Chapter 7

“So, you’re just here to get me home safely?” She asked.

“Yes.” His nose wiggled.

She edged back. “That’s a lie.”

He fisted his hands at his sides. “There was another reason, but a very small one.”

“What?”

He ran his fingers through his hair and then pierced her with his gaze. “I wanted to touch you.”

Had it been any other situation, she might have jumped back and run into the diner, but something about him made Camille feel safe. Maddox could’ve lied and done many things if he meant her harm. He was so much bigger than her.

But here he stood, big and towering and as nervous as a schoolboy talking to a girl for the first time.

She whispered, “Touch me?”

“Just your hand or arm or one of those beautiful cheeks.” He breathed her in. “I hadn’t figured out how I was going to touch you tonight. Maybe, I’d brush against the palm of your hand as you walked on my side, telling me about your day.”

Instantly, heat went to her palm. She bit her bottom lip, relishing in the odd, yet erotic sensation.

He continued, “Then, I wondered. . .maybe that silky black hair. . . Maybe it will fall in front of your face like it did earlier today in the diner. Maybe this time, I would get up the nerve to gently move it away, slipping my fingertips along your cheek."

Warmth went to her face flushing it.

He licked his lips. “Such an innocent touch. Nothing more. Nothing less.”

“That’s it? Just one touch?”

“Yes.” He closed the distance between us. They were only an inch away from each other. “Just one touch.”

It was insane how fast desire rushed through her. With just his presence, Maddox made her yearn—made me crave for something more than physical touch.

“Can I?” His voice went dark with lust. “Please, Imani. Just one touch.”

Heat pooled between her thighs.

Nervous but filling with hunger, Camille asked, “Where do you want to touch me?”

He surprised me with his response, “Hold out your hand.”

She reached out and joined her palm to his. As soon as their hands met, an electric shock jolted up her arm. She swallowed hard, her heartbeat doubling in rhythm as she moved her hand away.

A growling sound came from his chest.

Camille inched back, unsure of what was going on. “Did you feel that?”

“I did.” Maddox walked toward her. The diner’s back door stopped her from going back farther.

“Do you have any idea what kind of effect you’re having on me?”

Her back was pressed to the door now, and he was so close. His warm breath slipped against her skin, delivering shivers through her whole body. She didn’t know what was coming over her. She felt drunk, intoxicated. But she hasn’t drunk any alcohol in weeks.

Camille whispered, “You have an effect on me too.”

“Show me again.” He held out his hand.

For the second time, She pressed her palm against his. Fire roared between us. She cried out, “Oh my God.”

“Damn you. I want you so bad.” He raised her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss onto her fingers. “This has never happened to me before.”

“Me either.” Camille could barely stand on her two feet. If he’d offered to carry her home, she would’ve let him with no protest. “What’s happening to me?”

He didn’t stop holding her hand as he kept it close to his lips. There was a strong connection between them, although she couldn’t explain why or even how. The sensation was intense and thick as if an invisible person had placed a magical rope around their hands and tied them together.

He kissed her hand again.

Unable to stop herself, she moaned in pleasure.

“Damn you,” he whispered.

“Why does it feel so good?”

With his lips hot against her skin, he whispered, “Are you only human?”

The question broke the magical spell between them. It was so odd. What else could one be but human?

Shit! He’s crazy. She was getting turned on by a crazy person.

Shocked, Camille yanked her hand away. “What do you mean am I only human?”

His gaze followed her hand’s departure.

“Oh my God.” She shook her head. “This is crazy. I don’t even know you, and I’m letting you—”

“No.” He targeted her with an intense gaze.

“What?”

“You’re not crazy, and I won’t hurt you. I’ll always keep you safe.” Not one sliver of doubt dotted his words. And this time, his nose didn’t wiggle. “I want to touch you again. . .just your hand. . .unless. . .”

“No.” Her heartbeat picked up. “It’s too intense when you touch me. And I don’t know why.”

“Then, maybe we shouldn’t touch.” He licked his lips. “With another touch, I don’t know if I could control myself.”

Camille's heart hammered in her chest, but this time it wasn’t in fear. It was in anticipation of seeing his reaction when he touched me. A hunger pooled liquid warmth between her thighs.

How can he make her so wet when all he did was kiss her hand?

Maddox inhaled the air and groaned as if he could smell her arousal. And right before her, his eyes changed color. From brown to gold like there was light illuminating behind the irises. It was so golden, magical and bright. Those eyes blazed, so captivating, but so unnatural and scaring the crap out of her.

She screamed in shock about what she had just seen.