Instead of replying to his intense declaration, I focus my attention on my purse and find my phone. My fragile smile is back in place when I look up at him once again.
“What’s your number?”
His smile is sharp with something like triumph when he takes my phone and enters his number. He connects a call, and his phone vibrates in his pocket.
He has my number now too.
His fingers brush mine as he places my phone back in my waiting hand. The slow slide of his withdrawal is a sensual caress, and my cheeks flush as though he’s swept me up in another scorching kiss.
“I’ll text you,” I promise as my stomach flips. It’s a slightly queasy sensation.
My fingers are itching for my paintbrush. Tumultuous emotions surge within me, making me seasick. I need to purge them at my canvas. Then, maybe I’ll be capable of enduring Dane’s kiss without my trauma ruining the moment.
He offers me a short nod of acknowledgement. “I’m looking forward to it.”
The statement seals my promise; his firm tone brooks no resistance. He’s expecting a message confirming that I’m safe.
His protective instincts soften any irritation I might feel in response to his highhanded manner. I could throw myself into his strong arms and allow him to shield me from all the bad things in the world—including the horrors of my past.
I offer him a quick, slightly awkward wave goodbye and force myself to walk away from him. As I put distance between us, I can practically feel the shadow of his imposing frame lengthening behind me, as reluctant to release me as I am to leave him. It makes my skin prickle with residual awareness of his touch.
I resolutely ignore the unreasonable, thrilling sensation that he’s still with me, even though I know I left him behind in the gallery.
14
DANE
Abigail
Home safe. Thanks for the champagne.
Istare at her perfunctory text and try to ignore the hot churning in my gut. I’m irritated. Frustrated.
Almost irrationallyangry.
My fist tightens around the phone. I refuse to be ruled by thesefeelingsshe brings out in me, even if I do enjoy the novelty.
So, I relax my grip and tap out a reasonable reply.
Dane
Glad to hear it.
There’s no reason for her to thank me for paying. I wanted to, and her resistance was grating.
That irritation pales in comparison to the feelings that are assailing me in the wake of that kiss.
She shuddered and pulled away from me when I’d been experiencing the greatest high of my life. It’d taken all of my considerable willpower to appear genial and understandinginstead of acting on the savage instinct to cage her in my arms and claim her mouth until she softened and submitted.
I crave to unleash myself upon her, but I have to handle her with care. She’ll run screaming if I allow her to see the full truth of what I am. I can be patient. Careful.
I know she secretly fantasizes about the dark things I need to do to her. It’s simply a matter of time for me to earn her trust.
She’s setting her phone down and picking up her paintbrush. But I’m not ready to let her elude me.
I lean farther back into the shadows of my azalea bushes and lower my binoculars so that I can type out another message.
Dane
