Page 52 of Finding Redemption

“You never will, Reese.” My hands run through my hair, pulling it to the ends. I lean over, hoping to clear my head. “I. Can’t. Do. This,” I growl.

Her eyes begin to shimmer. “Why? Because I’m fat? Or is it because I’m not rich enough?” Her voice trembles, and she wraps her arms around herself.

“The fuck? No,” I seethe. Rage builds within me.

“No to what? No, it’s not because you’re fat. Or no, it’s not because you didn’t come from the right side of the tracks.” She wipes a tear rolling down her cheek.

“Don’t blame me for what you don’t like about yourself.”

“Fuck you.” Her eyes narrow.

I step closer to her, leaving no escape. “I’m not who you think I am.”

“Or am I not good enough for you?” She pushes past me. “I’ll never look like that,” she huffs, pointing to the ballroom.

I grab her wrist, pulling her back to me. “What do you want from me?” I breathe into her ear, my teeth gritted.

“You.” Her words burn into me. As her body goes limp, the heat from her body against my chest warms me. “I want you, Walker. I don’t understand it, but I need you like my next breath.”

My hands wrap her arms, and she leans back into me. I push her from me. “You can’t.”

“I do. I don’t know why I’m drawn to you,” she murmurs, pressing into me. “Like a beacon in a storm.”

“Dammit, can’t you understand? I’m the storm,” I snarl into her hair.

She turns in my arms, worrying her bottom lip. She looks at me, her eyes teeming with unshed tears. “You’re the beacon.”

Her words crash over me, like waves onto the shore. “No.” I fight taking her mouth again.

Reese traces my jaw with her hand. “Why am I not enough?”

My chest tightens, and I feel dizzy. She needs to stay away from me. I’m no good for her. I can’t even kiss her without losing control.

“No, Reese. I’m not.” I push her away and step around her.

She grabs my arm, making me hesitate from her pull. “What was this? Why are you acting this way?” I continue to walk away. “You can’t kiss me like that and walk away as if I don’t matter.”

I turn on her, spinning her against the wall. I pin her arms above her head. I run my hand up her thigh. Gripping it, I hitch her leg over my hip and grind into her. Her full breasts heave, making me hard in an instant.

I trail my lips over her jaw, and her nipples pebble in response. I groan from our closeness. I nip her ear, and she moans. I growl. “This. Reese? Is this what you want?” I grind my hips into her pelvis hard.

“Yes, Walker.” Her head lulls. She pushes her hips into mine, and my mouth waters.

“You don’t know what you’re asking for,” I grunt, thrusting into her.

She turns her face to me, her warm breath washing over me. “So tell me.”

I brush her lips with mine just as reality crashes in. “You don’t even know me.” I release my hold on her, pausing while she gets her balance.

“Fine, tell me. Say something. Anything.” Tears brim her eyes as the inability to speak grips me. Reese leans her head against mine, wrapping her hands around my wrists. “Don’t leave.”

I wince, turning my head to the side. “I can’t.”

“Why, Walker?” she demands.

My breath quickens. She breaks me down inside. Trembling, I remove her hands, my mouth going dry. “You’re in love with someone else.” My muscles tighten, and my jaw sets in determination. “Besides, I’m the worst thing for you.”

I release her, walking away from her as fast as my feet will carry me. I throw the doors open with Reese on my heels. Candy stands at the entrance with another man, but I don’t care. I have to show Reese who I am.