Page 65

I'm not crying until Evan presses his cheek against mine and kisses my salty skin. “You were the victim. I promise.”

I bury my head in my hands, because he sounds so sure. It makes me want to cry. I wanted to be a good person. I wanted to do things right.

He's rubbing my shoulder now, stroking my back. His fingers are a benediction, cleansing me. Soothing me. I can feel him breathing behind me. His chest is so much bigger than mine. So much harder. All of a sudden, I have an absurd desire to turn around and kiss his throat.

I arch my back against his soothing strokes and it's like he heard my thoughts. He turns me around to face him, and suddenly I can smell him: a potent blend of heat and skin and male. I don't dare kiss him, but I can't stop myself from nuzzling his throat. God, the way he feels. Those blue eyes. I'm looking up at him and I can see them glowing in the darkness. I can see his mouth. I want to kiss those perfect lips, to tell him how much he means to me. How much this means.

The thought is like a directive. I arch my back, wriggling closer to him, so my breasts are pressed against his chest, and I see his eyes widen. Then my lips touch down on his, and Evan jerks.

I’m worried he will pull away, but then he groans—and that’s a sound I remember. My head spins wildly as his mouth responds to mine. God, he’s hungry. I wrap my arm around his back and hip, trying to squeeze him to me as our mouths dance. I slide my tongue inside his mouth and tug him closer and he throws his head back, shuddering as he breaks contact.

“Careful, baby.”

I run my hand over his neck, tickling his hairline with my fingers, but I can’t be careful. I can’t do anything but pull him closer to me. The way he’s breathing—fast and hard—lets me know he doesn’t mind. I find his mouth again and this time, he is rougher. Hungry.

“God you taste so sweet.”

I am gasping. “You do.”

I’m lost in the sweetness of him. Unexpected. I never thought a man could be like this. So gentle and rough and soft and hard at once. I want him so much—and Evan wants me, too.

He eases me back against the pillows and he climbs on top of me. I can feel the weight of his body between my legs. I grab his butt and press him into me. I can feel his hardness where I want it most. The world spins.

“Merri. Merri.” He groans again and starts to sit up. I grab his biceps, pulling him back down.

25

Cross

“DAMNIT, MERRI.” THIS, as I sink down on her small, soft body. My right hand tunnels into her hair, caressing her forehead. I press my mouth to hers and Merri tastes delicious. Like a peach. Her lips are warm and velvet soft. Mine glide against them, and as she works her way into my veins, I feel my body trembling. Her hands are wrapped around my biceps. Her hair is everywhere. Her eyes are shining in the dark.

I kiss her once more, then pull away. I need to go. Now.

She takes my face between her soft palms. “Don't, Evan.”

“I can't stay.”

But her mouth won’t let me go. She kisses my throat, and I press myself against the heat between her legs and it feels incredible.

She's got her arm around my back, keeping me locked in place, and it's all that I can do to keep my fingers from trailing in between those curvy legs and finding her damp heat.

She glides her hands down my sides and I moan her name. Oh, fuck. How long has it been? I can barely get my fucking breath.

“Evan.” She tugs my hair, bringing my mouth down over hers, and I don't hold back this time. My tongue plunges inside her, tasting and teasing, and I squeeze her breast, stroking until her nipple hardens under my hungry palm.

She shudders, and I swear to God I see stars. I'm slipping beyond my stopping point when, with a ragged breath, I wrench my mouth off hers. It takes every ounce of willpower I have, but I pull myself away.

“Be careful what you ask for, angel.” It comes out almost a growl.

Her fingers skate over my mouth. “I needed that,” she gasps. “I'm sorry.”

“There’s nothing to be sorry for.” Unraveling her hair from around my hand, I back away from her, rising up on my knees and pressing my palm hard against my cock in a futile effort to calm myself down. “Be careful. You’re almost too much for me to resist.”

“What if I feel the same way?” Her voice is wobbly, like she hasn’t spoken in a long time.