"No."
His cold smile became almost teasing. If it wasn't for the hardness in his eyes, it might have tugged at her heart. But he was still playing games, still playing her, for whatever sick reason.
He leaned closer still, and his lips brushed hers as he spoke. "One day you will, you know."
A tremor ran through her. Moon forbid, he was right. She did want his kiss. Want him. Footsteps echoed down the hall. Her mother, coming closer. She thrust a hand between them and tried to push him away. It was about as effective as a fly pushing a boulder.
"Not until I get my kiss."
"Damn you to — "
The rest of her words were lost as his mouth took possession of hers. Had it been a harsh, demanding kiss, she might have been able to fight him. But it wasn't. It was a tender and gentle caress that promised things he would never deliver.
The footsteps stopped, then her mother cleared her throat. Heat flamed Neva's cheeks and she thrust both her hands between them. But he would not be moved or hurried.
She could only thank the moon it was her mother. Her father would probably have demanded a wedding right there and then — and given Duncan's eccentric, unpredictable behavior since they'd met, she wouldn't have put it past him to agree. If he was intent on ruining her life, it would certainly be the ultimate act of bastardy.
He dropped a second kiss on her nose then stepped away, his fingers twining through hers. "Sorry, Mrs. Grant. Didn't mean to get carried away."
Her mother tittered like a teenager. "Please, call me Nancy. And it's all right. I'm not so old that I can't remember what young love is like."
Young love. Neva almost choked on the words. If she and Duncan shared anything it was an undeniably strong sexual attraction. Once the moon had passed its zenith, that would fade, leaving them nothing but dislike.
He pulled her down onto the sofa beside him and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. His long, strong fingers brushed the top of her breast and sent slithers of anticipation across her skin.
Don't you dare, she warned heatedly.
Dare what? This? His thumb pushed across one aching nipple, and she jumped as if stung. Or this? He brushed sweet kisses down her neck. Or —
Enough! She pulled away, her cheeks so hot she was sure they were glowing. Thankfully, her mother had been too busy pouring coffee to see what he was doing.
You are not a teenager, Neva. Stop worrying about what your parents are thinking and start enjoying yourself a little.
Ari had said the same thing this afternoon — but neither of them had to live with the fallout of such actions. I have to return to this life once the moon phase is over. You could at least be considerate enough to leave me something to return home to. She lifted her gaze to his. Or is my total destruction truly your aim over these next four days?
Her words shook him. Though there was no slip in the mask that shuttered his face and eyes, she sensed the quick thrust of surprise. And beneath it, just a slither of loathing.
It was that emotion, more than anything, that alarmed her. What had she ever done to this man that some small part of him loathed her? And how could he still want her so badly if he did loathe her?
"So, what are your plans?" her mom said, handing them both a cup of coffee before sitting down. "And why haven't we met you before now?"
"I work with the Eagle County search and rescue team. It's hard to get back here with any sort of regularity." He shrugged.
She wondered if he were telling the truth. She hoped he was, because her dad would undoubtedly check. But then, this was all going to go to hell eventually anyway, so it didn't really matter.
And she certainly couldn't picture him as the type willing to sacrifice his life rescuing others.
"Doesn't Mike Maher work search and rescue in that district?" Her dad walked into the room and leaned a shoulder against the wall, regarding Duncan with angry eyes.
"Mike Maher retired eighteen months ago. Dave Richards is in charge now. I'm his second."
It was hard to tell if her dad bought the story or not, as his expression and the tight blanket of anger that surrounded him hadn't changed. "So how did you two meet?"
Playbox, she told him quickly.
He glanced at her, an odd smile touching his lips. "We met at the Playbox. I was there watching To Catch a Thief three months ago and literally ran into her. She wasn't too pleased about getting a lap full of popcorn, let me tell you."
Her mother laughed, and Neva relaxed just a little. At least someone had bought the lie.