he was calm, almost mellow.
The next he exploded.
Castillo’s hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her tight against his body. Oh, man, what a body he had—hard, big and enticing. Lara had to force herself not to rub against him like a cat in heat.
She wasn’t sure how long she’d be able to hold out, though.
He took over the kiss, his tongue thrusting between her lips, fast and furious. Hot and wild.
Lara’s chest grew tight because she was breathing so hard. Her thighs trembled, damp need pooling between her legs, her core aching for his touch.
Danger, her mind screamed. It took it a few rounds, though, before the warning penetrated the passion fogging her brain.
Screw danger. Her lips moved under Castillo’s; her tongue tangled with his in a wild dance. Her fingers roamed up and down the hard plane of his glorious chest. The soft fabric of his shirt skimmed her knuckles, making her impatient to get it off him.
He was so yummy. It was like licking a chocolate fountain, sucking on a salted caramel, all with the promise of orgasmic delights yet to come and all of them calorie-free, pleasure-inducingly incredible.
Impatient, need scrambling through her as wet heat coiled low and tight between her thighs, she flicked a button open to get his shirt out of her way.
She’d only unbuttoned two more when his fingers closed over hers. Castillo’s mouth was still hot, his tongue still dancing with hers. But he changed the pace. Now it was soothing. Her heart rate slowed from frantic need to mellow desire. She’d never ridden passion like a roller coaster before, but this man made her want to ride again and again.
So achingly slow, he pulled his mouth from hers. His lips brushed softly over hers once or twice before he lifted his head.
Lara’s breath shuddered, her insides actually shaking with need. Her lashes fluttered a couple of times before she forced them up so she could look at him.
His eyes were hot, his dimples so sexy she couldn’t resist sliding her thumb over one.
“Believe me, I’m not holding your not having a penis against you,” he promised in a husky tone. His breath warmed her face, his body hot against hers. Her shaky insides turned molten, desire washing over her in huge, crashing waves.
Then, shocking the hell out of her, he set Lara aside. Actually lifted her by the elbows and moved her a half foot away from him. She was tempted to reach out and grab him, just to prove that she could. Then she remembered that she was trying to make a point.
She just wished she could remember what it was. She sucked in a deep, cleansing breath, hoping the air would reignite her brain.
“But as good as that was, I’m here to keep you safe,” he said, the warmth leaving his tone as if he’d just flipped a switch.
Sexy guy to military mannequin, she realized, trying not to grind her teeth in frustration. Then she remembered the point of that kiss. To punish him for laughing at her.
Ah, life and its little jokes at her expense.
Lara pushed her hand through her hair, wondering when she’d learn.
Instead of punishing him, she’d made a fool of herself. Now she looked like a sex groupie, his for the plucking. Worse, Lara was pretty sure if he wanted to pluck her, she’d dive right in, desperate to feel more of the magic he’d been wielding over her body.
“Right. Safe,” she said, not sure if she was more irritated at his macho act or sexually frustrated. It didn’t matter. Both sucked. “And if I don’t want your protection?”
Castillo’s face was blank for a second, looking like a soldier or sailor or whatever he called himself. Then, in the blink of an eye, his expression shifted. Calming charm. She figured it was just as effective a weapon as whatever guns he played with. As long as his opponent was female.
He slid into the chair opposite her, oddly graceful for a guy as huge as he was.
Don’t think about size, she warned herself. She was glad he was sitting, though, and almost
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