mouth like a man starved of air, oxygen, and food.
This is not like our first kiss, the small innocent peck we had shared. There is nothing innocent about this. This is raw, angry, red hot passion.
It’s saying hello and goodbye at the same time. Feeling the burn of the sun and the glow of the moon. It’s giving someone your heart and expecting them to protect, shelter, and care for it as their own, and it’s something I’m not sure I’ll ever experience again in my life.
My own hands find the front of his shirt, my fingers curl into the fabric, and I cling to him like he’s my life raft. Cinnamon and cloves fill my nostrils. This man smells like Christmas morning, and I want to unwrap him like a present.
His lips part slightly, and he runs his tongue along my bottom lip, begging for entry. Parting my lips, I grant him access, and he takes full advantage, stroking my tongue with his as I moan into his mouth. He kisses me with experience, without worry or hesitation, a man with skill and finesse.
Pushing up onto my tippy toes, I lean into him, wanting to get closer, and I do. We’re so close now that there is nothing between us besides the thin layer of clothes, and even that seems too much. I’m burning up, feverish with need. I want to feel his skin on mine, feel him between my thighs, let him touch a part of me, so few have.
I think that’s what he wants too. Actually, I’m certain of it. That is right up until the moment he suddenly pulls away, leaving my skin cold and my lips swollen. My brows pinch together with confusion, and the softest whimper passes my lips.
“I bet your boyfriend doesn’t kiss you like that?” The words rush past his lips. The asshole isn’t even panting, unlike myself, who can’t catch her breath.
What the hell?
“What are you talking about? You know I don’t have a boyfriend.” Foolish. That’s what this was. Kissing him, wanting him closer. It was all a foolish act.
Irritation flashes in his eyes. “Yeah, you do, I saw you.” He looks down at the space between us, almost as if he’s ashamed. “Yesterday, I was worried about you since you rushed out of here without a word, and I know I shouldn’t have, but I followed you. I saw you with that guy back in your hometown. So don’t even try to deny it.”
“You followed me? Why would you do that?” I’m shocked and angry, but overall just not sure what to think right now. I don’t mean anything to him. I’m merely the gap between staying in football and being benched.
Taking a step back, he puts some space between us. “I don’t know... I don’t know why I did it, but I had to make sure you were okay. Turns out you have a boyfriend, so you were more than okay, I’m sure.” The jealousy oozes out of him like a volcano spewing ash.
I roll my eyes and contemplate letting him think I have a boyfriend for a while longer but decide against it at the last second.
“You’re an idiot, Cage. And an asshole.” I shake my head. “That was Ben, my brother.”
Cages mouth pops open, then closes, then pops open again.
“Your brother? You have a brother?”
“Yes, and if you took the time to actually get to know me, you would know that.”
“Oh…” He takes a step back, looking equal parts remorseful and embarrassed. “Shit, I’m sorry. I really wasn’t expecting that,” he huffs.
Placing my hands on my hips, I stare him down because now I have the perfect ammunition. “Now, you owe me since you know, you stalked me and accused me of having a boyfriend, which by the way, is none of your business.”
With a deadpan expression, he asks, “What do you want, Nerd?”