After a flicker of indecision, she met his lips, savoring the sweet warmth that coursed through her the moment they touched. As if only needing the slightest encouragement, his arms wound around her, pulling her in tightly against his frame and commanding the kiss from that moment on. Just as before, his kiss was wild, passionate and powerful, and she gave herself over to the sensations he awoke within her.
His tongue teased her lips apart then dipped within and tangled with her own, enlivening her senses and creating such a burning in her that made her boldly reach up to run her fingers through his dark hair. The texture was soft and thick, adding to the spell of seduction around them. Her hungry fingers traced down his neck to his back, exploring the hills and valleys of his powerful frame. As if her touch further ignited his own arousal, his hands moved from her back, to her waist, then settling on her hips, holding them firmly, and pulling her in till there was no space between them.
As his lips left hers with a tingling sensation, he trailed kisses down her jawline and to her neck, where he playfully nipped her skin. Goose bumps prickled all over, but not from the cold, rather from deep arousal. Even pressed so scandalously against him, she wanted — needed — more. “Lucas,” she gasped, not even recognizing her own voice.
His mouth silenced her words as he ravaged her lips once more, his hands exploring her curves further. “Temptress,” he murmured against her lips, drawing her lower lip into his mouth and biting it playfully.
“Rake,” she quipped, once he released her lip.
“Seductress,” he whispered, slowing the kiss, allowing her to savor the distinct taste of his mouth.
“Rogue,” she countered, stepping closer just as he pulled away.
“Thief,” he accused softly, lifting his gloved hand to tilt her chin.
She drew back slightly. “Thief?”
“Yes, you are indeed a thief.” He lowered his hand and grasped hers, leading them away.
Meredith followed, still trying to figure out his meaning. Her lips buzzed with the after-sensations from their ardent kissing. She could imagine the berry color they boasted from the recent passionate assault.
Surely Lucas’ lips carried the same evidence.
A powerful sense of possession swept over her. He wore her kiss.
Hers.
“You are a thief because that which you take, I fear I’ll never regain. The question is…” He glanced back to her, pulling her from her thoughts.
“Yes?” she asked, entranced by the flame of attraction in his eyes.
“The question is… do I want it back? And the answer? No.” He led them around a bend and down a narrow path. “And do you know why?”
Meredith shook her head then answered, “No.”
“Ah, Meredith…” His voice was laced with amusement. Without warning, he led her around another turn in the maze, and pressed her against a stone column. Kissing her soundly, she melted into the welcome warmth he offered. “I have a secret as well… you see.” He kissed her once more, teasing her bottom lip before releasing it. “I’m a thief as well. And what I stole, I’ll never give back. Ever.” He kissed her once more, quickly, yet thoroughly, and led them away, the exit looming before them.
“And just what did you steal?” Meredith asked once her senses came back into focus.
He paused just before leaving the maze, his gaze locking with hers.” Your heart.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
LUCAS KEPT HIS GAZE ahead, searching for the small cellar. He didn’t want to see the expression in Meredith’s eyes after such a bold announcement. Part of him was afraid; the other part knew she needed space. It was odd, to come to the realization that he knew someone so well… and was known so well by her. It was terrifying, delightful, and completely insane. Yet it was the truth. Meredith had watched him from a young age grow into who he was now. Granted those years were full of warfare, but that didn’t inhibit them from knowing each other.
Known. What a strange word that would be, the premise for love. But it was the truth. Meredith knew him. She knew his likes, dislikes; she knew his fears and what truly made him irate. And now she knew what ignited passion within him, what aroused him further and the flavor of his kiss. It was so simple, yet… not. Because he’d been honest in his earlier teasing; she had surely stolen his heart, yet part of him feared that she held his heart far tighter than he was able to hold hers.
It was an alarming prospect. Yet, what choice did he have? He could easily compromise her… it would be a delightful solution. At even the thought his body responded, tightening, and reminding him of her soft and feminine form pressed against his.
But it wouldn’t be the same… he wanted her to choose him. Not have any other option. Yet her kiss tasted of surrender. Did she not meet his invitation?
“I don’t remember this cellar being so far from the maze.” Her voice interrupted his thoughts.
“The cellar didn’t move. The exit to the maze, however, did,” he replied.
“Oh. I suppose that makes sense.”
“Nice to know you believe me.”
“It’s a risk I’ll have to take,” she answered, her tone belabored. But he could easily tell that she was amused, simply flirting and teasing him.
How he loved that! Life with Meredith would never be dull.