Craving Scarlett

|10|. The Reveal

It was always like this.

Whenever I was in Marco's arms, there was this indescribable feeling, this undefinable rush that coursed through me, giving me this stirring deep in my core that I belonged here in the protective circle of his body. This was the second time we were kissing and it felt even more intense than the last.

Maybe it was because of the way he held me like he was never going to let me go, like he too felt thrall, this beguiling sensation that held us in rapturous wonder—even against our will.

His mouth moved against mine with masterful expertise, teasing one moment then dominant the next. It left no doubt in my mind that he would be an excellent lover in the bedroom. His kisses made me dizzy, my hands reaching up to lace my fingers into his dark mane, trying to tell him with my actions that I wanted more, much more even as a tantalizing heat pooled low in my belly.

I would have encircled my legs around his waist but he drew back from me just in the nick of time, resting his forehead against mine as we both breathe heavily, our breaths intermingling with each other.

My heart pounded rapidly in my ribcage, amazed and somewhat alarmed that a mere kiss could cause such an uproar in my emotions, in my ability to think clearly and logically. Now even while I inhaled much needed air, I felt myself also taking in his cologne combined with that musky scent of unadulterated male essence. It entered into my being, becoming one with my body, awakening me in ways I never thought possible. I had the sudden urge to kiss him all over again.

Marco rasped in a voice that still shook with thinly veiled desire, "You are driving me crazy, mia cara. Like a raging fever in my blood and I just want to devour you whole. What are you doing to me?" He whispered that last part almost to himself, lifting his head up to look into my eyes as if searching for something within its aquamarine depths.

I inched back a little. I wasn't too sure about being devoured whole even if my heart did skip a beat, wondering in the darkest corner of my soul what it would be like to be devoured by him. To have those skillful, experienced hands run over my body, his mouth extracting every single pleasure from me and making it his, taking me through carnally sinful delights that will shake me in more ways than one.

Never had I ever felt like this before. Ever. Not even with my ex-husband of four years, and that was just pathetic. How could I have survived this long without tasting this? This sheer, earth shattering pleasure that it seemed I could only find with Marco? 

For a moment, it occurred to me to just let go and sleep with him. After all, how hard can it be? He had made it no secret he wanted me and it turns out I wanted him too so why don't we just tumble in the hay just like any two consenting, willing adults. At least this time—unlike my marriage—I had know what I was getting myself into. No strings attached.

There was just one problem. Sex was kinda a big deal for me. Call me old fashioned or whatever but I don't think that I could ever maintain an intimate relationship with a man and not catch feelings. Which is why I had been celibate for the last couple of years. I didn't want a relationship with a man. My failed marriage had scarred me for life.

Especially to an engaged man.

My eyes widened. I had almost forgotten about that important tidbit of information. How could I have?! I'm such a fool!

Marco must have sensed my inner turmoil because his brows drew together in a frown, his voice filled with concern. "Scarlett, are you feeling OK? Do you need to sit down? I can get you water if you're not feeling well."

I didn't like the way his thumb rubbed circles at my waistline where my shirt had ridden up soothingly. It irritated me that he was so caring when he had no right to be. He was engaged to marry another!