Leandros(15)

“That’s not what I want to hear.” There was an edge of steel in his voice.

Difficult emotions rose inside her as she processed his response. She pressed her hands to his chest. “It’s how I feel. You can’t expect me to just erase you from my mind.”

His thumb brushed her cheek. “I can erase this from your memory if you want.”

A chill went up her spine as she searched his eyes. “You can do that?”

A muscle clenched in his jaw. “I can do many cruel things, sweetness.” His voice was soft but laced with warning.

She wasn’t an idiot. Leandros wanted to scare her for her own good. She narrowed her eyes. “Don’t you dare, Leandros. You invited me up here and I have the right to cherish every minute we had together.” She curbed her indignation. “But I understand, so don’t worry.”

A shadow moved across his face and tension lined his mouth. “Don’t think this is easy for me.” His voice was thick with unspoken thoughts. He kissed her forehead and met her gaze. “Promise me you won’t accept a man that can’t fulfill you emotionally and physically.”

Her heart squeezed, hurt by past experience, happy that he cared. “Easier said than done.”

“There are many good men who could be your soul mate. Follow your instinct, not just that over rational head.” He gave her temple a light tap.

“Over rational, eh? Are you psychic, too?” she replied playfully, though she couldn’t disagree with him. She tended to choose men based on criteria such as steady jobs and conventional lifestyles, assuming that they would be dependable, uncomplicated. But she’d failed to make deep connections with them.

A smile tugged his mouth. “Let’s say I’m old and wise.”

She laughed. “Okay. Good point.”

He dipped his mouth and claimed hers in a deep, sensual kiss that snatched her breath. When he pulled back, he said, “I’ll watch over you your entire life, Vicky.”

Her heart fluttered. “Like a guardian angel?”

He nuzzled her throat and murmured, “You know I’m no angel, sweetness…”

She couldn’t help the giggle, which turned into a sigh of pleasure as his teeth grazed her skin.