The hard planes of his chest pressed against her softer curves. The heat of him seeped through her torn shirt, warming skin that had gone cold with shock and grief. She could feel his heart pounding against her own, could feel the controlled strength in every line of his body, could feel how much he was holding back even as he gave her what she needed.
Dakota's fingers found the buttons of his shirt, fumbling, desperate. She needed to feel skin. Needed to touch him the way he was touching her. Needed....
Kade's hand covered hers, stilling the movement.
He broke the kiss just enough to speak, his voice rough, strained. "Dakota. Wait."
"No." She shook her head, trying to capture his mouth again. "Don't stop. Please don't stop."
"Not stopping." His forehead pressed against hers, their breathing mingled and uneven. "Just... slowing down."
"I don't want slow." Her voice cracked. "I need... I can't..."
