Page 89 of Shattered Throne
Oh God. I was losing my mind.
He was doing that thing again. That thing with his tongue that made my knees weak, that made heat pool low in my belly, that made me forget every rational thought I'd ever had.
Where did he learn that? He must be so experienced. He must have kissed dozens of women, hundreds maybe, practiced this exact move until it was devastating.
The thought landed like a stone in still water.
He'd done this before. With other women. Dozens of them, probably. Hundreds. Used these same hands, this same mouth, whispered the same words. I was just the latest in a long line ofconquests, another body in his bed, another name he'd forget by morning?—
I pulled back.
Xavier blinked, confusion flickering across his face. "What's wrong?"
"You've used those lips a lot, haven't you?"
The words came out sharper than I intended. Xavier stared at me, his brow furrowed.
"I... what?"
"Those lips." I gestured vaguely at his face. "They've been places. Done things. With other women."
"Kim, I don't?—"
"You're experienced." I crossed my arms over my chest, suddenly feeling exposed. "You've done this. What you're doing to me. You've done it to a lot of people. Haven't you?"
Understanding dawned in his eyes. He laughed—actually laughed—and pulled me back into his arms before I could protest.
"Xavier, I'm serious?—"
He kissed me. Soft. Brief. Just enough to make me lose my train of thought.
"I know, baby." His voice was warm, amused. "And that's why I like you so much."
He kissed me again. Longer this time.
"Xavier—"
"Listen to me." He pulled back just enough to meet my eyes. The amusement was gone, replaced by something intense. Serious. "This is a very rare occasion, so pay attention. I'm being completely serious with you right now."
I held my breath.
"This thing between us?" He touched my face, his thumb tracing the curve of my cheekbone. "It's real. I want you. Not just tonight, not just for the arrangement. I want you. And I haveevery intention of taking care of you and being true to you." His eyes held mine, unwavering. "Got that?"
My heart was going to burst. I could feel it swelling in my chest, pressing against my ribs, too full of everything he was offering. Words failed me. All I could do was nod.
"Good."
He kissed me again. And this time, I let myself sink into it.
His hands started to wander. Down my back, over my hips, finding the hem of my dress. I shivered as his fingers brushed bare skin.
"Xavier..." I whispered against his mouth. "Zoe is in the next room."
He pulled back just enough to meet my eyes. Something dark flickered there. Something that made my stomach clench with anticipation.
"Then you'll have to be quiet," he said. "This is for you."
His hand slipped under my dress.
