Page 72 of Tempest’s Torment

She smiles. "I've been trying."

"So have I."

"I keep thinking about earlier," she says after a few moments.

"The kiss?"

She nods and I lift my hand slowly, giving her every chance to step back; instead, she leans into the touch before my fingers even reach her face. My thumb brushes her cheek. "I've wanted to do that again all night," I admit.

A smile flickers across her face. "Then why didn't you?"

"The timing wasn't exactly ideal."

A quiet laugh escapes her. "No."

"It still isn't."

"No."

"But I'm done waiting for perfect."

She looks at me for a long moment. "So am I."

I close the distance between us, slamming my lips down on hers, as much as I want to devour her, I don’t, it’s soft and fuck, she tastes so fucking good.

My hand settles against her jaw while hers curls around the front of my T-shirt. She parts her lips beneath mine, and I deepen the kiss without thinking, deep enough that it steals the breath from both of us. When we finally break apart, neither of us moves very far.

Her forehead rests against mine. "I meant what I said earlier," I murmur.

She looks up at me.

"You're safe with me."

Something softens in her eyes. "I know." I believe her.

She slips her hand into mine and gives it a small squeeze before turning back toward the sofa and I follow her. She curls into the corner, and I take the other end. Then, without a word, she shifts closer, drawing her feet beneath her, her shoulder brushing mine. She hesitates for the briefest second before resting her head against my shoulder.

I don't move, not wanting to disturb her. Within minutes, her breathing slows and evens out. I look down and see that she's asleep, so I turn back and watch the street.

Tonight, that's enough for both of us.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

tempest

The sun is rising through the tops of the buildings. I glance down at my cell and see that it’s almost seven AM; it wouldn’t be the first time that I’ve been awake all night to see the sun rise, but it is the first time to have a beautiful woman sleep soundless on me for the entire night.

I glance down at Lilah. She’s still fast asleep, completely still, there’s no crease between her brows or tension around her mouth; she looks utterly at peace. I don’t want to wake her up, but I need to move. I ease away a little at a time; she shifts, her hand brushing the cushion before settling again.

I reach for the blanket and pull it up over her completely. Once I know that she’s still sleeping soundly, I head toward the kitchen and start the coffee, then use the time to run checks on the apartment: the front door, the windows, the fire escape, and lastly, the camera. Nothing, no movement at all.

I return to the window and look down. It’s my favorite time of day; the city is waking up.

My phone buzzes on the counter, pulling me from my perusal of the street below. I move toward it and see that it’s a message from Rogue.

Rogue: Need you at Petals. Don't bring Lilah.

I stare at Rogue's message trying to get my heart rate to settle down. Once I manage it, I dial his number.