Page 51 of Forbidden

I was in a position no girl wanted to be in: with a man that you really care about who is too scared to make a move on you because they don’t want a girlfriend or a relationship—or for you to turn into a clingy machine.

“Hannah.” Suddenly his hands were cupping my face. “Look at me.”

I was staring to the side, not meeting his eyes. I could feel my heated cheeks—I couldn’t be more embarrassed. It was impossible.

“Darling, look at me.”

There was something in his tone, the slight plead and also my need to do what he said. So my eyes slowly went to his; the anger and jealousy that had consumed them were now gone.

“Let me get this straight: I was going to be your first.” He spoke clearly. Like making sure I hadn’t lied.

He spoke like that wasn’t possible. No, in fact, the way he said it would make you think it was impossible!

“What, do you want a doctor to inspect me to confirm it?” I snapped at him. “I said I was a virgin! Why would I lie about that?” I normally never got angry and the only reason I was angry now was because I was embarrassed.

“You want me to be your first?”

I rolled my eyes, pouting. “Obviously.” I tightened my arms across me. “Just forget it already. I get it. You don’t want the strings. You can’t handle it if I get clingy. You can’t take the risk. Blah. Blah. Blah. I get it.”

I went to get up. I should have just kept my fucking top on. Actually, come to think of it, he shouldn’t have shown up! He should have just stayed away. Bloody hell, I should never have let him have access to my phone—darn that tracker!

Just as I picked up my top, he took it from me.

I turned around, not understanding why he would stop me from getting dressed.

“You want it to be me?” His words were soft. “You’re comfortable with me being your first?”

“Well, yeah. Clearly. I’ve spent most of the night begging you to be the one!” God, had he not heard one word I’d said tonight?

He shook his head. “Nah, darling. I didn’t realize what you were really giving me. Now I do.” His eyes were focused on me and it made my heart beat that bit quicker under his intense eyes.

“Let me guess,” I swallowed sharply. “Now you’ve realized, you want nothing to do with me?”

He stepped in closer to me, taking my hand. “I told you I’m a greedy and selfish man when it comes to things I love.” His other hand went to my back, pushing me into him. “I just need to hear that you really want me.”

I sighed, looking in his eyes, my hand linking with his and my other hand going to his cheek. “I love you, Brad. Is that what you need to hear?” My words were soft and honest. He had to know by now I loved him.

He took my hand off his cheek, kissing the back of it. “Darling, I need to correct a few things if this is going to happen.”

I frowned and then he left me completely, heading into the bathroom.

“Um, is there a reason you’re leaving me topless and begging?” I sung after him. I just told him I loved him, and his reaction was to what? Correct a few things? What the hell did that mean?

Was I having another blonde moment? Just as I was thinking that, Brad was back and handing me a dressing gown.

“Put that on,” he said before picking up the phone for reception.

“Why do I have to cover myself?” I said to his back. “And who are you calling?”

“Put it on,” he said, and then was talking in the phone. I couldn’t hear what he was saying though. I only caught the end of the sentence and he was listing numbers.

I was so confused; he turned and saw I hadn’t done what he said, so he mouthed ‘now’ to me. God. Why did I have to cover myself up? I slipped the expensive dressing gown on. Okay, maybe I might steal this.

So this is why people stole dressing gowns from hotels. It was so plush and warm.

“Is this all yours?”

I turned around, and Brad was picking up my bag.

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