Page 260 of No Need to Run

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She doesn’t pull away.

That’s all I need.

I kiss her, my hand cupping the back of her head.

It’s not soft or hesitant.

It’s everything I’ve been holding back all night.

She responds immediately, like she’s been waiting for this moment every bit as much as I have.

Her hand slides up into my hair, pulling me closer. Just enough to anchor me there.

My other hand finds her waist, dragging her closer. Letting her feel how much I want her.

I pull back just enough to breathe, my forehead against hers.

“Violet…” My voice is rough. Unsteady.

She doesn’t answer. Just looks at me like she sees everything.

“Stay,” I say. The word slips out before I can think about it.

Her eyes soften slightly. “I was planning to.”

My lips find hers again in a kiss that leaves us even more breathless than the first one.

And then I’m lifting her.

She wraps her legs around my waist. Her arms still around my neck.

I carry her to my bedroom, my lips entangled with hers.

And then?—

“Ouch.”

I fall against the wall, cradling her to keep her safe.

“Meow,”Luna screams, batting me with her paw.

“What the?—”

I lift my foot, realizing I’m on her tail.

“Oh, shit. I didn’t mean to step on you.”

“Poor baby,” Violet says, looking down at her.

Luna gives me a look, then stalks away, her tail high in the air.

“Hope that didn’t kill the mood,” I say to Violet.

She shakes her head. “No. Just... shut the bedroom door so there are no more mishaps.”

I straighten, adjusting Violet in my arms.

Once inside my bedroom, I kick the door shut.

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