He lifted one shoulder. ‘They don’t confide in me. We’re not close.’
Greer’s sputter of laughter made his own mouth tug up in a rueful smile. ‘That’s an understatement!’ Then her expression sobered. ‘It’s hard to take in.’
‘You can understand why I don’t discuss it. Even as a child I knew we weren’tnormal.’
Her hand closed, warm around his. ‘You shouldn’t lump yourself with your family. You’re not like them.’
Thank God she thought so! Since she’d pushed him away he’d begun to wonder if she saw the ugliness he’d tried so hardnotto let grow inside him. He strivednotto be like his old man but sometimes, when he was strategising his next commercial move, focused totally on winning, he wondered.
Was it any wonder he hadn’t shared this with Greer?
‘Jason’s trying to stymie your business deals here?’
‘Or somehow cut me out and take my place.’ Conall saw her dismay and curled his hands around hers. ‘It’s okay, Greer. Lee might have invited him to the party but he wouldn’t work with him. Jason doesn’t have what it takes. He’s not me.’
Her eyes danced. ‘I’ve always liked your confidence.’
He was confident all right, when it came to sealing a profitable deal.
But you haven’t been so successful in your personal life, have you?
Greer hadn’t jumped at the chance to marry him. And instead of turning to him when tragedy struck, she’d left him. He’d never felt so alone. Even now their marriage didn’t feel secure. They teetered between needing each other and treating each other like strangers.
No more.
They had so much to discuss, but at least they’d begun talking. Greer had listened and not turned away from the ugliness he’d kept to himself so long. He hadn’t shared that because he felt it tainted him.
‘Is thatwhat you like about me?’ He leaned close, letting his intent show. He lifted her hand and peppered it with kisses.
‘Not all.’ Her eyes darkened. ‘No one kisses like you.’
Thatwas better.
Conall kissed his way up her arm, pausing at that sensitive spot in her elbow, making her squirm and sigh. Goosebumps prickled her skin as he reached her shoulder and grazed her flesh with his teeth. She shivered in response.
He put his hands on her knees, pushing her dress higher. Her thighs were warm and smooth. ‘Just my kisses?’ He nuzzled his way across her collarbone.
Greer’s head fell back as he kissed her throat then worked his way to her ear.
‘What else do you like?’
She cradled his head, pulling him closer, her tender need a balm to his wounded soul. A flush warmed her features and her slumbrous expression made his rising erection heavy.
‘Everything. With you.’
Not breaking her hold, he levered himself off the sofa enough to swing her legs along it then settle over her, in the process shoving her skirt to her hips. He found damp silk between her thighs and pressed the heel of his hand there. Her hips rose, pelvis twisting against his touch.
His pulse catapulted higher. ‘Tell me what you like, Greer. What you want.’
‘You, hard inside me until I can’t feel anything else.’
Her words unleashed everything he tried to hold back in one sudden, searing blast. She didn’t stop there, holding his gaze as she breathlessly described how she wanted him to take her the first time, and the second. And what she wanted to do to him.
Conall couldn’t remember pulling back but found himself kneeling astride her, fumbling at the fastening of his trousers, simultaneously yanking his wallet from the pocket, scrabbling for a condom.
‘Undo your dress.’
His voice was so ragged as to be almost incoherent. But she reached behind her as he shoved his trousers down. He was rolling on the condom as Greer pulled her arms free of the dress and shoved it down to her waist.
