Erica As soon as we were outside, Antonio grabbed my wrist and tugged me toward the narrow alley behind the restaurant and slammed me against the wall. “Anto—” He didn’t let me finish as he circled my throat with his fingers and tightened his hold before he slammed his lips down against mine. I gasped into his mouth and he took the opportunity to push his tongue past my lips as he ravaged my mouth. The kiss was punishing in its own way and I realised that was how he meant it to be. My bottom lip stung from where it was hurt but I kissed him back with equal fervor. When he pulled back, his thumb pushed down on my racing pulse as he said, “Never and I mean never do that again. I let you use that sassy mouth with me because I enjoy it and hadn’t stopped you in front of Ephraim even, but I