Page 102 of The Savior

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

They left the bagel shop and planned to meet in the Nymans’ neighborhood. Chance drove separately, and Liam stayed in step with Chelsea.

Concern needled him.What did she sense that I didn’t? What did I miss?Unsettled, he took her hand. Their fingers tangled, but Chelsea eased her hand away then glanced around.

Anxiety spiked. Why didn’t he sense a possible threat like she did? “What are you looking for?”

But the nervous glances were different from the bagel shop. Insecurity stiffened her shoulders, and her rigid walked seemed disjointed. “Maybe we shouldn’t.”

“Shouldn’t what?”

“Hold hands,” she said under her breath.

Possessiveness made his molars clench, and he stopped abruptly. “I can make you come in a bed but not touch you now? What kind of shit is that?”

Her eyes widened and her cheeks turned red. “I don’t know—” She wouldn’t meet his glower. “What if someone sees us and wonders—”

“I touched your hand, Chelsea. I didn’t label you a harlot.”

Her chin snapped up. “Exactly! That’s my point.”

“What is?”

“Someone could see us.”

He threw his arms out. “Anyone can see us. We’re not fucking invisible.”

Shame and confusion shimmered in her eyes.

Screw those two guilt-baiting feelings. “We talked about this. Us.”

She averted her gaze. “I know.”

“But…?” He blanked, not understanding the rules or her perception, then decided to lay on the heavy truth. “Want to know something, Chelsea?”

She backed up. “Not sure that I do.”

“Oh, you do, babe.”

“Don’t say anything you’ll regret.”

Liam could’ve laughed, but he prowled closer until her back met a brick wall. “I’m crazy about you.”

“Does that mean you have to make a scene?”

“Are you listening to anything that I’ve said?” He bent close as though he might kiss her. “I want your hand in mine as much as I want you naked in my bed.”

“I don’t think we’re supposed to—”

“Supposed to what?”

“Touch,” she suggested.

“Sunshine, I have touched you in ways that make my dick jump. I think I can manage holding your hand.”

Her eyes widened again. “But is it the right thing to do?”

They’d already hammered this out! Hadn’t they? He saw everything clearly. Or, at least, how he felt about her. Why couldn’t she hang onto that instead of doubt? Liam towered over her then realized they could talk until they’d both turned blue. She had to see for herself. “If you want to find out, grab hold, and let’s figure this shit out.”

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