Chapter Seven
Katya kissed him.
Mate.
That’s all that echoed in every fiber of her being. The world around her vanished. All her concerns, fears, everything dissipated into nothing.
Mate.
Tasting him again, claiming him as hers, was all that mattered.
Mate.
The word vibrated through her like echoes in the night.
His lips were soft, yielding under her pressure without a question.
Their tongues intertwined, dancing to a tune only they knew how to move to.
Her blood boiled, every inch of her body tingling with awareness at his proximity.
He was the light to her darkness, and she couldn’t get enough.
“Ahem.” The waiter who had served them earlier cleared his throat loudly enough that they broke apart. Heat flooded her cheeks. She glanced at Adam. His dark eyes danced across her features, a question dancing in their depths. She had the answer they both wanted to hear.
“Let’s get out of here,” she said. “That waiter is going to kick us out any minute.”
His smile was slow and deliberate, making the corner of his eyes crinkle, and her heart skip a beat.
Other women would be put off by his age.
He was in his late forties, his dark hair peppered with gray, wrinkles on the corner of his eyes.
Alluring. His beard was neatly trimmed, framing a strong jaw.
His shirt and leather jacket filled broad shoulders which tapered down to a fit and powerful body. She remembered it well.
Mate.
“We can go to my place,” he said. “No hotels.” He winked at her, his effortless confidence bringing out the colors on her cheeks.
The tiger within purred, pleased. This man, who she didn’t know at all, was hers.
He belonged to her as much as she did to him.
It was irrational, yet at the same time, it made perfect sense.
Grasping her hand, he pulled her toward the exit and into a cab.
Her thoughts tumbled within her brain as if bathed in a fog.
She couldn’t order them, couldn’t rationalize any of it.
The only thing that kept her grounded to reality and certain this wasn’t some kind of dream was the grip of his palm.
His fingertips were calloused, yet his knuckles were unbelievably soft.
A contrast which made her wonder how he’d be in bed.
She took him in from the corner of her eyes.
He sat straight, almost tensely, the nerve in his jaw twitching.
Her tiger reached out, aiming to sniff him.
Confidence and a hint of restlessness tainted his blood.
She opened her mouth to say something, but no words came out.
If she spoke, her mind would win over her heart and the glass bubble they’d immersed themselves in would shatter.
Instead, she squeezed his palm. He returned the gesture wordlessly, but his mouth twitched, offering comfort.
Finally, after what seemed both like eons and mere seconds, they arrived at a gray building complex. She followed Adam inside and up a set of stairs onto the first floor. Her lips twisted into a smile when she noticed his hands shook as he attempted to unlock the door.
“Nervous?” she asked.
He glanced at her and grinned sheepishly.
“Yes,” he admitted. “I don’t normally take women home and much less thieves.” He winked, drawing a breathless chuckle from her.
Finally, the lock clicked, and he stepped aside, motioning for her to go ahead of him.
“Welcome,” he said, clearing his throat.
“Thank you.”
She entered his apartment, her pulse so erratic she could hear it thrumming in her ears.
Katya blinked as the lights came on, illuminating the space.
It was small but welcoming, the kind of place that felt lived in.
A leather couch sat in the center of the living area, with a couple of mismatched throw pillows and a coffee table tucked neatly in front of it with a large three-wick candle.
A sixty-five-inch TV dominated the wall.
“I hardly watch it,” he said with a shrug. “But I enjoy having it.”
Katya turned to her right, observing the open kitchen with a bar and stools. It was large enough to accommodate two people. To the left, half hidden in shadow, she guessed, was the bedroom and bathroom.
“It’s nice. Cozy.”
He chuckled.
“After the divorce, I figured I’d get my own place, and I didn’t want anything big.
I’m out working most of the day,” Adam replied while making his way toward the kitchen.
“Can I offer you a drink?” He opened the fridge.
“I have beer, water, orange juice, and a bottle of wine, red, I think.” He leaned on the door, waiting for her response.
His gaze traveled over her, caressing every inch of her body with deliberateness.
The tiger jumped excitedly, pumping desire through her. Her pussy tingled. Her nipples hardened. His anxiety was palpable in the air, amping hers.
“Wine,” she said for the sake of saying something.
She sat on the edge of the couch, watching him as without another word he moved about the space, grabbing glasses and a bottle of Merlot.
He placed them on the counter and served, stealing glances at her which she pretended not to notice.
Finally, he moved in her direction, offering her the drink.
His fingers brushed hers, fire sparking at the contact and reminding them what they were both doing here.
“Katya,” he murmured. “I—” He let the sentence hanging and took a sip of the wine.
Settling next to her, his gaze travelled across her face.
“You’ve done something to me,” he muttered.
“I’m a grown man and I can’t seem to form a coherent sentence in your presence.
At this moment, all I want to do is stare at you.
I am in awe that you are here with me.” He grinned.
“Even with the knowledge that you robbed me.”
Laughter bubbled and erupted through her. She leaned forward, gently placing her palm on his knee.
“There is only one thing I intend to steal from you tonight,” she whispered.