Free Deceptions by Cynthia Eden Page B

Elizabeth was burning up—just from his touch. “It hurts too much when you let go,” she whispered. “Because when the world falls to pieces around you, there’s only pain left.”
    His hand slid down and curled under her chin. “I won’t let the world fall apart.”
    He was temptation. Big and strong and sexy. Right in front of her. Fear was a shadow in her mind. Death stalked her once again. She’d tried to escape, but the past wouldn’t stop.
    â€œI want you,” Mac said. His words were deep and dark, and they sank right through her, pushing that shadow of fear back. “I want you to go crazy with me. I want you to forget everything but me.” His thumb brushed sensually across her lower lip.
    Her breath came a little faster. She found herself leaning toward him, even though she shouldn’t. All of her careful rules couldn’t go away in one night. She’d played it safe for so long...
    Her tongue slid out and licked the edge of his thumb. It was an accident, wasn’t it?
    His pupils expanded. “Baby, you’re playing a dangerous game. Because my control can only last so long.” His hand slid away from her chin, and he leaned forward. “Don’t push too far.” His lips closed over hers. And it was just a kiss, so she let go. She wrapped her arms around him and held on tight. She opened her mouth. She kissed him with hunger and need and the passion that was mounting inside her.
    One kiss. A kiss before she crashed into bed. A kiss to help push away the last of her fear. Her control would hold. One kiss.
    Her heart drummed faster. Her nails sank into his shoulders.
    One kiss.
    He lifted her up. Mac held her easily, and her legs curled around his waist.
    One kiss.
    His tongue slid over her bottom lip then thrust inside her mouth. His hips pushed against her, and she could feel the hot, hard length of his arousal pressing against her.
    One. Kiss.
    She wanted so much more.
    He backed her up, not near the bed, but against the wall. Her back hit and she kept kissing him. Now was the time to break away. Now was the time to stop.
    So why was she arching against him? Why was she loving the hard feel of his muscled chest against her? Why was she biting his lower lip and moaning?
    â€œYou are driving me insane,” Mac gritted out. “You think I didn’t see this fire in you? I did...from the very first. And I knew I had to have it. Have you.” He kissed a hot path down her neck, and her head tipped back against the wall.
    It would feel so good to let go with him. To give in to her desire.
    Their desire.
    â€œI’ve dreamed about you.” His voice was even rougher. “Thought about having you in this bedroom, in my bed...”
    His head lifted. Their eyes held.
    â€œTell me to pull back,” he ordered, his voice a rough and sexy growl. “Because I can’t, if you don’t.”
    Her hands were still wrapped around him. She knew the choice was hers. The moment hers. She could let go. Or she could hold on to her control.
    What will happen tomorrow? In the cold light of day? It won’t be the same then.
    Softly, she said, “Pull back.”
    He nodded grimly.
    Her legs lowered to the floor as she slipped down. His hands flew out and flattened against the wall on either side of her body. “Give me a second.” The rough sound of his voice rolled over her.
    She didn’t speak. Didn’t move. Didn’t—
    â€œI know you’re not ready,” he growled, “for what I want from you.”
    She wasn’t sure just what all he did want. And what all she had left to give.
    â€œBut you will be,” Mac said, his eyes glittering as he looked at her. “We won’t be able to keep this contained much longer.”
    This. Their attraction. The pure incineration they felt when they touched.
    â€œSooner or later, we’ll come together. And it will be damn incredible.”