Romeo's lips curled into a lazy smirk. He crossed the remaining distance in three strides. Before she could stand or protest further, his hand shot out and wrapped firmly around her slender neck—not choking, but possessive, his cool fingers pressing just enough to make her pulse jump against his palm.
"We have a deal," he murmured, voice low and rough with want.
Sofia rolled her eyes, a mix of irritation and reluctant heat flashing across her face. She opened her mouth to snap something cutting, but Romeo was already moving. With surprising gentleness despite the grip on her throat, he pushed her backward toward the large, flat black rock that served as a natural altar-like platform near the center of the chamber. Her back met the cool, smooth stone with a soft thud. The dress pooled around her hips as he loomed over her.
