Free Bound to Ignite (South Jersey Bound Series) by Tess Lamont Page A

“game” and the bond between them strengthens. Eric never intended for this to be a one-night stand, but as he experiences Gillie's willing submission, his “dom” instinct is roused and he's even less willing to let her go. In the bright light of morning, will their bond be strong enough for Gillie to trust?
 
    Excerpt from Bound to Ignite:
    “You know, Eric, sometimes I find myself just a little bit curious. I wonder what it’d be like to play like Lisa and Ben play.”
    Her mouth dried. His arm tensed under her hand. He glanced to the side and surveyed the mostly empty diner.
    She kept her gaze on him, knowing no one could hear them. She’d slipped a twenty to the hostess on the way in, just to make sure they wouldn’t be disturbed. She held her breath until Eric’s dilating eyes returned to hers. The soft flesh between her breasts quivered.
    “I suppose every couple is different,” he replied, betraying nothing.
    “My fantasies make me hot. And…and I was wondering if,” breathe , “you would be interested in helping me fulfill a fantasy?”
    He blinked a few times before clearing his throat.
    “Are you asking…if I would…if you and I could…?” His eyebrows were high and his voice sounded low and gravelly.
    She nodded, never breaking eye contact. She shivered from her spine down to her hips as Eric searched her face. She left herself open, tilting her chin. Emotions played on his features, thoughts she couldn’t hope to read and, if she were honest, didn’t really want to understand.
    Of course, their situation was complicated. Of course, sex would change things. Those details didn’t concern her, not anymore. She would have him, even if she had him just for one night.
    “Jillian, I—” He looked away.
    “Don’t.” She gripped his arm.
    He stiffened. Panic jolted in her belly. She let go.
    Consent couldn’t be forced. She shoved her hands back under the table so she wouldn’t be tempted to touch him again.
    “Eric,” she made her voice even and sure, “I don’t want any promises, really, I don’t. I don’t want to talk about the past or the future—not even next week or next month. I just need one night. I need this. It’s all I can think about, and,” she took a deep breath, “I think you want it, too.”
    She’d done it. No matter what he said, things would never be the same.
    She looked out across the diner, trying to give Eric time and privacy to think. She closed her eyes. Let him walk out. She did not have to watch.
    Her heart jerked as the diner bench creaked. He settled in by her side. Rough heat radiated from his fingertips as he slid them, slowly and lightly, from her cheek to her chin. His knuckle touched the bottom of her chin and urged up her face.
    She opened her eyes, and dropped her gaze away from his lingering reserve. A few dark hairs peeked out where his shirt lay open. She imagined how he would look when naked. Dark curls would spread across his chest, tapering off at his taut stomach and then… Oh God . She licked her lips. Closing her eyes again, she focused on the sensation of his finger on her chin.
    “Tell me more about your needs, Jillian.” His baritone voice broke her reverie.
    Light as an eyelash-kiss, his knuckle retraced its path across her cheek. She couldn’t call forth a single sound, though her breath returned in a rush.
    There was a vast gap between suggesting a fantasy and actually spelling one out. She edged toward the precipice.
    “I…I…” Jillian peeked around him. The diner was empty except for a few old men reading papers at the far counter.
    He wrapped one arm around her waist. She snuggled into his hard, athletic body and inhaled. His soothing scent filled her, dissolving the tension from her shoulders. He stroked her hair to a gentle rhythm and effervescent bubbling tingled in her chest like cold champagne.
    “Better?” he asked, his lips muffled by her hair.
    “Yes,” she sighed. His warmth seeped into her skin and her