[Touched By You 09] • Fierce Possession

Tanner is more possessive and demanding. Crossing the line, he marries Natalie, but his inner demons resurface. Can he deal with it? Can Natalie?

Excerpt:

The Ritz-Carlton in Manhattan overlooked Central Park. The lobby, richly decorated in deep browns and orange, with mustard-colored walls, faded to the background. Natalie only had eyes for Tanner. He placed his hand at her waist and guided her up to their suite, hardly noticing the bell cap bringing their overnight bags, or even Andre, their friend and bodyguard, following discreetly.

The warmth of Tanner’s body pressed against her; the pressure of his hand at the top of her hip felt so right. Natalie was where she wanted to be. Anticipation unsettled her as the elevator slipped upward, her heart beating just a little faster at what was to come.

Entering, Natalie saw huge bouquets of red and white roses. “Tanner, they are so lovely.”

“I know how you like flowers, baby. And this is your wedding night.”

There was that look on his face again, just for an instant, then gone. Natalie thought she knew him so well, but in many ways he was still a mystery. She watched him walk over to a bucket of ice and lift out a bottle of champagne. It was just like Tanner to think of everything. He could be so romantic.

Deftly, he popped the cork, and poured some of the special champagne into their glasses. It was the same delicious brand they’d shared at the wedding. Tanner held a glass out to her, and she took it, touching his hand in the process. He didn’t release the glass right away, allowing her hand to stay where it was, over his.

Looking into his beautiful blue eyes, Natalie saw the potent lust he so carefully held back. The rigidness of his jaw, the tautness of his body, told her that Tanner was ready to explode. Standing there, looking into his piercing gaze, her cheeks warmed.

“To my ravishing wife, the loveliest bride I’ve ever seen.” Tanner clinked his glass against hers, making a single high-pitched note.

Natalie was sure she blushed—not from his compliment, but from his piercing look. His eyes, so blue, were filled with lust. The intensity made her weak, and she wouldn’t have been surprised if Tanner had ripped her clothes off right then.