“Andi,” his voice wavered. “What are you doing?”
I shrugged. “Grabbing my list.”
I was semi-pissed that his expression was relieved. So, to keep him on his toes, I grabbed his head and jerked it down so our mouths touched.
He didn’t kiss me back for a few seconds.
And then somehow I ended up on the counter, my legs wrapped around his body as he tugged my lower lip between his teeth and smashed his mouth against mine in an almost painful kiss.
I dug my fingers into his hair as he lifted me off the counter and slammed me against the wall, our mouths still fused together.
His kisses didn’t give — they took, they stole little parts of me I didn’t even know I was keeping close until they were gone. I couldn’t control my breathing as his tongue tasted mine. Sergio wasn’t about asking permission for anything, just like I highly doubted he’d apologize after this kiss once he came to his senses.
His hands moved to my jeans.
I thought he’d stop.
Instead, he started pulling them off my body. At eight in the morning. In the middle of the kitchen — against a wall.
By the weird cow magnet that said Wyoming.
I moaned as he retreated, only to come at the kiss from a different angle. His lips were soft; they didn’t coax. It was like his mouth was making love to me. I’d never been kissed the way he was kissing me.
“Ahem.” Someone’s throat cleared.
Sergio jerked back but kept me pinned against the wall. Slowly we both turned our heads to see Nixon standing in the doorway. His grin was huge.
“I almost forgot. Trace wanted me to drop off your wedding present, but I’m pretty sure you’re on your way to opening a different one, cousin… so I’ll just leave you to it.” He placed a large box on the counter and laughed as he walked out of the room.
I expected Sergio to drop me on my ass.
Instead, he eyed the present, his grip tightening on my body.
Swallowing, I waited for his logic to kick in. It had to, right? I mean, he despised me.
But nothing kicked in.
Instead, Sergio kissed me again.
And again.
And again.
I was lost in his kiss, lost in the sensation of his mouth pressed against mine; the way he tasted could easily become my favorite addiction.
I didn’t have to like the guy to appreciate the fact that his kiss was sinful, his hands weapons in their own right.
“This means nothing,” he whispered against my mouth. “Don’t fall in love with me just because I’m good in bed, Andi.”
I laughed against his mouth. “Yeah, I’ll be the judge of that, Italy.”
He kissed me savagely. His lips quirked into a playful smile. “Oh really?”
Who was this guy? Was that all I needed to do? Seduce him and suddenly he was going to play nice?
His fingers dug into my skin.
Or rough.
I let out a little yelp as he trailed hot open-mouthed kisses down the side of my neck.
“I won’t,” I finally answered.
“Won’t what?” he said in between kisses.
“Fall in love with you.”
“Mm-kay.” He dragged his lips across my collarbone, his teeth nipping my skin.
“But maybe you shouldn’t keep kissing me like that if you want me to keep my promise.”
A dark chuckle was his only response.
I liked this side of him.
But a part of me felt… a bit used.
Almost like I wanted to be able to have a normal conversation with the guy before he saw me naked.
Then again, he’d already seen the goods, but…
I froze.
And in return — so did he.
Meaning, I had officially killed the moment.
Slowly, he released me, my body sliding down his until my feet touched the floor. His lips were a bit swollen, his blue eyes piercing. “Second thoughts?”
“No,” I lied.
His grin was almost mean as he leaned forward, pressing his hands against the wall on either side of my head. “Liar.”
I met his gaze, licking my lips, tasting him everywhere. “I just… I didn’t want you to drop me, and I panicked.”
His eyebrows shot up. “Is that right?”
I nodded.
“Hmm…” He backed up. “…next time you offer your body, make sure you can follow through on it.”
“I can!” I argued. “I mean I want to.” I reached for his face, but he moved out of the way.
“No, you’re right.” He continued to back away from me. “It’s best this way. Getting physically involved with you will only make it harder.”
“Make what harder?”
“Shooting you later when the pain gets too intense… when the days get too dark.”
Stunned, I could only stare at him.
“What?” He shrugged. “I figure that’s also part of my job… as your husband. I may not kill you, but I’ll happily pull the trigger once you’re begging for it. Wouldn’t be the first time.”
And just like that, I wanted to hate him all over again. “You’re a real piece of work, you know that?”
“Oh, I know.” He chuckled. “I know.”
He left the room.
A door slammed.
And I didn’t see him the rest of the day.
So much for a honeymoon.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Sergio
I HOLED UP IN MY OFFICE like I was guilty of something.