When we reach the door to the reception area, Riley pulls me close, then takes my mouth in his. It’s a long, deep, bone-melting kiss, and I press against him, realizing that this is what I’ve been wanting. Craving. And, yes, what I’ve been needing. Not the kiss, but the man. A man I tried to push away, but who was stubborn and pushy enough to—thank God—slide back into my life.

When he finally breaks the kiss, we’re both breathing hard, and I see my desire reflected back at me. He gently zips up the bodice over the clamps, chuckling at my look of confusion.

“I meant to take them off of you earlier,” he said. “To be honest, I was so damn turned on by how responsive you were to my hand on your ass, I completely forgot.”

I bite my lower lip. “Why not just take them off now?” It’s not hurting anymore—more like a pleasurable, intense sensation—but it’s also somewhat awkward under the tight leather bustier.

But he just shakes his head. “Trust me,” he says. And since I do, I remain quiet.

When we reach the car, he tells the driver to return to my house, then raises the privacy screen. “You liked that,” he says, and I know he’s talking about the whole experience. The entire night.

I don’t pretend to misunderstand. “Yes,” I admit.

“Tell me why.”

I consider the question. “Because it felt naughty, and I’ve never really been naughty. And it felt safe, because I knew you were protecting me.”

He gently cups my face. “That’s why I’m here. To protect you.”

I lick my lips, not sure I should say what’s on my mind.

He seems to read my thoughts, though, because all he says is, “Tell me.”

“It’s just that I didn’t mean that you were protecting me from my stalker. I know that’s why we came, but to be honest, I forgot about him most of the time.” I draw in a breath for courage. “I meant that it felt like you were protecting me from the world.”

I look at him from under my lashes, afraid I’ve admitted too much. But I see only pleasure reflected on his face.

“That’s all I’ve ever wanted, Natasha. And it kills me to know that most of the time when you look at me, you don’t feel protected. You feel sad or afraid. I don’t like that seeing me reminds you of all the horrible things that are out there in the world.”

“Riley…” I choke on the emotion that clogs my throat. He’s talking about the night my father died, and he’s right. That’s the burden I’ve forced on him all these years.

But maybe—just maybe—tonight has helped me move past that.