CHAPTER 27 - Denied

Lyra As our lips met in a tender kiss, I sensed something was off with Ryan. Our kiss deepened under his insistent coaxing, but there was a hesitation in his touch. That didn't stop our tongues from dancing… exploring…tasting. I curved my arms around his neck, breathing in his scent of eucalyptus and mint. I wanted to show him that I was ready. I wanted to be claimed by him. With a strength that caught him off guard, I pulled him on top of me, feeling the heat of his body through the layers of the comforter. If that weren't a clear message, I didn't know what was. I arched into him with a soft whimper, every nerve ending buzzing with anticipation as I leaned up to capture his mouth with my own. My fingers traced the stubble on his chin, and I loved the prickles against my skin. I pushed all I felt for him into my gaze and said, "Ryan... don't stop." Desire flared in his half-lidded eyes, but there was something else there, too. Doubt? Fear? I wasn't sure. But I knew that I wa