Free Damen (The Marquette Family Book Two) by Tressie Lockwood

hips, waiting for him to give her a good explanation.
    “He didn’t want me to tell anyone.”
    “Tell them what?”
    He grunted and leaned against a shelf, folding his arms over his chest and crossing his legs at the ankles. “Damn, he’s stubborn. He didn’t even want me to tell Stefan, but I don’t blame him for that. Knowing my youngest brother, he would have blabbed the truth to Shada so she wouldn’t be hurt.”
    Heaven’s eyes widened. “Are you saying he’s been cheating with someone else? I find that impossible to believe.”
    Damen smirked, but she thought she saw a spark of annoyance. “Are you into my brother?”
    “Of course not. I’m just pretty sure Creed is crazy about Shada, and honestly, if they can’t work it out, then what hope is there for the rest of us?”
    “True.” Damen extended a hand and dragged Heaven closer. She stumbled over his feet and fell against his chest. His arms encircled her, trapping her in place. “That’s why relationships are not the answer. The answer is in mutual satisfaction.”
    “Damen, let me go. The kitchen staff is expecting this food.”
    “The one you were collecting it for is Shada. Am I right?”
    She glared at him.
    “I’m guessing she’s not in the mood to cook anything right now, so no one needs the tomatoes.”
    “Have you always been this cold, and I wasn’t aware of it?” She fought to get free. His fingertips traced along her spine, and she shivered. Thank goodness he stopped just above her butt, but it was far too late for her panties either way. Her pussy was practically begging for his attention.
    “I’m not cold,” he whispered, bringing his lips close to her throat. “Just realistic.”
    “Damen, let me go.”
    “I don’t want to.” He kissed her skin right where her pulse raced. “Let me make love to you tonight.”
    Her fingers curled into his shirtsleeves. He moved his mouth from her throat to her lips, but just touching. If he thought she would open to him, he could wait forever. Heaven shut her eyes, struggling against her own desire. Damn it, why does he have to smell so good and feel so good? It’s not fair.
    Heaven managed to turn her head.
    “Are you mad at me?” he asked.
    She didn’t answer, and he sighed.
    “Creed found the pills yesterday. We talked about it. He wanted to break it off with her to force her to see that what she wants more than anything is family.”
    “That’s his logic?”
    Damen shrugged. “He’s an idiot. They broke up at the beginning. It didn’t work then, and it’s not going to work now.”
    “He’ll end up hurting her.”
    “My brother is obsessed with Shada. He’s not going to let her get away, so don’t worry about it. What you should worry about is when he’s fighting with her he’s evil incarnate.”
    “Are you exaggerating?”
    “Nope.”
    Heaven began to shake, and Damen cursed. He hugged her tighter.
    “Hey, I was joking. I’m sorry. That was in poor taste. Shh, Heaven, baby, he would never hurt you.”
    She tried to escape him, but he wouldn’t let go until she calmed down. When she stopped shaking, and the fear ebbed, Damen captured her lips in the gentlest kiss she had ever experienced. He didn’t force his tongue into her mouth but teased her lips in slow, sweet caresses that undid her defenses. He stroked her back, not venturing to her butt, but comforting and igniting passion at the same time.
    Heaven lost track of the outside world as she raised her chin higher and accepted Damen’s kiss. She parted her lips and invited his tongue in. He baited the tip of her tongue with the tip of his, and she explored deeper into his mouth. He moaned against her lips and drew her higher into his embrace. His erection went from her belly to pressing between her legs, and she cried out in need. The next instant, she found herself on her feet, free of his hold.
    Damen walked away a few steps, running his hands through his hair. Heaven liked how he disordered it, and