"You want to tell me where the hell we're going? Or why you told me to wear something comfortable?"

Sera slid Dylan a glance as she maneuvered his Charger through traffic. The thing had a lot more power than her Mini Cooper. "First of all, it's a surprise. But it's nothing dangerous or death-defying and I won't be putting myself in harm’s way. And besides, I don't know what's going on with you the last two days. But thought this might cheer you up."

He narrowed his gaze and a hot flush of heat crept up her neck. He probably had zero idea of what he was doing to her with that look. She cleared her throat.

"I don't need cheering up. And if it's not dangerous, then why don't you go ahead and tell me, Serafina?"

She shivered at the full use of her name. "Oh no you don't. You will not get away with your evil machinations and sexual prowess. Not this time. You'll see when we get there."

"Fine." He crossed his arms and stared sulkily out the passenger-side window.

"Oh, don't be like that. Haven't you ever had a surprise that you enjoyed?"

"Sure, but I've rarely ever been surprised."

She sputtered a laugh. "You're kidding. You must have had a birthday or two?"

He shook his head, completely stoic.

"Anniversary?"

"Nope."

"Christmas?"

He smiled. "You don't know the Donovan kids."

Sera sighed. "Oh my God, you were totally that family that had to find out what all the gifts were?"

"I was the ringleader. I've been studying human behavior since I was a kid. I've always hated surprises. For a while there, with my mother, it meant something bad. Then eventually the word meant I was getting a new sibling, so that was good. I got good at reading people. "

"Well, challenge accepted."

His grin flashed and the butterflies in her belly danced in a flurry of activity. "And now that you've thrown down the gauntlet, I'll have to up my game."

She rolled her eyes. "Why can't you just let it happen? If you fight it, you take away half the fun."

"So you're telling me you never snooped on a present," he asked, shrewd eyes assessing her.

"Don't be ridiculous. Of course I did. But man, Malcolm was really good at red herrings, then surprising me with the real thing. And every time I enjoyed it." She took the Washington Street exit off the 5 Freeway.

"What's in Little Italy?"

Sera fought a smile. "For the love of all that is holy, Donovan. Chillax, would you? I got this. Let it happen. It might be uncomfortable, but you might have fun in the end."

He may have narrowed his eyes at her again, but she was certain she saw his lips twitch. Aha, she was bringing him over to the dark side. They pulled up to the studio and he frowned. "What's Culture Shock?"

He really was impossible. She'd have to make note of that for Christmas. Why? He won't be here. She fought the thought with a shake of her head. No, he wouldn't be, but they could have fun now. "Who says that's where we're going?"

"Well, we're not dressed for Bikram's Yoga, and this is out of your way for Hamal's Juice shop since there’s one right in your neighborhood."

"Would you just come on already?" She dragged him up the back staircase to the second floor and into the studios of Culture Shock Dance.

The moment they entered, he faltered, causing the person behind him to bump into him. "Are you serious right now?"

She grinned. "Yeah. When Jezzie was here, she mentioned that your mom made sure all of you took dance lessons. I figure she meant ballroom or something, but I thought we could take a beginning hip-hop class for fun.”

He blinked at her for several long minutes and she shifted on her feet. "Okay, maybe this was a bad idea. I know we're not—I mean, that this isn't—" She sighed. "Okay, maybe we can just go, grab dinner. At least this way you don't have to co—"

He cut her of with a hug so enthusiastic she worried breathing might be a thing of the past. He held on to her for so long people started to hoot and holler. Before he released her, he whispered into her hair, "God, you're fucking awesome."

"So you're okay with this?"

His grin was wide and impish and made him look more his age of twenty-six. "Absolutely. I haven't danced in a million years."

"Great. I got us the beginning class to start us easy."

"Not a problem."

Hell, if she'd known he would be so amenable, she'd have suggested this to loosen him up weeks ago. Once she signed them in and picked a spot in the glass-lined studio, he was as giddy as a teenager. He teased her and they laughed and for just a moment, it all felt real. Too real. Like if he could really be hers, then these were the kinds of things they'd do together. Go to dance classes, have fun. But it's not real, is it. You're pretending and it'll soon be over. She knew what this was, and Dylan was just what she needed for now. The only problem was, he was starting to leave an indelible mark on her heart.

Thankfully her brain was at the helm. Have some fun. Walk away unscathed. Do not get attached. But as they stood and started to stretch, even she recognized the lie for what it was. She was falling for him hard.

She'd always said she didn't want anyone dark, anyone that was going to pull her into that world of politics and danger. But here she was and a part of her was unwilling to let him go. But you have to. In a few weeks she'd have to put on her big-girl panties and say goodbye. The real question was could she?

When the music started, she let the thumping bass beat of Nicki Minaj take over her body. She always felt so loose when she danced. Like anything could be solved by letting her body take over her mind. The class was a beginner’s class, but the choreography was a little quicker than she'd prepared for. Either way she kept up. She'd been coming to the studio for years.

The real surprise was Dylan. She'd expected him to find the rhythm. What she hadn't expect was for him to find the pocket, as their choreographer said. Every move was effortless. Hard-hitting where it needed to be. Fluid and lyrical when it smoothed out. He was more than just good.

Dylan Donovan was a ringer. When they took a water break she raised her eyebrows and gestured toward him and the middle of the dance floor. "You want to explain what I just saw in here?"

"What? You mean you not bringing your a-game and me mopping up the floor with you?"

"Trash talk? This is what I get from the man who was less than enthused to get a surprise in the first place?"

Laughing he asked. "I guess Jezzie didn't mention I used to break when I was a kid?"

Her brows shot up. "As in break dance?"

He nodded. "Yeah, B-boy competitions and stuff. Went to the World Hip Hop International two years in a row."

"Yeah, Jezzie didn't mention that."

He grinned. "And next time you want to surprise me? Don't leave the class stubs on the kitchen counter."

Fury bubbled behind her laugh. "You fucking knew?"

"I told you I was hard to surprise."

"You're a dead man."

"How about you channel some of this anger you're feeling onto the dance floor."

"You know, I've been taking it easy on you. I'm bringing it now."

"Princess, I can't wait to see what you've got."

Oh she'd show him, all right.

* * *

An hour later, as Dylan drove back to her house, Sera turned to glare at him. "I still can't believe you were a B-boy. And that you knew. I mean come on!"

Dylan laughed as he pulled the car into her gate. "If it makes you feel better, I didn't know it was for today, okay?"

"No. I do not feel better." She smacked him and fought a smile.

"Come on." He grinned. "I promise I'll make it up to you." His smile was completely carefree and relaxed.

He was a completely different person from the guy who'd tossed her over his shoulder weeks ago. She liked this version much better.

* * *

Dylan pulled Sera in for a kiss, lingering on her lips and sucking on her bottom lip. Butterflies fluttered in her belly. When he pulled back, he smiled. "Feeling better?”

"I think you should be a professional distractor." She cocked her head. "But I’m still mad. Maybe you could try harder to make me forget."

"I’m up for this challenge. I think I can do this. But first I want to ask you something."

"Mmm, your wish is my command."

"Thank you genie, but I wanted to ask you to come with me for a couple of days to Vegas. Maybe after your event?"

She frowned. "What's in Vegas?"

"My birth mother."

She wasn't prepared for the unexpected well of emotion. She knew how important this was to him. "I'd love to."

Dylan kissed her again and she felt every ounce of emotion he poured into the kiss. He ran his tongue across the seam of her lip before delving deeper. When she parted her lips on a sigh, he wasted no time taking advantage and coaxing her tongue into playing with his.

With a low, frustrated growl, he pulled her toward him. She followed as best she could, but the armrest and the gearshift were in her way. Panting, she pulled back. "God. Dylan. We should—"

But he didn't let her talk, instead whispered against her lips with a chuckle, "Just ‘God’ will do. And we're not going inside that house until all trace of anything other than fun and excitement is wiped from your memory." He tugged her over trying to have her straddle him.

"Dylan." She gasped. "We should go inside."

"Mmm. We will. I just need to touch you for a minute. Take some of the edge off. You have no idea how sexy you are in that tiny top and baggy sweats."

Her breathing hitched. "I thought we already took the edge off this morning and this afternoon."

Dylan nuzzled her neck and inhaled. "I think maybe this edge isn't going to wear off that easily. Besides, I'm being spontaneous." When he used his teeth to graze her skin, she threw her head back, relishing the tease of pain, knowing he wouldn't really hurt her.

He reached to the side and reclined his seat a little. And shifted her so they were a little more comfortable.

Dylan's hands skimmed up her thighs until he found her slick center and he groaned, "Sera, you're wet."

As his thumbs traced over her clit, he sucked at the skin on her neck. "I love how you fucking respond to me. You're wet without much effort. Just like that, you're ready. So hot."

She needed more of him, she needed him naked underneath her. They'd teased too much. Gotten too close. She needed this. Needed to be with him. She couldn't wait anymore. Tugging at his t-shirt, she managed to get it over his head. A tearing sound echoed in the silence.

Dylan didn't seem to notice or care; he was too busy licking at her skin and driving her insane with his thumbs as they teased her clit, making her even wetter. "Dylan… Please… I…"

He trailed kisses to the exposed tops of her breast and suckled gently. "All night, I've been watching you dance, thinking of sucking on your skin…especially these hard nipples. I keep thinking if I looked hard enough, I'd see the outline, but you teased me just enough to drive me crazy."

"I just want—" He tugged down the fabric and wrapped his lips around her nipple and all brain function ceased as he sucked on her. Yes. It was like he had a direct line to her womb, making it contract in needy, desperate tugs.

When he released her, he leaned back and shut his eyes tight. "Fuck, I need to get you inside. I'm not going to fuck you inside the car."

And just when he was beginning to embrace the spontaneity. Sera rocked herself along the thick ridge of his erection. "Is that kind of like how you weren't going to let me give you a blow job inside your office? Because I like how you resisted that idea too."

He gripped her tight, like he was fighting the need. "You're a very bad girl, you know that?"

"Does that mean you're going to spank me?"

His lashes fluttered and his icy blue gaze met hers. The heat and desperation she saw in them made her shiver. He needed her as much as she needed him, he wanted this. Wanted her. Sera rolled her hips back giving herself access to his pants.

She tugged his zipper down with aching slowness. And he watched her hands intently as she tugged. When she reached inside his pants, his hips bucked. "Fuck, Sera. I just—"

"Hmmm?" she asked as she eased him out. The full length of him pulsed in her hand as she pumped up and down.

"Fuck, Sera. You're fucking killing me. I can't—"

She released him immediately, but leaned forward to kiss him. "I know. It's too much. What I'm feeling, I can't describe it. It's like I might actually die if I can't touch you."

Between them, his cock jerked and pulsed. She kissed him lightly on the lips before using her hips then sliding her slick center over the length of him.

His hands dug into her hips and he stopped her movements. "Holy fuck. Don't fucking move," he whispered.

Her breathing was shallow and choppy as she tried to hold still, but the lust rolled through her with every pulse of his hands.

With a deep growl, he slid his hands down her bare back and over the curve of her ass.

"Dylan. I can't wait. Just—"

With a series of contortions, they managed to get her sweats off. Dylan gritted his teeth together as she rocked her hips into him. "Oh God. I want you so bad, but I don't have any condoms in the car. That's why I said we should go inside."

Sera stilled. She'd been tested after the whole Aaron situation. And she'd stayed on the pill out of habit. "I'm on the pill."

Dylan's hands tightened on her hips. "Jesus, Sera. Don't tell me that. I have zero fucking control right now."

Sera levered herself up on her knees and hovered over his pulsing erection. "What do you want, Dylan?"

With one hand, he gripped himself and rubbed the head of his cock over her. Sera thought she was going to lose her mind with his teasing.

"I want to possess you the same way you're possessing me." In one upward stroke, he filled her deep. Sera gasped, her synapses shorting out.

"Dylan." With both hands on her ass, he rocked her back and forth, whispering dirty words in her ears. With every movement, she pushed herself on her knees. They rocked together in time and she knew she was close. So close. All she needed was—

"Sera?"

Mentally reaching for bliss, she blinked and met his ice-blue gaze. "Yeah?"

"You're the best surprise I've ever had." Cupping her face with one hand he drew her in for a kiss. With his other hand, he reached between them. One stroke of his thumb and she flew, the pleasure starting in her toes and rocketing up her spine before exploding.

When she fell back against the steering wheel, Dylan held on to her hips tight. Each deep thrust sending another explosive wave of pleasure through her. His jaw tight, he kept his gaze fixed on hers.

One, two, three strokes, and Sera was flying again. With a harsh grin, Dylan threw his head back with a long, drawn-out groan, his erection pulsing inside her as he let go.

* * *

Sera fumbled with the house key and shivered as Dylan kissed her neck. "Do you think we can make it into the house this time?" She laughed.

He groaned low. "It's not my fault you're that sexy. Maybe you could do something about it. Give a poor guy a break. After what we just did, I should be out cold." He pressed his hips to hers, and the length of his erection throbbed against her ass.

"Seriously, Dylan, what kind of vitamins are you on?"

At this rate, if they kept this up, she'd be sore for weeks after he was gone. No, don't think about him leaving, just enjoy him now.

He took her keys from her and reached for the lock. It turned easily. Too easily. As if they hadn't locked it before leaving that morning. His body went on full alert and he pulled her behind him. "Call the police, Sera."

"Wait? Why, what's going on?" She leaned over to get a good look at the alarm panel.

"The door is not locked." She leaned over to get a good look at the alarm panel. “It's not armed either."

Dread settled in her spine. Was this one of the Cochrans? Or just a run-of-the-mill burglar? But if it were a burglar, then the alarm would've gone off. Nobody but Taj and Ava had the code. Unless she hadn't set the code.

She frowned as she tried to visualize setting it before they left this morning. It was such a habit that she couldn't remember doing it today. Did he think she'd forgotten?

When she didn't move quickly enough, he took out his phone and made the call. While they waited, he led her out the front gate into the street. "I doubt anyone is still in there, but I prefer you out here where it's marginally safer." He didn't meet her gaze. Instead he stared off into the distance, his eyes darting backwards and forward, checking every person, every vehicle.

The silence between them was tense. She couldn't believe this was the same man she just made love with in the car. It was like he'd taken that Dylan and locked him in a box.

"Dylan, this might be my fault. I can't see myself setting the alarm this morning."

His gaze shifted to her and he frowned. “You think you left it unlocked?"

She shrugged and shook her head. "I'm saying I can't be sure. I can't visualize myself physically setting it today. It's so automatic for me now." She didn't want to see that frustrated disapproval on his face. "Look, I know I'm not always super careful, and I can be a little spontaneous and impetuous, but I don't screw around with my safety like that. I always lock my door, I feel like I always set the alarm, but maybe I didn't. Maybe today I was more concerned about keeping the tickets secret. Maybe I was more focused on surprising you at work. I don't know, I could've forgotten to set it."

He reached her and pulled her close with his hand he caressed her cheek and tipped her head up to meet his gaze. "You set the alarm, Sera."

"You can't be sure. You didn't do it yourself. I might have forgotten. It's a possibility."

He inhaled deep, then exhaled slowly. She saw the first cruiser coming down the street as he spoke into her ear, "You need to trust yourself. This is a little thing. But I trust in you. Every morning, I do a diagnostics check of the house. I checked that the system was still running, that there have been no breaches. You didn't do this."

Sera hadn't known she'd been holding her breath until he spoke. He trusted in her. He wasn't going to blame her for this.

It might have been such a little thing to him, trusting in her, but in that moment, she fell in love with him.