Page 72 of Red King
“No sleepovers.”
“That’s a given; we’re fucking.”
“Okay, okay.” I put my hands up. “I’ve never done anything like this before.”
“No romantic bullshit. We leave all that at the door.”
“Agreed.” I nod. “What about kissing? Isn’t kissing intimate?”
He shrugs. “I like kissing. I plan on kissing you all over, Paisley.”
It is hot in here. I want to fan myself but refrain.
“I can kiss and keep my emotions out of it. Can you?” He lifts a brow.
Since I want to be kissed all over, I nod. “Sure. No problem. I was worried about you since I’m such a great kisser. Guys get hooked easily,” I tease.
He laughs, stepping forward and taking my face in his hands, turning serious in an instant. He leans in, his eyes never leaving mine as he presses his lips against mine. The kiss is slow and possessive, a claim on me that I can’t help but respond to. I melt into him, feeling his body press against mine. I moan.
As he pulls away, he whispers, “What else?” swiping his thumb over my lower lip ever so softly. It tingles.
“I can’t think when you’re touching me.”
He smiles, letting me go. “And now?” He frowns, catching my expression. “What is it?”
I’m nervous.
“Ummm…there’s something I need to mention before we continue.” I bite my lip. “And you’re not going to like it.” I have to come clean before we do this. I think there might be a part of me that wants him to push me away.
“Why don’t I like the sound of this?” He pulls in a big breath.
I sigh. Here goes nothing. “I told my friend Maggie about your proposal. She knows what happened in the closet.” I see his eyes narrow and darken as I talk. “She’s my friend, and I trust her,” I quickly add.
“You hardly know her.” He squeezes the back of his neck and paces away. “You’ve increased our risk exponentially.” He turns back to face me.
“Tough shit!” I tell him, folding my arms. “I needed to confide in someone. For the record, she talked me into doing this. I haven’t known her long, but I know she’s good people. You’re just going to have to trust me.” I shrug. “I didn’t have to tell you, but I did.”
“I also told someone.”
“So we’re even, then.”
“Hardly. I had to tell my head of security. There was no way around it since I need a full security detail whenever I leave the castle. But my head of security also happens to be my best friend. I trust him with my life.”
“Steel.” I lift my brows.
“Yep.” He nods.
“I think he had us taped when he found us in the closet looking guilty as sin.”
Arctic smiles. “You’re probably right about that. Can’t get much past him. Anything else you need to add?” he asks.
I shake my head. My breathing hitches as he walks toward me…more like stalks toward me.
He takes my face in both his hands. “If that’s the case, then I think we need to stop talking now.”
I swallow thickly. “That’s probably a good idea.”
He takes my hand in his and leads me to the bedroom.
