Chapter 30: Just One More Taste

Dante's finger hovers in the space between us, that bit of buttercream waiting for my tongue.

I can't believe that I'm arguing with him about this. He's supposed to be the serious one. Not the one tempting me into breaking the rules. And though he's right that these particular bits of cake and frosting will never be served to the public, I still find myself resisting. Especially since he's holding his hand out as if he expects me to lick his finger.

But I can tell by the look on his face that he's testing me. Teasing me. And I'm not exactly the sort of girl who backs down from a challenge.

Okay. I'll play.

Rather than dip my head and lick the frosting right off his skin, I use my own finger to scoop off a bit of the buttercream and bring it to my lips.

"There," I say after it melts on my tongue. "I've licked my finger. Are you happy now?"

"Not nearly." He grabs my hand and lifts it up. "You've left a good bit of frosting on your skin."