The Sweetest Burn (Broken Destiny #2)(23)

"Ah." The word did nothing to tell me what he was thinking about my putting the brakes on-or starting things to begin with. Was he frustrated? Upset? I couldn't stand not knowing.



       
         
       
        

"You-you could say something else about what just happened," I stammered.

The faintest smile tugged his lips, which were fuller from how hard he'd kissed me. "So could you, but if you want me to go first, fine. I love how you taste, how you feel, the little noises you make when you're turned on, and when you ripped my shirt open, I wanted to throw you in the back and fuck you so hard, all the windows would shatter."

Adrian's tone was light and he never lost that half smile, but his stare said that he meant every word.

"You promised." My response was 90 percent a reminder of his vow, and 10 percent a plea for him to forget it.

He reached out, catching my hand in his. Then he brought it to his lips, kissing my knuckles while never breaking his stare.

"That's why we're still in the front seat, but you wanted to know what I was thinking, so I told you."

Then he let go of my hand and moved his seat forward. I looked away, flushing. I hadn't even noticed him moving it back, but I wouldn't have fit on his lap otherwise. Despite my tinge of embarrassment, I also felt a sense of relief. By repositioning his seat, Adrian was further confirming that nothing else was going to happen. I'm the one who'd started this, but I'd only meant it to be a kiss. Not for it to end with sex.

Then again, if my hallowed radar hadn't acted up, who knows how this would have ended? With lots of broken windows?

"Your turn," he said, interrupting that dangerous line of thought. "You're the one who kissed me. Why?"

I squirmed at his bluntness. "Isn't it kinda obvious?"

Another ghost of a smile. "I didn't make you guess what I was thinking when I answered you."

No, he sure hadn't. I looked away, unable to reply while on the receiving end of that deep blue stare. His gaze was too probing, too knowing, and yes, still too enticing.

"I shouldn't have," I said at last. "That makes me a tease, I suppose, but I felt so...free, right before I kissed you." I let out a choppy laugh. "Guess it made me forget all the reasons why I'm not."

"Ivy." The way he said my name forced me to look at him. When I did, he pulled me into his arms before I even realized that he'd moved.

"Adrian-"

"Shh," he murmured. "I don't think I've ever just held you before. I was always pushing you away, and the one time I didn't, we were also in this car." His lips brushed my hair. "Did you know that old Challengers were your aphrodisiac?" 

I laughed, relaxing at his loose embrace and his light, bantering tone. "What can I say? I'm into vintage things."

His chuckle rumbled against my back. "I've missed you, Ivy. All of you, so don't think you're not free around me because you are. That means kissing me isn't teasing. I want to do truly filthy things to you, but I can wait. If Zach hurries his Archon ass up, I won't even have to wait long."

I had to say it. "You do know it's extremely twisted that you need an angel's help to hook up, right?"

This time, his laughter had an edge. "I never have before, but with Zach, I can give you the guarantee that you demanded."

I didn't remind him that I'd only promised him a chance, not a sure thing. "How does Zach factor into you proving that you can beat your fate?" I asked instead.

He tensed, but then relaxed almost as fast. "It's complicated, so I'd rather show you than tell you."

"That's what my prom date said right before I cracked a beer bottle over his head," I replied, my tone dry. "You told me no more secrets, remember?"

He angled his head so he could look at me, and his expression was serious. "I don't want to tell you right now. That's a choice, not a secret, and yes, there's a difference."

Not in my mind, but I'd given him an ultimatum-a huge one-and he'd sworn to meet it. I still didn't think that it was possible, but I had to admit-the idea was starting to appeal. And if it was possible for Adrian to prove that he could beat his fate without having to wait until the end of this war, how could I refuse to honor the only stipulation he'd given me?

"Fine," I said. "You'll tell me, or show me, when Zach does what you want him to." If he does, I silently added. Then I changed the subject. "So, the staff's not here. What's next on our list of places filled with unexplainable natural weirdness?"