The Promised One (The Turning Stone Chronicles) by C. D. Hersh Page A

close to his nipple for comfort.
    Tilting her face so he could see her, he asked, “How can I help you, Lexi?”
    She moved away from him and trailed her fingertips down his arm. Grasping his hand, she tugged him toward the bed. The moonlight from the bedroom window backlit her, silhouetting her figure through the gauzy nightshirt. He struggled to keep his composure. Martial arts training hadn’t taught him how to fight this. He didn’t know if he could hold out.
    He drew away, breaking contact. “You don’t mean that. You’re just upset.” She was too vulnerable now. And she’d hate him in the morning if he caved.
    “I want this, Rhys. I swear I do.”
    Rhys’ heart swelled until he thought it would explode from his chest. For six months, he had waited to hear those words. He stroked her hair. Only God knew how much he wanted her. Alexi relaxed into his touch, nuzzling his hand with her cheek.
    Why now, Lexi? If you’d only said this three days ago, I wouldn’t have hesitated.
    He tucked a flyaway strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s grief speaking.”
    “It’s not grief. We’ve been dancing around this attraction for months. I don’t want to wait. I can’t wait.” She moved him nearer to the bed.
    “I can’t,” he said with a groan.
    A confused expression came over her face. “I don’t get it. Have I been misreading you?” When he didn’t answer right away, Alexi twisted away. “I feel so stupid.” A tiny whimper escaped her lips. She clamped her hand over her mouth.
    Go. She’s given you an out. But he couldn’t stand the thought that he’d hurt her. He stepped closer to her. “It’s not that. I have been chasing you.”
    “And you caught me.” Her eyes narrowed to suspicious slits. “Has it just been a game to you? Am I just another notch in your belt? One of those sappy women who fall all over you?”
    He chuckled.
    Alexi gave him a pained sigh. “What’s so funny?”
    His laugh deepened. “You’ve resisted me. Six months is a record time to fight the Temple charm.”
    She cracked a smile. “It’s about time someone took you down to size, don’t you think?”
    “Better you than anyone else.”
    Her face sobered. “And I’d rather it be you who takes me. There’s no one else, Rhys. Not before you, not now, and probably not ever.”
    “What?” Her words startled him.
    “Oh, for heaven sakes.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Don’t make me beg.”
    He considered it . . . for a moment. She’d put his reputation on the line. Made him think he’d lost his touch. Sent his water bill sky high from cold showers. Watching her squirm with need gave him satisfaction. Truth was, no one got to him like she did.
    “What’s holding you back, Rhys?”
    He raked his fingers through his hair. What was holding him back?
    A bunch of idiots at the office? If they found out, he’d bully them into silence.
    Her dead uncle? Baron had liked him. He wouldn’t mind if Alexi found some happiness.
    Her state of mind? She seemed clear about what she wanted.
    “Why now, Lexi?”
    “Why not?” she whispered, cupping his chin in her hands. “Besides, what difference does it make? I wanted you yesterday, and the day before, and the day before that. I’ve wanted you for months.”
    “Why didn’t you say so?”
    She moved closer. “I just did.”
    The air between them pulsated. Her desire ignited his hunger for her.
    Alexi brushed her lips against his. “Rhys?” She pressed against him. “I know what your body says. But what about your heart?”
    He crushed her to him. “The same thing.” He slanted his mouth over hers and kissed her. She took his breath away. Made him desire her touch. Made him crave the exquisite release he’d been dreaming of. With great effort, he put space between them and gazed into her eyes. “Are you sure?”
    “Yes.”
    “You won’t be sorry in the morning?”
    A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. “Only if you don’t live up to your