Tunneling my fingers through his hair, I yanked on a silky handful when my belly clenched. "Oh, God, Burke."
Humming against my nipple, he moved his fingers differently, somehow more, and I felt the tightening begin. Thrusting two fingers into my pliant body, he used his thumb on my clit like a man on a mission. Only focused on Burke’s fingers, I managed to let go of everything else and let the warmth wash over me, the heat and fire combining to take me over the edge. Oh, God; I’d just come all over his desk.
It shouldn't be possible for him to make it that good every time.
Nosing his way up to kiss my earlobe, he said, "Better?"
His breath in my ear made me shiver, and he straightened. Looking up at him—smugness etched around his mouth and triumph lighting his eyes—I couldn't deny he'd satisfied me. "Sure."
He helped me stand, then fixed his pants while I put myself back together. Moving to the liquor cabinet, he poured a drink, and I watched him swallow it in one gulp.
"Burke."
"Yes?"
Waiting for him to look at me, I took the glass and set it down before taking his hands. "I want you to have lunch with us."
Brows pulled together, he withdrew his hands from my grasp. "I really have to do damage control, Kinsley. It's not just them right now, and—"
"Fucking me like a stranger every time you feel like it won't make everything okay between us." Turning on my heel and heading to the door, I almost made it out before his words stopped me.
"Kinsley, I know. I'm sorry, but I've told you what it's like."
I let my head drop from the weight I carried on my shoulders. "You've told me plenty of things, and just when I think I can trust you, something more important comes up."
It startled me to feel his hands on me; he'd moved silently. Standing in front of me with his hands resting on my forearms, he looked at my dipped head. "I don't know what you expect, but there are some things that are life and death. Literally."
"Okay."
With his finger, he raised my chin so I had no choice but to look him in the eyes. "Okay?"
"Yes. Okay, nothing more."
"You're unusually brave today, Kinsley."
I sighed. "Maybe I'm sick of being shoved to the side all the time. Maybe I've realized I deserve better than that."
"You do deserve better." He rubbed his thumb up and down my cheek. "You deserve much better than me."
Clenching my jaw before I ended up giving in to those sinful eyes, I reiterated, "Lunch, Burke. With your son."
He dropped his hand. "Fine."
Though my legs shook, I walked away without a backward glance. By the time I reached the stairs, I had to sit on the bottom tread and catch my breath. Tears tried to push their way out, but I swallowed and forced them back. I was sick of crying all the time.
Upstairs, I went into the room that had been mine mere days before and cleaned up in the bathroom. Something about the entire day had me avoiding the bedroom I continued to call Burke's. The bed tempted me, but I wouldn't give in to the yearning for a nap when it was almost lunchtime. Checking on Finn, I found him asleep and made my way to the kitchen.
"Parker, Burke will join us for lunch today."
"Sounds good, Miss Kinsley."
I stretched, feeling a dull ache in my back, probably from my awkward position on the desk. Sitting at the small table by the window, I enjoyed a minute in the warm atmosphere that always existed in the kitchen as long as Parker was there working.
Trying not to monitor the clock, I chatted with Parker about what he planned to make for dinner. I no longer had cravings he fulfilled for me, but he still kept my favorites around.
"Everything is ready, Miss Kinsley."
"Thanks, Parker."
