42 parts Complete Mature"You wouldn't hate me this much," he said, his voice a gravelled whisper, "if you hadn't imagined what it'd feel like to want me."
That broke her. Or maybe it cracked something wide open.
She grabbed his shirt-sharp, sudden-and pulled him into a kiss that was all teeth and fire. He didn't hesitate. His hands were on her hips in an instant, grounding her and lifting her into the moment like he'd been waiting for it just as long.
It wasn't gentle.
It was months of biting remarks and glances that lingered too long. It was the kiss of people who swore they'd never go there-and now couldn't stop.
When they pulled apart, both breathing hard, he rested his forehead against hers.
"This doesn't mean I like you," she whispered.
His smirk was wicked. "Good. I'd hate to think we were getting soft."