Her heart beat double when his hand came to rest on her waist. Then, slowly, he scooted close until their bodies were molded together, her back to his front.
The covers stopped her from knowing if he had his pants on, but there was no denying he was bare-chested. She used to run her hands all over his chest and the dragon tattoo every chance she got.
And she wanted to do it now.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” he whispered.
Kinsey squeezed her eyes closed. Those words hit her squarely in the chest. She wanted to believe him, to take those words and hold them against her heart forever.
But Ryder used to say sweet things like that all the time before he left her.
“Doona ever leave, Kins.”
If he kept this up, she was going to cry. To have the man she was in love with leave unexpectedly, and three years pass with no contact only to have him say everything she’d dreamt he would say was brutal.
And glorious.
This time she knew what was going to happen. This time she understood her place in his world perfectly.
This time, she’d be the one to leave.
She played a dangerous game. She was the lamb and Ryder the lion. He’d shredded her heart and her life effortlessly before. He could do it again.
Warm lips met her shoulder where he placed a light kiss. “Doona be afraid of me. I’ll always protect you.”
Kinsey moved back against him, allowing her shoulder to rub against his bare chest. Heat radiated from him, cocooning her in everything Ryder.
Another kiss was placed on her ear before he tenderly nuzzled her neck. She felt his cock thicken and grow against her back. Her nipples hardened and moisture gathered between her legs.
She knew Ryder well enough to know he’d never take advantage of her when she’d made it clear she didn’t want him. If she was going to have her night in his arms, she was going to have to make the move.
Kinsey covered his hand draped over her waist with hers. Then she turned her head to look at him over her shoulder.
He froze, waiting to hear what she would say or do. Kinsey took his hand and placed it on her breast. They gazed at each other for long seconds.
Then he squeezed her aching nipple through her tank top.
Ryder stared into striking violet eyes, unable to believe that Kinsey wasn’t just awake, but wanting him to touch her.
He ran his thumb over the hard nub of her nipple. Her lips parted and her eyes rolled shut. His cock jumped with yearning. He wanted inside her right that minute, but he pulled himself under control.
Three years had passed since he last held Kinsey. He wasn’t going to rush anything. They had the entire night without interruptions. Hours of nothing but them, the night, and desire.
Ryder rolled the nipple between his fingers, hating the shirt in his way. She rocked back her hips, rubbing against his arousal and causing him to moan.
“I missed that sound,” Kinsey whispered
He moved so he could roll her onto her back. Her lids opened, meeting his gaze. Desire was there, thick and evident. No longer was she trying to hide it or pretending that she didn’t want him.
“What else did you miss?” he asked
She touched his hand and then his face. “This and this.” Then she placed her hand on his chest, right over the dragon head. “This.” She reached down and cupped his rod through his pants. “And this.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant has been praised for her “totally addictive” and “unique and sensual” stories. She’s the author of more than thirty novels spanning multiple genres of romance including the bestselling Dark King stories, Dark Craving, Night’s Awakening, and Dawn’s Desire. Her acclaimed Dark Warrior and Dark Sword series novels feature a thrilling combination of Druids, primeval gods, and immortal Highlanders who are dark, dangerous, and irresistible. She lives with her two children, a dog, and four cats in Texas.
Want to know when Donna’s next book is available? You can sign up for her newsletter at www.DonnaGrant.com, follow her on Twitter @donna_grant, or like her Facebook page at facebook.com/AuthorDonnaGrant. You can sign up for email updates here.
Don’t miss these other spellbinding novels by
DONNA GRANT
The Dark King series
Dark Heat
Darkest Flame
Burning Desire
Hot Blooded
Night’s Blaze
Soul Scorched
Passion Ignites
The Dark Warrior series
Midnight’s Master
Midnight’s Lover
Midnight’s Seduction
Midnight’s Warrior
Midnight’s Kiss
Midnight’s Captive
Midnight’s Temptation
Midnight’s Promise
The Dark Sword series
Dangerous Highlander
Forbidden Highlander
Wicked Highlander
Untamed Highlander
Shadow Highlander
Darkest Highlander
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CONTENTS
Title Page
Copyright Notice
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Epilogue
Smoke and Fire Teaser
About the Author
Also by Donna Grant
Copyright
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
SMOLDERING HUNGER
Copyright © 2016 by Donna Grant.
Excerpt from Smoke and Fire copyright © 2016 by Donna Grant.
Cover illustration by Crystal Ben
Cover Photographs Figure©Art-Of-Photo/IStock.com
Smoke by Shutterstock
All rights reserved.
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eISBN: 978-1-4668-8336-9
St. Martin’s Paperbacks edition / January 2016
St. M
artin’s Paperbacks are published by St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.