Page 124 of Home Game

I wanted to stand up and destroy something. Instead, I calmly asked, “What does Jensen know?”

She swallowed. “Nothing. Just that I wanted to leave. He made me promise to talk to you.”

“And?”

“And I couldn’t find the right moment.”

“You tried. You told me you wanted to talk.”

Her voice was barely a whisper. “He’s so bad. He’s going to ruin your life.”

I worked to keep the incredulity out of my voice. “Is that why you want to leave? To protect me?”

“And Krista.”

“You don’t think we can handle this Terrance?”

She hung her head. “I don’t think I should force you to. Not after you’ve done so much for me.”

I put my fingers under her chin and lifted her face upwards. Those beautiful blue eyes glittered with tears. I put my hands on either side of her face and then slowly lowered my mouth to hers.

My kiss was soothing and gentle. She gasped beneath my mouth and I fought my need to deepen the kiss, take charge, show her how I felt. Instead, I ended the kiss and pressed my forehead to hers.

“Please don’t leave.”

“Ryan.”

“Zoey, I’m asking you. For me. Please trust me.”

“I do trust you.”

“Do you trust that I can protect you?”

“Yes, but you shouldn’t have to.”

I kissed her again. Her mouth was so soft, so silky smooth beneathmine. She tasted like bubble gum and goodness. My cock instantly hardened and strained against my dress pants. I worked to keep that kiss PG. I forced myself to ease off when my body wanted me to take it further.

I looked down at her. Her pouty mouth was pink and full. Her cheeks were flushed and her breath was uneven.

“You promise you won’t leave?”

She looked dazed. “I promise.”

I stood up before I did something I regretted. “We’ll deal with this in the morning, okay?”

“Okay.”

CHAPTER 26

ZOEY

I layin bed thinking about the kiss. I loved it when Ryan kissed me, but he always seemed to end the kiss just when things were getting good.

I heard a noise. I went still, my eyes wide open and blinking in the dark. Was someone breaking in? Was Terrance back to exact revenge?

I crept to my bedroom door and peered into the living room, but all was silent. I looked down the hallway to Ryan’s room. No light shone beneath his door.

I couldn’t help myself. I moved with stealth to his room and knocked on the door.

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