Benson immediately pulled out his phone and began texting.
“You going to be able to control yourself, little brother?” Asher asked, nodding toward Cassidy who was now making her way over. Her eyes had softened as they met mine and my chest clenched in response.
“I got this,” I stated, but the lie slipped off my tongue with very little conviction.
***
I’d made good on my promise to keep her close the entire night, even though it had been completely unnecessary. My family all made her feel welcome. She was relaxed, partly due to the two glasses of wine she’d consumed as well. Was it possible she’d gotten prettier since we arrived? I wasn’t sure what it was about her that made my heart twist and my dick twitch.
Even the sound of her laugh had a profound effect on me. I was infatuated with the way the loud rumble erupted from her delicate throat and the effect that it had on everyone around her.
It was infectious. And I could tell by everyone’s knowing gazes being thrown my way that they were just as mesmerized by her as I was. Just being in her presence felt like a gift.
Cassidy tossed her head back, laughing at something Justin had said, the long curve of her neck pleading for my mouth. I’d never paid so much attention to women before. Usually when I slept with a woman, I did it based on how fast I could get her on her back and how easy it would be to walk away after.
Not a doubt in my mind, Cassidy would be the exception.
Fuck, what the hell am I saying?
I was supposed to protect her not fuck her.
I realized then that I had my arm draped over the back of her chair, something I normally wouldn’t think twice about, but now, I wanted to make sure I didn’t send her any mixed signals. I needed to make sure I drew the line between us.
“You’re so fucked,” Benson whispered next to me. “There’s no way you’re going to be able to resist that. No man has that kind of strength.”
“Watch it, asshole. She’s off limits for you too, so don’t get any ideas.”
Benson laughed. “Lucky for you, she’s not my flavor.”
“You have a specific flavor?”
“Depraved.”
“God you’re twisted.”
“Hey, don’t judge, motherfucker. We all have our vice.” He looked at me pointedly, knowing I had my own as well. “Oh, by the way, Jameson got back to me. He’ll be giving you a call soon, so keep your phone handy.”
“Will do.”
After the party ended, Cassidy and I rode the elevator up to our room. I was convinced God was testing me and my restraint to leave us confined to this small space alone. I tried to think of anything else other than the need burning inside of me, but only one thought kept running through my mind.
I’d only booked one room, thinking I would be alone on this trip.
One room.
One bed.
Benson was right, I’m so fucked.
My sister, Reese, had kindly offered for Cassidy to stay with her, but I didn’t feel comfortable letting her out of my sight.
Not for a second.
Or maybe that’s just my pathetic excuse so I can have my way with her.
Need burned deep in my chest. The flame that had been lit long ago burning out of control with every subtle lick of those fucking lips.
I wondered what those lips tasted like.
