She glared at him. Gave a little sniff. The coughing and choking had stopped now that he had her out in the cool night air and away from the blender. The tears were drying up as well, because he’d gotten her angry.

“Go away, Elijah.”

“It’s not going to happen. I’ll give you the world, baby, but not that. Besides, I have to cover your hands in aloe vera.”

“I don’t want your help. You’re a total jerk. I don’t know what I ever saw in you.”

“That’s not nice, Siena. And you’re always sweet.”

“I was nice, now I’m not because you’re rubbing off on me.”

He leaned down to kiss her. She turned her head away. Something in him tightened. Coiled. Something not nice. Not sweet. Something scary and dangerous and feral. “Baby, fucking kiss me.” All over again, his cock hardened. He had the urge to put his fist in her hair and yank her head down right over it.

“I don’t like you. I’m not going to kiss you when I don’t like you. You were mean when I needed you to be sweet and understanding.”

“You hurt yourself,” he accused. His fingers delved deep into her hair, but he resisted the need to put her mouth on him. “You had no business cutting up those chilies, Siena. None.”

“You knew I was going to cook tonight.”

“Sure, but not that dish. Something easy. Something that didn’t burn the shit out of your hands.”

“How was I supposed to know which would burn and which wouldn’t?”

“Chilies.” He snapped the word knowing this wasn’t her fault. It was his. “I’m going to cut some fresh aloe vera stalks, but before I do, you are going to kiss me.”

“I am not.” She glared at him.

He smiled. A predator’s smile. She blinked rapidly and tried to turn her face away. One hand kept her jaw in place. “Don’t take your hands out of that milk,” he warned, his lips against hers. She tried to turn her head again but he didn’t allow it. Her lips remained stubbornly closed.

He smiled against her mouth, enjoying her defiance, enjoying the effect it had on his body. He was harder than ever. Throbbing. Her defiance wasn’t real. Siena didn’t have it in her to hold a grudge. He’d learned that about her immediately. He’d hurt her feelings, but it wouldn’t take much for her to forgive him. He coaxed her gently, kissing her with tenderness, his teeth tugging at her lower lip. When she still refused, he bit down harder, nipping her until she gasped. His tongue slid in.