Page 14 of Desperate Temptations

He stepped back and ran a hand through his cropped hair.

“The hell I don’t,” he grumbled and pinned her with his eyes. “Every time I came home on leave, I’d visit Drew. I grew up with him, we went to school together, and played sports together. He was like a brother to me, and because Drew had no siblings, I was the closest he’d ever get.”

His expression darkened with an unreadable emotion.

“All Drew could talk about was how great you were. He told story after story about you. The first time he showed me a picture of you, it felt like someone punched me in the gut. As crazy as it sounds, I think I fell a little in love with you then. Your light green eyes, your beautiful hair, and your bright smile. Everything about you appealed to me.”

The corners of his mouth kicked up.

“The funny thing was, Drew knew how I felt and didn’t mind.”

Confused, she wondered how that was possible. Drew had been possessive of her. Never overly so, but she couldn’t understand why it hadn’t bothered him.

Cain chuckled.

“I told him one night after a couple of beers. I thought he’d be pissed, but then he told me he understood my feelings and was just glad he’d met you first. That knowing you was loving you. Besides, he trusted me. He knew I wouldn’t betray him like that. But it didn’t keep me from thinking about you.”

Jessa was tormented by confusing emotions as a suffocating sensation seized her throat, almost making it impossible to talk.

“I don’t understand. He had known you most of his life. Why didn’t he ever mention you to me?”

“After Drew met you and told me about you, I asked him not to say anything. I had already joined the military, and I had already made enemies. The fewer people who know me, the better. Besides, when I came to visit, it was usually after a mission, and I wasn’t fit to be around anyone. I never wanted you to see me like that.”

They stood looking at each other, not talking but contemplating the next step each would make.

After a few moments, she cleared her throat because she was uncomfortable. She wanted him to leave because she needed time to think, to be alone, and to understand the depth of emotions he made her feel. Sensations she’d never had. She stepped back, crossed her arms over her chest, and lowered her eyes.

“So, um ... if that’s all, I have a lot to do tomorrow.”

Cain studied her carefully and drew a deep, irritated breath. He bent down to look directly into her eyes.

“Look at me, Jessa. Give me your word you won’t go back to the warehouse or anywhere else that involves Martinez.”

She stood silently and gnawed on her lip.

“Goddammit, woman,” he snarled. “I might not be there the next time you need me to pull your ass out of trouble. You’ve been damn lucky so far.”

She looked stubborn and defiant, and she knew he also saw the fear she tried to hide.

“I was only there one time.”

Rigid anger invaded his body.

“Don’t you dare lie to me,” he growled.

Fear skidded down her spine. Jessa’s eyes darted to his, then down because she was unable to look him in the eye.

“How do you know I’m lying?”

“Because it wasn’t the first time I pulled your ass out of there.”

Her mouth dropped open, and her heart seemed to pause and then pulse out of control. Jessa shook her head and stepped back, and a shiver raced down her spine.

“That was you? You ... what? Knocked me out? How?” Her voice rose. “What the hell did you do to me? How did you get me home?” Her thoughts were so chaotic it made her dizzy.

Chapter Ten

“Settle down,” he ordered. His eyes narrowed on her when she backed away from him with fear in her eyes. “Don’t you dare be afraid of me. There is no way I’d hurt you. Not ever.” Cain rubbed the back of his neck, clearly agitated. “It’s a maneuver the military uses. It doesn’t hurt the person, but it’s very effective in putting them down quickly.”

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