past, but suddenly looked at him and asked, “What about you? Have you ever been in a serious relationship?”
He shook his head, embarrassed admit the truth. “I spend so much time surrounded by technology that I find it difficult to connect with people.” That was true, but it was only part of the problem. His past was complex and troubling. Eventually, he would need to tell her, but certainly not on their first night together.
Her brows arched and she relaxed enough to smile. “We’re connecting now. Do you find it hard to talk to me?”
“Not with Jaron in another village.” Her smile broadened, but she didn’t reply so he thought about the discovery. She was right. He was never tongue-tied with her, never felt awkward. Was it possible that this was no ordinary attraction? His parents and brother found their soulmates. Why not him?
Knowing she wasn’t nearly ready for that topic, he returned to the series of events that had brought her here. “I know your potential mate among the Outcasts was killed. Why did you decide to stay rather than return to Earth and your family?”
“I guess it started with a Sarronti female named Arrista. She was one of the first to leave the world below.”
“I know her, not well, but I know her basic story.” She had been handmaiden to a cruel and powerful Ayrontu noble. Salvo was thrilled that Arrista had escaped the brutality and found happiness with one of the Outcasts.
“She was so...broken, yet so brave. I was amazed by her spirit, and it made me intensely aware that the world below is filled with people like her. Most Sarronti workers have never experienced freedom. I want to do whatever I can to help the rebellion succeed.”
“As do I.” Needing to touch her, taste her, he moved even closer. She stood with her back to the railing, hands tucked into the pockets of her skirt. He placed both hands on the railing, framing her body with his arms. He wasn’t sure anything would have kept him from pursuing her, but her preference was one he was willing to consider. “Are you interested in Jaron? Please, answer honestly.”
“I enjoy being around him, but it is not romantic,” she said firmly. “He’s a flirt, maybe even a player. I’m ready for a serious relationship and it’s painfully obvious he’s not.”
A certain catch in her voice made him ask, “And if he were?”
She rocked to the balls of her feet and slid her hands up his chest. His heart leapt, setting a faster tempo for his pulse. “I’d still like you better,” she said softly. “Jaron is fun to talk to, but I happen to think you’re more interesting, more thoughtful, and much more sincere.” Suddenly, she tensed and lowered her arms. “Am I jumping the gun here? You haven’t actually said that you’re interested in me romantically.”
Instead of responding verbally, he took her by the waist and lifted her to the railing. It was rounded and wide enough to support her weight. She gasped and grabbed his shoulders. He steadied her with one arm while he shifted her legs apart. Her skirt bunched around her knees allowing him to move between her thighs. She stared into his eyes, anxiously clutching his shoulders. They were almost ninety stories off the ground, but there was no way he would let anything harm her.
He bent his head slowly, maintaining eye contact for as long as possible. “I’m interested in you.” His lips brushed hers as he spoke and he felt hers part, inviting a deeper exploration. Still, he made her wait. “I’ve never been more intrigued by a female.” He fit his mouth over hers and let their breaths mingle, but as soon as she started to respond, he pulled away. “I don’t just want you in my bed, Natalie. I want you in my life.” After briefly caressing her lips with his, he made damn sure she knew exactly what that meant. “If you will allow it, I would like to court you and eventually claim you as my mate.”
He didn’t give her time to reply. He sealed his lips over hers and kissed her in earnest. It started out slow and gentle, as he intended. But as soon as her tongue touched his, consuming desire spread through him. Her scent curled through him, evoking physical needs and emotions unlike anything he’d ever felt before. And her taste. He pushed deeper into her mouth, needing more of her spicy-sweet taste.
His