Chapter 55

XAVIER'S POV I saw the flicker of her surprise when I leaned in-my face just a few inches from hers. The catch of her breath was almost audible; the slight parting of the lips, an invitation-but not one I sealed. Instead, I let my lips merely graze along the tender bend of her cheek, the touch light as a feather, enough to tease and never enough to satisfy. She went stiff. She looked so priceless, the way her eyes widened, the way she swallowed as if to compose herself, was just so easy. "Relax, baby," I murmured against her skin. That did it. Kimberly jerked back, color flooding her cheeks. "D-Don't call me that!" I chuckled, slow and deliberate, enjoying the way she glared at me. "Why not? It suits you." She crossed her arms, refusing to meet my gaze. "It doesn't." I cocked my head to the side, faking profundity. "Hmm. Is there anything else you'd like? Sweetheart? Honey? Darling?" "Stop." She sounded so angry, but it only seemed to egg me on. "Kitten, perhaps?" She whirled on me. "D