Free Bound by Vengeance by Adriana Noir

without one hell of a fight.”
    Her heart wrenched at the since rity and undercurrent of sorrow in his voice. Leaning up tiptoe, she stole a gentle kiss. The subtle taste of spearmint made her mouth water. Everything about him was delicious. Holding his stare, she traced the hard ridges of his body beneath his shirt.
    “I’m not going anywhere, Sebastian. You’re hopelessly stuck with me.”
    “Good. I wouldn’t want it any other way, baby.” He gestured behind him with a nod of his head. “Go ahead and see what you got.”
    She waggled her brows and flashed him a devious smile as h e stepped aside and folded his arms, watching as she peeled the plastic back. Taylor sucked in a sharp breath upon seeing the upscale cappuccino maker. The image of the stainless steel appliance on the package alone was gorgeous enough to admire. Pulling the box out of the bag, she shook her head and retrieved a handful of frosted candles that had been nestled around it. Lifting one to her nose, she inhaled the rich scent of cashmere.
    “I saw how happy that drink made you this morning. This is a Saeco. They’ re supposed to be good machines. It makes espresso, too.” He donned a boyish grin and rested his forehead against hers. “Which will come in handy after those late night marathons when neither one of us can seem to wake up in the morning. The candles just reminded me of you…your smell. I walked past them and couldn’t resist.”
    Taylor fell even more in love with him in that moment.
    “So now the whole house is going to smell like me?” she asked, giving him a pointed look.
    Sebastian’s sage eyes sparkled with des ire and good humor. “God, I hope so.” He reached out, covering her hands as she started to open the cappuccino maker. “Not now, sweetheart. We’ll open it up and figure out how to use it together after Josh and Monique leave.”
    “But wouldn’t espresso make a good nightcap after dinner? Coffee is supposed to help digest your food, you know.”
    “So does wine, darling, and I wasn’t planning on anyone staying long enough for nightcaps. I want some time alone tonight, just me and you.”
    “You get that every night,” she countered with a saucy grin.
    “Mm. I know. I need more.”
    Taylor blushed as he pulled her close and lifted her with ease. She wrapped her legs around his waist in invitation as he covered her mouth with his. Brushing the box aside, he made room for her on the counter and set her on the ledge. He surged against her, kneading her breasts as he kissed her. The warm sweep of his tongue dueled with hers until the rest of the world spun and faded away. Sinking her fingers into his shoulders, she marveled at the rush of desire, how easily her body played into his touch. A low groan rumbled through his throat as she rocked against the forceful drive of his hips, and the cold press of granite grew hot beneath her.
    They both froze at the sound of the front doors swinging open. Sebastian tore away with a tortured moan and hurried to ease her to her feet. Apologizing, he adjusted himself with a sheepish grin. Rapid footsteps thundered through the foyer, pounding against the hardwood floors. She waited, watching as Aiden burst into the room, his bright blue eyes round and shimmering with excitement. He crashed into Sebastian, the force enough to bowl the grown man backwards as he enveloped him in a tight hug.
    “Hey ya, Uncle Seb!”
    “Hey, buddy! Long time no see. How are you doing?”
    Her heart ached with the memories of Christian and the past, but there was no denying the happiness on Sebastian’s face as he gave the boy’s hair an affectionate ruffle. Still, watching them together reminded her of old times. Better times when the two kids had played and swarmed around him for attention together.
    “I’m great! I got an A on my science test today. Oh hey, Taylor!” he said, waving.
    She smiled and waved back, not wanting to interrupt their exchange.
    “ Way to go, little man.