“We need to talk…” I say regretfully, I don’t want to talk, I don’t want to ruin the bubble that I have happily placed us in.
“Yes, we do, but not now. Now you need sleep. When we’re rested, showered, fed and fully awake, then we’ll talk.”
“You’re bossy,” I state.
“I know.”
“Are you al—”
I barely get the words out before his lips are on mine. His lips become more insistent as he pushes deeper and harder until we’re both breathless. He rolls me onto my back so that we’re chest to chest, his lips never leaving mine. His arms are either side of my head and I’m caged in with his body, but he’s careful not to allow his full weight to rest on me. I trail my fingers gently up his back, feeling every ripple. He pulls his lips from mine and lets out a sigh.
“Arianna, we can’t do this tonight.”
“We can’t?” I question.
“I let it go too far in my office, and I’m not going to let it go too far now.”
His words hurt me, an actual physical hurt that I can feel in my heart. It also twists my pride. Stupid girl, he just feels sorry for me. Why would he want me? I’m broken, damaged and probably beyond saving. I push at his chest as I try to roll out from underneath him. His words contradict all his actions…well, maybe they don’t. Perhaps my mind is playing games with me and I’ve allowed myself to see what I’ve wanted to see. Maybe I’m so damn messed up that I can’t see things for what they really are.
“You don’t want me. Ugh, I’m stupid, so stupid.” My voice cracks at the words.
Denham grabs my wrists and pins them above my head, making me gasp. “Just stop and listen to me for a minute before your mind and mouth run away with you.”
I’m panting hard from struggling to push my way out from underneath him. The small amount of light coming in from the window allows me to see his eyes fixed on mine. He’s not hurting me, he’s not even frightening me, as his grip is soft.
“You think I don’t want you? Oh, darlin’ I want you. I intend to cover every inch of you with every inch of me, but I want you to give yourself to me. I want your bodyandyour mind. I won’t be your rebound. I won’t be a snap decision.”
“I…I don’t know what to say…” No one has ever been so open and the honesty in his voice cuts through my panic and runs straight to my heart.
He releases my wrists, but my hands stay there of my own free will. “Don’t say anything, Ari.” He brushes his lips across mine and kisses the tip of my nose, then lies on his side and pulls me back into him so we are as close as we possibly can be. “Go to sleep.”
I’m so tired; physically and emotionally exhausted. The warmth and protectiveness coming from Denham’s body is making me relax and I feel my eyes growing heavy.
“Goodnight, Mr King.”
I smile at the sound of his gentle laugh. “Goodnight, Trouble.”
Chapter 8
When I wake, I’m alone. The bright sunlight is beaming through the window and I get the feeling it isn’t early. I hop out of bed, throwing on Denham’s T-shirt that’s laying over the back of a chair. It smells of him and his aftershave.
I make my way out to the lounge and I don’t have to go very far before I find him in the kitchen making coffee dressed in nothing but a pair of loose fitting, ripped jeans. Holy smokes. It’s the first time I’ve seen his bare skin in the daylight and there’s a lot to look at. His back ripples even when he moves just a fraction and my fingers itch to explore the sensual ridges.
When he turns, I notice he’s on the phone but doesn’t hesitate in holding out his arm for me to come to him. I cross the room, but seat myself on the opposite side of the breakfast bar from him and he frowns at me.
“I’m taking the day off…I know…yes, Jack is going to call if there are any developments…well, do you think you can manage or not? Just because you’re family doesn’t mean I can’t fire your sorry ass…Okay, and Spike? I don’t want tobe bothered unless there is a nuclear threat or the building is burning, understand?”
He hangs up, slides his cell across the countertop and rests his elbows on the bar in front of me.
“Good morning,” he says with a sexy smile and a twinkle in his eye. “Coffee?”
“Yes, please,” I answer, trying to return his warmth in my expression.“Is everything all right?” I need to know for my own peace of mind. “Is there any news about Aaron? Or Spike and Jack?”
“Jack and Spike are fine. Aaron was taken to get checked out as you know. His injuries are nasty but not life threatening. They should be keeping him in for a while though.”
I nod, relieved. “I didn’t know I had slept in, you should have woken me.”
“There was no need to wake you. How do you feel today?”
