Vampire Mine - Kerrelyn Sparks [38]
He enveloped her hand in his. When their palms touched, he sucked in a quick breath. His heartbeat quickened, and his grip tightened.
“You felt that?” She sandwiched his hand between both of hers. “At first, I thought there was something odd about handshakes, but I felt nothing when the others held my hand. It is most . . . curious, don’t you think?”
“Marielle.” He winced when she brought his hand to her chest. Holy Christ Almighty, he could feel the soft fullness of her breasts. His sight darkened, turning red.
She tilted her head, regarding him curiously. “I’ve been trying to understand this. I thought it might be lust, but I’ve always considered sin to be ugly and ultimately destructive. This doesn’t feel like that. What would you call it?”
He swallowed hard. “Desire. Longing.”
Her eyes widened with wonder. “Yes. That’s it, exactly.”
He grabbed the back of her neck to pull her forward, then halted with his mouth less than an inch from hers. Bloody hell, he had sworn he wouldn’t do this. If he kissed her, she would see more of his soul.
She released his hand and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Yes,” she repeated, and all restraint was lost.
He kissed her, releasing all the passion that had built up over the night. How he could feel so much, so quickly, he didn’t know, but Marielle had fallen out of heaven and straight into his life, awakening his long-dead senses and filling him with purpose.
He would protect her with his life. He would see her safely back to heaven. And the small seed of hope in his heart would grow because a beautiful angel cared for him. Even desired him.
She pressed against him, kissing him back, tangling her fingers in his hair. How could he be doomed when she desired him?
He invaded her mouth and tasted chocolate on her tongue. She moaned, sinking deeper into the kiss. His hands smoothed down her back, enjoying the indentation of her spine, the narrowing of her waist, the flare of her hips.
He slipped a hand into the side opening of the sheet, and she shivered as his fingers swept across her ribs. He cupped her breast, and she gasped against his mouth.
He planted kisses along her cheek, then nuzzled her ear. He circled her nipple with his thumb, and the skin pebbled. By the time he brushed his thumb across her nipple, it had hardened into a tight bud.
“I’ve been wanting to touch you again.” He kissed a trail down her neck.
She clutched his shoulders. “I—I thought you didn’t like my breasts.”
He lifted his head and gave her a fierce look. “That was my guilt ye were seeing after I groped an angel. Yer breasts are the most beautiful I’ve ever seen . . . or touched.” He gave her a gentle squeeze.
With a moan, she closed her eyes. “I’m so glad you like them.”
“Are ye now? Would ye care to know how much I ‘like’ them?”
Her eyes opened slowly. “How—”
A knock sounded on the door. He jumped back.
“Is everything all right in there?” Father Andrew asked.
Bugger, the door wasn’t even locked. “Just a minute.” He grabbed the chip clip and fastened the sheet back together. “Are ye all right?” he whispered.
She nodded.
“I’ll leave you to get dressed.”
She nodded again, looking a bit dazed.
He touched her cheek. “Ye’ll be fine.”
She smiled. “Yes. Go ahead.”
He eased out the door and shut it behind him. Father Andrew stood nearby, watching him closely.
Robby stood by the couch, his arms folded over his chest, and a scowl on his face. Gregori’s eyes twinkled with amusement.
“Is Marielle all right?” Father Andrew asked.
Connor felt his cheeks grow warm. “She’s feeling better now.”
Gregori snorted, and Robby nudged him with an elbow.
“May I have a word with you in private?” Father Andrew motioned toward the back door.
“As ye wish.” A memory flitted through Connor’s mind as he walked to the door. The first time he’d stolen a kiss had been in the church belfry. The girl had burst into tears, and the priest had boxed his ears.
Hopefully his kissing had improved.