The Highway’s Forbidden Toll - Chapter 9: Chapter 9

The crisp night air sent shivers down my spine, but Connor's blazing warmth soon wrapped around me like a living blanket.
"Gorgeous..." he breathed, his smoldering eyes roaming over my bare skin.
I turned away, cheeks burning, only for his fingers to catch my chin and tilt me back toward him.
"Look at me," he demanded, voice rough. "I want this moment burned into your memory."
A gasp tore from my throat as my nails bit into his shoulders.
"God, stop teasing me," I begged, writhing uselessly in his iron grip.
"Hold still," he growled. "Let me take care of you."
Every touch ignited my nerves, logic dissolving into liquid heat.
"Connor... I—" My voice broke into a whimper as my body arched against him of its own accord.
He nipped at my ear, voice dripping with amusement. "Seems like someone's desperate."
Too flustered to reply, I buried my face in his neck, teeth sinking into my lip. But he only doubled down, driving me wild.
Finally, I shattered. "Please... Connor... I need—"
Only then did that smug smirk curl his lips as he finally, finally gave me what I craved.
A satisfied sigh escaped me as I melted into him completely.
That night, the car became our world—again and again until dawn painted the sky.
Exhausted, I finally dozed off against his chest, only waking when sunlight streamed through the windows.
Connor was behind the wheel, tossing me a water bottle when he noticed me stirring.
"Sleep okay?" he asked, that infuriating grin playing on his lips. "We're almost to Lhasa."
I took a swig, then froze. "Wait—you said I had to pay for this ride."
He arched a brow. "Pretty sure I collected last night."
My face flamed. "You jackass!"
He laughed, ruffling my hair. "Relax, I'll make it up to you. Dinner's on me in Lhasa."
I rolled my eyes. "Like I care about your fancy dinner."
"What do you want then?" he challenged. "That little Tibetan place near Potala Palace? Or the street vendors on Barkhor?"
My jaw dropped. "How did you—?"
His smirk turned unbearably smug. "You think I wasn't listening last night? I remember every word."
A stupid, giddy warmth flooded my chest—not that I'd admit it.
"Uh-huh. I bet you say that to every hitchhiker on the Extraterrestrial Highway."
Without warning, he yanked the car over and turned to me, dead serious. "Only you."
The intensity in his eyes stole my breath.
He leaned in, brushing his lips against mine in a whisper of a kiss. "Be mine."
I stiffened, blindsided.
When I didn't answer, uncertainty flickered across his face. "What? Not feeling it?"
I shook my head. "It's not that... It's just... This is fast."
He chuckled. "And? Some people waste years never really knowing each other. I already get you."
I punched his arm. "You're insufferable—"
He caught my fist, gaze softening. "I mean it. This might be crazy, but you're it for me."
My resistance crumbled. I did like him—it was just terrifying.
"Give me a little time?" I whispered.
He nodded. "Fine. But..."
That devilish grin returned as he closed the distance. "Until you decide, I'm still charging tolls."
Before I could protest, he pinned me against the seat in a kiss that left me dizzy.
Just as I surrendered, a sharp rap on the window jolted us apart.
An elderly Tibetan man stood outside, eyes twinkling with amusement.
Connor rolled down the window as the man spoke. After a brief exchange, he turned to me.
"He says we look good together. Wishes us happiness."
Mortified, I mumbled thanks.
The elder said something else, then pressed a white silk khata into our hands.