“Alistair,” I said with a loud sigh. Why did I feel as if there was an invisible rope from him to me, binding our souls?
“Are you seeing anyone?” he questioned. His eyes pierced mine while he caressed my cheekbones.
“Yes, there’s someone I see on a casual basis, but it’s not a relationship.”
“What’s his name?”
“Does it matter?”
“I want him out of your life,” Alistair ordered. He released a small chuckle and lifted my chin, murmuring, “Vera, Vera.”
“Her name’s Holly,” I said. “Holly James. A doctor I met at a social event. Petite with sky blue eyes, blonde curls, and pouty lips. I even mentioned her that night we caught up for drinks after your date didn’t work out. Remember?” A smile tugged at my mouth. “Funny thing? The one topic Holly and I clicked on was you. She hears gossip about your family through her friends, who are supposed to be in your circle.”
“Is it serious with her?”
“No. We meet up, and we fuck. That’s it. Is there anything else you want to ask?”
“Have you fucked another man?” Alistair cornered me, his hands stroking down my arms, breath growing heavier.
I stayed silent.
“Vera?” His voice sharpened. “Have you slept with another man?”
“Yes.” The word slipped out, jagged.
“Fuck.” He tipped his head back, jaw tight, raking both hands through his hair.
I fired back. “Have you slept with another woman?”
“Yes.” His five o’clock shadow grazed my cheek as his forehead pressed against mine.
“Was it Erin?”
“No. Just a few one-night stands.”
“Justa few?” A bitter laugh caught in my throat as my fingers curled into the sleeve of his shirt. “You’re changing, Scotty.”
“There’s nothing between Erin and me.” His eyes bore down on me, drilling my soul. “She’s my ex-girlfriend who’s now married to my brother. That’s all she is and all she’ll ever be.”
“Alistair,” My voice thinned, heat racing through me as his scent wrapped around me, dark and familiar.
“Did you miss me?” he murmured, his lips dragging against my neck. “Because I’ve missed you. More than you know.” His body pressed into mine, his grip claiming every curve. “You can’t imagine what it did to me, thinking I’d never see you again. Saying I missed you doesn’t even come close.”
“You’re not good for me,” I whispered, even as my lips burned against his. He swallowed my protest, deepening the kiss, his tongue fierce, hungry, demanding mine. Time blurred, stretching like it wanted us trapped there forever, locked in that desperate, reckless embrace.
Sense clawed its way back. I pulled away, breath ragged, his eyes dark and wild with a desperation that scared me as much as it thrilled me.
“Don’t pull away,” he pleaded. “I’m still crazy about you. Possessively crazy.”
“I’m at work. Brenton’s office is just down the hall, and if he catches us?—”
“Vera, please,” Alistair begged. He pressed his body into mine, groped my ass with one forceful hand, and squeezed my left breast with the other hand. His grip caused ferocious pain, making me yelp.
“Stop.” I raised my hand, signaling him to stop right there. “You’re hurting me.”
“Oh, shit. Shit, I’m sorry, sweetheart. It’s been too long, and I struggle with control.”
“You do not get to touch me that way,”I hissed, recoiling from Alistair. Memories of Ace flooded my head, pounding with the painful recollection of his abusive nature.
