Page 52 of Ruined

Dominic stepped forward. “Why does it bother you so much?”

“’Cause I don’t want to see your body.”

He leaned in, his breath ghosting my cheek. “I guess we’re back to denial.”

My fists clenched. “Nope, I just find it annoying.”

“You’re not annoyed,” he continued, his tone soft but dangerous. “It’s written all over your face. The way you tense up and can’t look me in the eye. You’rerattled.”

My pulse thundered. “Put on a damn shirt.”

“You ruined my shirt.”

“Pick another one. You have thousands.”

He took another step forward, his chest brushing mine. Every inch of his hard body rocked into mine. The asshole knew exactly what he was doing. His body heat sank into me, spreading up my thighs, lengthening my cock. My gaze kept sliding to his mouth. Fuck.

“Why not just admit it?” he whispered.

I blanked. “Admit what?”

“That youwantme.”

I breathed hard. “I don’t.”

He glanced down. “For not wanting me so much, you’re rocking a pretty impressive hard-on.”

“The painkillers make my head all fucked up.”

“I thought you weren’t on those?” he taunted, his head tilted toward mine like he’d kiss me. “But sure, blame the meds.”

My gaze landed on his mouth. Again. How would those lips feel against mine? The possibility hung in the air like a dare. A reckless urge stirred within me. I mean, who’d find out? Dominic had as much to lose by getting caught, but there were no eyes here but his. No judgments but the ones I placed on myself.

I couldn’t drag in enough air. Sweat slicked the back of my neck. His lips hovered close enough to taste. My stomach twisted, nerves tangling with hunger.

I wanted to kiss him.

I wanted to feel his mouth on mine, to taste the defiance in his smirk and see if it burned how I thought it would. My fists curled into the hem of my shirt to keep from touching him.

This was Dominic. A man. I wasn’t supposed to want him, and yet I leaned in. I bit the inside of my cheek hard enough to draw blood, focusing on the sharp sting instead of the ache building in me.

Don’t do it.

“Luca, you keep looking at my mouth like you want a taste.”

His low voice made my pulse hammer in my throat. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. The reckless voice in my head grew louder.

Get it over with.

His hands cupped my cheek. “You’re stuck in that fucked-up head of yours, aren’t you? Liking men isn’t a sin.”

I jerked my head back. “Don’t touch me.”

Dominic stepped closer, caging me against the counter.

“Dom.”

“Just stop fighting it.”