Page 15 of Razor's Property

“You can’t do that.” I smack his arm. “I don’t want your money.” With money comes strings, and now I owe him. Which means I’m tied to him. Which means I have to face these feelings every day until I can pay him back.

“I can and I did. I wanted to help, and if you’re worried about the money, don’t be. I’ve got more than enough. But if you want to dance for me, I sure as hell won’t stop you.”

His teasing smile is infuriating. And so is the fact that he did that.

“No! No, no, no. Take it back! Call them up and take it back.”

“I’m not taking anything back, Kens. Why the hell are you so upset?”

“Because.” I scoot back, standing back up. “Now, you’re going to expect me to have sex with you. Now, I owe you.” I’ll be in debt to him for an eternity based on what he paid.

He stands, getting right in my face. “You don’t owe me jack shit. And I didn’t do it to get into your pants. I did it because I love you.”

My knees wobble, causing me to sway forward. I didn’t know what hearing those words again would do to me. They have a resounding impact, making my pulse race, swarming me with butterflies. This is what I was worried about. What I was trying to avoid.

He steps forward, his hands reaching out and gripping my waist, and I let him, needing his support to hold me steady. “I would never try to bribe my way into your pussy, babe. You want me to prove it? I’ll keep my hands to myself. My only motive is because I care. I want to look out for my girl. Prove that it’s safe for you to trust me. If I can lighten the load, make things easier for you, I will. And all I’m asking for in return is a chance. A chance for you to get to know me again.”

“You’re touching me.” The words whisper from my lips. It’s getting harder to breathe and to think past the emotions swarming in. Having his hands on me is making it worse. There’s a fire flicking up my skin from where he’s holding me, blazing over every inch, allowing my need to override my judgement.

His hands slowly drop, but he doesn’t give me space to breathe. He steps forward, stealing what little air I had left.

“Fine. I’ll keep my hands to myself, but I’m not stopping. I’ll do whatever it takes to make you mine.” His head dips to myear, and his warm breath sends a shiver through my shoulders. Casting his spell of temptation. “And when you’re ready, I’ll give your body exactly what it needs. Worship every inch.”

Another shiver skitters through, and he smirks, knowing his effect. I wish there was some sort of vaccine to ward against him, but I’m not sure anything would create immunity. It was easier when I had the hatred as my armor, but he’s smoothed out the edges of my anger and has me on the verge of giving him more than my forgiveness. I don’t know what the hell I’m going to do. After what he’s done for me, saving my mother’s home, I’m not even sure I could walk away from him. The strings are definitely attached, pulling tighter the longer he looks at me.

“Good night, Sean.”

I need some space. And time to think. Under the spotlight of his intense stare, every rational thought takes flight and blows away on the wind. The temptation of taking him back is becoming harder to fight.

9

Razor

The floor creaks and the knot in my gut twists. I turn, pressing my back to the counter for strength when I see her face. That tightness expands up into my chest, giving my pulse a good kick. She’s freshly showered. Her hair still wet and hanging in loose ringlets, and she’s fucking gorgeous. The only one who’s ever been able to steal my breath away.

I know last night was a lot for her. So, as much as I wanted to crawl into bed with her and hold her in my arms, I could see she needed her space. I’ll give her all the space and time she needs as long as she gives me a chance. Good news is she’s not glaring bullets at me anymore. There’s still a hesitancy in her eyes. A nervousness gripped tight within her frame, but she’s no longer dripping with hate. I can no longer feel the chill coming off her.

“Coffee?” I ask, clearing my throat as my voice comes out rough. Just having her back in my space is choking me up.

She nods, and I turn to my task of making her a cup and taking the moment to get my head on straight. I’m hoping to spend the day with her and see if I can’t soften her to me a little more.

“Cream and sugar are on the table.” I hand her the mug. “Made some waffles too, and Granny’s homemade syrup.” Which she always loved as a kid. Granny used to make batches of it for her. I’m aiming to remind her of everything that she loved when we were young, including me.

“Thanks.” Her voice is a soft whisper, and my nerves feel every ounce of her reluctance. I wish I knew what was going through her head. Then I’d know my next move. Instead, I’m riding blind here. Not knowing whether to advance or ease up with my intentions. If I hadn’t made my promise not to touch her, I’d grip her cheeks and kiss the hell out of her soft lips, show her how much she means to me. Remind her of the lightning that’s been tethered between us since that fateful day when we were seventeen. The day our friendship turned into something a hell of a lot more. But I told her I’d keep my hands to myself until she’s ready, and damned if I won’t keep my promise and earn her trust back.

Unfortunately, my cock’s not too happy about the arrangement and is currently making its protest known with an aching throb in my sac. I fisted myself twice in the shower this morning and I’m still on edge. But no matter how many times I get off, there’s no cure to her potency. Just being in the same room with her makes the need boil.

“Thought we could go fishing after breakfast,” I tell her, placing a plate of hot waffles in front of her. Figured it’s better to get her out of the cabin. Keep my hands and mind busy, so I don’t find myself breaking my promise. And the sooner the better. I feel like I’m catching a sunburn under my skin rightnow and need some fresh air. My goal today is to take her back down memory lane. “Would you be up for that?”

“I don’t have any shoes.”

At least, it’s not a no.

“I have your old hiking boots still stashed in the closet.” I hid them in the back so she wouldn’t find them and run off.

“Oh. Um… okay.”

Again, she’s quiet, hesitant. And again, I don’t know what’s going through her head.

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