myself eagerly to the kiss. It wasn’t a sweet, gentle thing of two new lovers feeling each other out. Our kiss was hot, fierce, and dirty.
Our tongues tangled in a battle for dominance. Twisting and dipping past each other’s lips, ravaging each other like starving animals. I broke away for a sip of air, and Preston ensnared my bottom lip between his teeth, pressing down until I moaned in both pleasure and pain.
My natural defenses shielded me as long as they could, then Preston kissed me, they blew apart like a paper town in a tornado. They never stood a chance against him. Heat stained my cheeks. Electricity lit my nerves, supercharging them to feel his touch as burns. Smell his woodsy scent as an intoxicating drug, and pool wetness between my legs at the hungry growls as he devoured my lips.
My immunity was defeated.
We broke apart after what felt like eternity, chests heaving, and the white of our eyes shining in the moonlight.
“That kiss was just in case,” he breathed.
“Just in case of what?”
“You didn’t deem my secret worthy.”
My laugh was hoarse. “Oh, I have. You’ve met the terms. I’ll have your body now.”
“Shit. What are we waiting for?” Preston was on me in a flash. He grasped my thighs through the fabric and lifted me. His lips were on mine before he dropped to his knees.
“Whoa.” I tore myself away with difficulty. “You do still have a lot to learn. You don’t get grass stains on an Oscar, Desai.” I wriggled out of his arms, dropping down on my feet. I grinned at his dazed expression. “Didn’t you mention living here? Surely you’ve got a bedroom somewhere in that mansion. Or do they make Cinderfella sleep by the fireplace?”
“Come with me.”
Preston grabbed my hand. Together we ran through the gardens, laughing and speaking in hushed whispers like getting caught would mean trouble.
It would for me at least. A break for fresh air wasn’t supposed to last this long. My parents were inside waiting for me to blow in and play the part of the starry-eyed maiden. Tonight the eligible and unmarried men and women in our community gathered for the reception hosted by the Desais. We’d mingle, catch up with those we do know, and scope out the ones we don’t.
It also allowed our folks to present us like livestock, showing us off to the proper families, and letting them know why the heir to Dame Lewis-Adler and her husband, Tobias Adler, the CEO of Sea Queen cruise lines, was who they wanted their son to propose to at the end of our summer in Citrine Cove.
Preston led me to a side door that opened into an empty hallway. Our feet were soundless on the carpet, concealing our presence from the murmurs of people on the other side.
“Live-in staff quarters,” he explained. “My room is at the top of these stairs.”
I nodded because I didn’t trust myself to speak. Anticipation pulsed in my blood, quickening my breath, and throbbing in my middle. Who knew two years later I’d find the handsome stranger from the gallery in another place I didn’t want to be.
Funny the tricks my life plays on me.
“Anything I should know before we get in there?”
“Like what?” I asked.
He shot me a raised brow over his shoulder. “Virgin?”
“No. I told you as much.”
“All right. Just making sure this club wasn’t so exclusive the members were only you and your vibrator.”
I laughed. “That’s not a problem, is it?”
“Nope. All it meant was I would’ve had to be gentle.”
“So, you’re saying you won’t be gentle with me now?”
“Yes,” he said, voice deepening. “That’s what the fuck I’m saying.”
A shiver went up my spine. How far is this bedroom?!
Preston and I climbed the stairs and stepped off in a hallway ten times grander than the one we left. Blue and gold brocade carpet stretched the length of the endless space. On the walls, the portraits of generations of Desais tracked us—looking a tad disapproving if I said so myself.
The thought made me laugh.
“What’s funny?” The next thing I knew, I was shoved against the door. Preston latched on my neck, licking a stripe up the sensitive skin and then nipping his way back down. “I’ve been waiting a long time for you, Cinderella.”
“We should drop that name,” I got out. “Trust me, my life is an entirely different horror story.”
“You want another one?” His hand slipped under my dress. Preston hooked my thong and yanked it down with one