A Forbidden Pleasure...

"Where I come from," Mattie said, "it's considered...uncivilized...to act upon our desires. Instead, we keep them leashed, hidden away."

Sakote pushed up on one elbow and frowned down at her. "And this is civilized?"

She nodded. It truly was silly when you said it aloud.

He broke off the stem of a foxtail, rolling it thoughtfully between his fingers. "So if you have a desire to eat?"

"You pretend you're not hungry at all."

His scowl deepened. He brushed the furry tip of the weed lightly under her nose. "What if you have an itch that needs to be scratched?"

She twitched beneath his teasing touch. "You keep a stiff upper lip."

He tossed the stem aside and let the tip of his finger take over, caressing her mouth with infinite patience, making his tortuous way down her throat, between her breasts, and lower. "And if you wish to feel pleasure?" he murmured.

"You...deny it."

His soft chuckle was as rich and delicious as cream. "I think I do not wish to be civilized."

She smiled on a sigh. "Nor do I," she whispered.