ense it was almost physical. But his face remained a mask

r chin up slightly, her lips parted, her body rigid with

lips. The invasion. The kiss tha

dn't

oss her lower lip, slowly, deliberately. The pad of his finger was warm, sligh

ress. A slow, melting heat that sp

eyes fl

n wide, but his expression was one of absolute control. There w

he soft curve of her lip. It would be taking. I want you to give. I wan

ow, rough rasp. "From a distance, this

king the contact. The air bet

en, a wave of shame and gratitude crashe

was going to take advantage of the situation, of her. But h

e appeared to be. A g

ross her face. She thinks I'm a saint. She has no idea I

d deep into his pocket, his fingers curling into a tight fist, his nails biting into his palm. The pain was a nec

voice thick with emotion. "Thank yo

Hoyt,"

was a command, deliver

blinked

but firm. "After what we've just been through, I th

felt like crossing a line. But after what he had just done-after

e said sof

e satisfaction through him. It was a small victory,

oor. "I think it worke

holding. She believed him completely. She had no i