Page 138 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

But I don’t want gentle.

I drop my hands and find his tunic. I claw at his neckline, driven by need, as if I am strong enough to rip the fabric.

He chuckles. “Slow down, Sunshine.”

“No,” I growl.

I continue to pull at his tunic.

One of his hands rises and holds the base of my neck, yanking me forward and capturing my mouth in a toe-curling kiss.

My muscles relax, and I sink into the sensation. Into him.

I don’t realize we’re moving toward the bed until Rian pitches forward.

My back hits the mattress.

He hovers above me, resting on his elbows. His arousal presses against my leg, sending a wave of heat through my core.

I lean up to kiss him.

He pulls back.

My head bounces against the mattress, and I trace his pink-stained lips with my eyes. “What’s wrong?”

His gaze drops to my forearms.

To the dark marks beneath my skin.

His jaw tightens.

He brushes a strand of hair from my forehead. “Nothing.”

“Then kiss me again,” I whisper.

“That’s…not a good idea.” Desire still burns in Rian’s eyes, but it’s no longer in control.

To punctuate his words, he slides back and stands at the foot of the bed.

What…? What?

I sit up, lips swollen, heart racing. “What’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong?” He parrots, barking a sharp laugh.

He runs a hand through his thick hair.

My fingers itch to do the same.

I grip the blanket on either side of me. “Rian? Talk to me.”

He stares at something in the corner of the room.

I don’t look to see what it is.

He’s got all my focus. Like always.

I’m acutely aware of him every time he steps into the room. Every time he looks at me.