The Marriage Contract

Ricky shifted closer, the space between them disappearing as he cupped Nadia's face, his thumb grazing her cheek with aching tenderness. He hesitated, his breath mingling with hers, before finally pressing his lips to her soft, inviting mouth. The kiss was slow at first, savoring, but as she responded, it deepened, igniting something raw and unspoken between them.

A tremor rolled through her as his tongue teased hers, tasting, exploring, claiming. Heat coiled low in her belly, spreading like fire through her veins. She had imagined this moment a thousand times, but nothing compared to the real thing-the way his touch sent shivers down her spine, the way her body instinctively molded to his.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers threading through his hair, pulling him closer, wanting more. Maybe later, she'd blush at her own eagerness, but right now, all she could think about was the way he made her feel-like she belonged here, in his arms, in this moment.

A deep, throaty groan rumbled in his chest as his hands found the zipper of her dress, his fingers gliding over her heated skin as he slowly eased it down. The fabric pooled around her waist, leaving her bare to his touch. He traced lazy, lingering paths along her body, his touch both reverent and possessive.

Nadia gasped as he pulled her into his lap, her body pressed firmly against the solid strength of his. His heat, his scent, the sheer masculinity of him surrounded her, awakening every hidden desire she'd ever buried. His muscles tensed beneath her fingertips, his restraint evident in the way he held her, as if he were giving her the chance to stop him-if she wanted to.

Breaking the kiss, he rested his forehead against hers, his voice husky, laced with longing.

"Tell me, Nadia... should I keep going, or stop right here?"