Chapter 98

Cole matched her fingertips to the marks he had left. “You know you can handle a little pain for a good cause. Especially when the cause is me. I think it’s hot…actually. Knowing you lost control because of me.”

“That’s not a side of myself I’m proud of,” he replied.

“Oh, Aiden.” She sat up and threw her arms around him. It was not entirely successful because he went all tense and stiff and elbowy, so it was a little bit like hugging a piece of modern art. “Well, it’s a side of you I’m really into. But even if it wasn’t, I’d tell you what you just told me.”

He pulled out of her embrace and turned. She thought he was going to kiss her, but he just leaned in, his brow resting for a moment against hers. It was a chaste and unexpectedly tender gesture. His eyes closed, the lashes silky soft and vulnerable against his cheeks.

“I’m never quite prepared for how sweet you are,” he said.

“Sweet?” She repeated, somewhat disappointed. “I don’t suppose you me