Ro wouldn’t be here forever. I ignored the little sting that gave me. We could enjoy whatever this was between us, then both walk away satisfied. He didn’t stay in one place very long. Didn’t get attached.

And I had more than enough responsibilities and commitments.

“You,” I murmured. “I want you.”

He growled and kissed me again. His mouth was hot against my lips, then trailed down my jaw, igniting shivery sensations everywhere. “All I’ve been thinking about is tasting you again.”

He rose and lifted me into his arms. I grabbed his shoulders, then before I could process, he was carrying me inside. He shouldered through the door to the cabin and slammed it shut behind us.

The next thing I knew, I was lying on that romantic bed. I looked up at him, and the stark desire on his face, and my heart kicked in my chest.

Then his hands were tugging at my pants. He unclipped my radio and tossed it on the rug. Then he tore open the button and zipper, yanked my pants down my legs, followed by my panties. Air locked in my lungs, need twisting in my belly. He shoved my legs apart.

Oh, God. I could barely breathe, I was so turned on.

He pressed one knee to the bed. His hot gaze raked over me. It was like a touch, and I fought the urge to squirm.

Leaning over me, he pressed my hands above my head, pinning them to the covers.

“Don’t move these, Ms. Ashford.” His voice was low, hot. “Look at you.” He moved down my body, fingers shoving my top up to uncover my lace-covered breasts. One hand squeezed my left breast, and I moaned. Then his warm breath puffed over my stomach.

His lips moved over my skin and my body arched.

“So beautiful,” he murmured.

Then his head was between my thighs.

I cried out. He licked me, the heat of his lips and tongue making me jerk. I twisted on the bed covers. “Ro.”

“Keep those hands where I put them,” he growled.

My hands twisted in the covers.

“So sweet. Just like I remember. The sweetest honey.” His hands slid under my ass, squeezing.

I rocked up into his devastating mouth. He sucked on my clit, then shifted to light, teasing licks. I moaned, whimpered, and stared blindly at the gauzy hangings above. Then I felt his fingers between my legs; they slid deep. I arched.

“Ro.” I was so close to coming.

“Fuck.” He sucked me harder, his fingers fucking me. “I’ve wanted so much to hear you say my name while we were doing this.” He lapped at me. “My biggest regret the night of the masquerade was that I didn’t know your name.” He closed his mouth on my clit and need battered me. “Come, Tessa.”