Guardian Of Fate (Fate Series) by L.J. Kentowski

brought me to my senses.
    I pulled back against his hand at my head, but it didn't budge. Bringing my hands up to his chest, I pushed against the hardness beneath my palms, but I was no match for his strength. He released his hold from my head and allowed me to push him back slightly.
    "What the hell do you think you're doing, Hunter?" I yelled, standing up and backing away from the bench.
    He continued to sit, with that smile on his face, just as composed as before he kissed me. How could he be so damn calm? Could nothing affect him?
    "Setting the bar," he answered, his smile slowly replaced by a sober expression.
    I was fuming, clenched fists at my sides, probably subconsciously refraining myself from battering them at his face.
    "What bar? This isn't a competition, damn it! I just met both of you the other night. I don't even know you!"
    Hunter stood and came towards me. I started to step back, but decided to stand my ground and face him, proving that I wasn't some weak-kneed girl. If he only knew how contrary to that person I really was. I've seen and dealt with much more than a lot of women... no... people, have in an entire lifetime. I wasn't going to back down from some cocky male who thought a kiss could make me melt like a schoolgirl with a crush. Granted, it was the most electrifying kiss I'd ever felt in my entire life, but how dare he think he could just oblige himself on me that way!
    He was inches away from me, forcing me to look up at him. Being so close, the strength of his compelling scent anesthetized my resistance again. I opened my mouth, forcing myself to block out the seductive fragrance. His eyes fell back to my mouth and he slowly started to lean closer. I closed my mouth and tensed, but did not move. I was determined to remain in place and show him that, although he took me by surprise before, I could withstand his attempt at seduction.
    His face stopped so close to mine I felt the wind of his breath when he said, "Do you want to know me, Cassandra?"
    Even the sound of my name came out as a caress. I had to get out of there.
    "You know what, Hunter? I think I do know you. I know your type, and it's usually the kind I try to stay away from." I turned to go, but he grabbed my arm and spun me back around. Colliding with his chest, his hand pressed into my back as his other grabbed underneath my chin forcing me to look up at him.
    "I guarantee you won't be able to stay away from me. And I'm definitely not the type of man that you've ever met. But I will take great pleasure in teaching you all about my kind, and I promise, you'll take great pleasure in learning it."
    Once again, his lips were on mine, but I was quicker to block his tongue from my mouth this time. He quietly laughed into my lips right before his tongue taunted them, promising them great things if they were to open. After several failed attempts, he pulled away.
    "We'll start our lessons soon, but it'll only be when you ask me to teach you."
    "You conceited ass," I spat. "What makes you think I'll ever ask?"
    "You will ask. Of that I'm sure. Once you have a taste, you'll crave it until you have more." His head moved quickly to my ear and he whispered, "Until your next lesson..." His lips gently suckled my neck, just below my ear lobe. He seemed to know exactly the right spot to kiss, sending goose bumps down the left side of my body. Closing my eyes, my head tilted to the right, giving him more access. But instead of feeling the pressure of his lips on my tender skin, I felt cool air pass over the area still moist from his tongue's wet trail.
    I opened my eyes from the sudden withdrawal to see him looking at my face, which I'm certain revealed the pure ecstasy he had me in. I expected to see a smug expression, lapping up my weakness; but instead, I saw the same look of desire mirrored on his face, along with a hint of surprise. Could it be that his seduction backfired? Did his own body betray him?
    It only took a minute for the self-satisfied