But they weren’t clients.
They also hadn’t been raped a week prior.
They weren’t—my thoughts are interrupted by her leaning up and ever-so-softly pressing her lips to mine. And they’re even sweeter than I imagined they would be. Her breath is warm against my mouth, and it takes strength I didn’t know I possessed not to capture her lips and ravage her mouth.
Her touch is light but my body comes alive in a way it hasn’t in a long time. I’ve been in a bit of a sexual drought simply because of how busy I’ve been, but this isn’t the time or the person to do that with.
I can’t be selfish, no matter how good it feels.
“Honey, I don’t think—” I begin.
“Shh.” She cuts me off, her voice a whisper against my mouth, letting her lips linger.
Damn but she’s sweet.
For a few seconds, I allow myself to get lost in her closeness but I know we have to stop.
Before things go too far.
No matter what my traitorous body thinks, my brain is slowly bringing me back to my senses. I can’t in good conscience let her seduce me. Under any other circumstances, I’d be all in. But not now.
“Allora.” I gently pull away, eyes never leaving hers. “You know this isn’t a good idea.”
“Says who?” She cocks her head slightly, watching me intently.
“For one thing, it’s company policy.” That’s a bald-faced lie, but I don’t want her to feel rejected. “And for another, it’s only been a week since your kidnapping.”
“There’s a time limit on how I choose to heal?” she asks, a touch of annoyance in her voice.
Ugh.
I’m almost positive I’m doing the right thing, but it sure doesn’t feel like it.
“I don’t know if it’s black and white but probably, yes.”
She sits back abruptly, pulling her knees to her chest and dropping her gaze. “It’s fine. I understand. I shouldn’t have kissed you. I apologize.”
Jesus. The last thing she needs to do isapologize. I’m the one who should be apologizing. I just don’t know for what. For doing what I believe is right? For not taking advantage of someone vulnerable? For pretending that it’s not allowed even though there’s no such rule at Shadow Security?
“You don’t have to apologize. You had a bad dream and were feeling lonely. I understand.”
She stares at me for a beat, like she wants to protest but then just looks away. “I’m also sorry I bothered you.”
“It’s not a bother.” Slowly, I get to my feet. “But if you’re okay now, I’ll let you rest.”
“Thanks.” Her tone is dismissive and while part of me wants to stay, talk to her a little longer, smooth things over, it’s probably smarter if I don’t.
I’m not sure I can resist her if she tries again, and the longer we’re together the more attracted I am.
I close the bedroom door quietly behind me and then stand there, listening. I’m not sure what I think I’m going to hear, but for some reason, I’m rooted to the spot.
Waiting.
Hoping...she gives me a reason to go back inside?
But there’s nothing.
No sound at all, like she’s holding her breath on the other side of the door waiting for me to go away.
