And that was what had knocked me on my ass - literally.
I'd looked into his eyes and realized how tightly reined he was, what a shadowed soul he had.
I had seen power and hunger and control and demand.
Somewhere inside me, I'd known he would take me over.
It was a relief to know he'd felt the same upheaval over me.
Gideon's hands hugged my shoulder blades and pulled me closer, until our foreheads touched.
"No one's ever seen before, Eva.
You're the only one."
My throat tightened painfully.
In so many ways, Gideon was a hard man, yet he could be so sweet to me.
Almost childishly so, which I loved because it was pure and uncontrolled.
If no one else bothered to look beyond his striking face and impressive bank account, they didn't deserve to know him.
"I had no idea.
You were so .
cool.
I didn't seem to affect you at all."
"Cool?" he scoffed.
"I was on fire for you.
I've been f**ked up ever since."
"Gee.
Thanks."
"You made me need you," he rasped.
"Now I can't stand the thought of two days without you."
Holding his jaw in my hands, I kissed him tenderly, my lips coaxing and apologetic.
"I love you, too," I whispered against his beautiful mouth.
"I can't stand being away from you, either."
His returning kiss was greedy, devouring, and yet the way he held me close to him was gentle and reverent.
As if I were precious.
When he pulled back, we were both breathing hard.
"I'm not even your type," I teased, trying to lighten the mood before we went into work.