Page 29 of The Dare

I move to stand, and notice how hard I still am. Having been all through dinner.

I casually keep a hold of my napkin, and using it to shield what I can of my monstrous arousal, I motion for Natasha’s hand, leading her back where she belongs.

In first class with me.

First class everything from now on for her.

Her friend Suzanna starts to balk again, and we both turn to see her whining again about not having any time with Natasha until she suddenly stops.

Her face going pale. Her mouth flattens and then starts to quiver as she begins to retch, about to be sick.

She forgets everything else and spins on her heel, dashing for the restroom with her mouth covered.

“All that rich food,” I shrug, trying not to laugh. Watching Natasha momentarily torn between going after her best friend to see if she’s alright and staying where I think we both know she belongs from now on.

“I’ll go see if she’s alright,” Renee says, giving Natasha a look over her shoulder.

“Sorry,” Natasha murmurs, pleasing me instantly when she absently reaches for my hand, but she lets hers drop before I can reach her.

“Mom will be gone soon. But Suze…” she says.

I grip her hand in mine, leading her back to my suite.

“She can look after herself,” I tell her, sounding friendly enough but not hiding my growing irritation at the fact Natasha feels she has to answer to anyone but herself.

Her tiny hand squeezes mine in a silent message that tells me so much.

She’s embarrassed by her friend, and she’s shy. A little frightened even, but it’s a good kind of scared.

I feel the same butterflies in my stomach, and I signal back to her with a squeeze before pausing to face her.

No one’s watching, and I wouldn’t care if they were.

I lean over and take her face in my hands, and kiss her tenderly.

Kiss her the way I wanted to the first time, but I’m fast realizing every time I kiss her. Every time I touch her, it’s better than the first time.

Once back in my little suite, which only feels smaller compared to the dining car, I put my theory to the test. Kissing her again, and again.

Harder, firmer. Then softer, whispering my lips against hers until we both fall into a locked and passionate embrace.

Chapter Nine

Natasha

Feeling my hand in his again, knowing we’re heading back to his suite to be alone.

I feel a ripple of nervous energy run across my belly.

The thought of him kissing me again, running his hands all over me.

I almost forget how good it feels to walk beside him until he stops.

He leans in and kisses me right there in the corridor.

The next thing I know, we’re in his suite, and he’s lifting up my sweater, eager to get his hands in all the places I know I need them. It’s the only thing that’s gonna work.

Pretending I don’t want this or don’t deserve it? That’s over.