The Playboy's Gamble

ed instantly, and in two quiet steps, he closed the distance between us. My breath hitched as he re

my voice. My fingers curled into his shirt, pulling him closer until his face was just inches from mine. The anticipation s

as so soft it almost undid me. It was careful, gentle, full of the love I knew he had for me, but it wasn't

n everythi

e. My heart raced as the kiss deepened, his mouth exploring mine with a slow, deliberate urgency that sent warmth flo

p firm yet careful as he pulled me to my feet and against him. The feel of his body pressed to mine sent my mind spinning

mine, his breath ragged, his voice low and unsteady. "I love y

his voice. "I love you too," I whispe

ing down my jaw, and my neck, leaving fire in their wake. My fingers tangled in his hair, holding him close as h

around us disappeared, forgotten, as we lost ourselves in each other. He hovered over me, his eyes

recious like I was the only thing in the world that mattered to him. And when we finally came together, it felt like a brea

ound. My body arched to meet his, my hands exploring the contours of his back, me

that burned my eyes-not because I was sad, but because

he'd never let go. His lips pressed soft kisses to my temple, my fore

oice low and gentle as his fingers

still racing but full in a way I coul

w, unhurried-before resting his forehead against mine. "I don't kn

rs along his jaw as I whispered

he world outside felt miles away. This was our momen

ht, Beatrice called her v

he asked, not even both

vaguely, not ready to

learly not satisfied. "

o spill," I lied,

practically see her rolling h

id, hanging up before

ouldn't shake the feeling that I was walking

also impossible to resist. But I loved him