Page 26 of Only For Your Touch
Did he still covet the streets because he knew they weren’t stable, that he’d never been able to trust them? If he didn’t expect loyalty or security, then it could never disappoint. Not like this new world the three of them had built. It offered stability, not having to look over his back, even moments of happiness and satisfaction. He’d had that once—with his family. And they’d ripped it from him and thrown him out in the cold. Was he afraid to commit to Lick and this new existence because he feared losing it? If he didn’t want it, didn’t place his hopes in it, then when it was gone, he couldn’t be hurt.
Oh Christ.
Corrine. He’d applied the same fucked-up mentality to her. After the previous night, he’d been running scared. Because he wanted her for more than a few clandestine meetings. For more than sex. For more than a few hours. He wanted her—her laughter, her babbling, her innocence, her sensuality, her loyalty…her heart.
Heneededher.
He whipped around, blindly stared out the window, his heart damn near trying to punch a hole through his chest.
“Terrifying, isn’t it?” Rion murmured.
He didn’t have to explain. Falling so hard and fast for someone after only days of knowing them was terrifying as fuck. Admitting to himself that he might have lost her because of his own blindness and fears was petrifying.
“I came in here for another reason,” his friend added. “Check out CBS’s website. I think you might be interested in one of the news bites they have on their home page.”
Pivoting, Sasha moved toward his desk and his laptop. He didn’t look up when his office door closed, his fingers already flying over the keyboard. In seconds, he had the local news station’s site up. And several moments later, he dropped into his chair.
Alleged Mobster’s Daughter Visits Her Father.
Corrine’s pale, strained, fucking beautiful face appeared in the video clip. She exited the Suffolk County Jail, and a flood of reporters rushed toward her, microphones and cameras waving. She didn’t offer any comments even though the press bombarded her with questions. CBS’s reporter noted that her father had an upcoming bail hearing scheduled for the next day and then speculated about the reason behind Corrine’s visit.
Sasha replayed the clip two more times, soaking her in. She looked tired but strong. So goddamn strong as she braved the gauntlet of media and camera operators.
Leaning back in his chair, he closed his eyes, and images of her face from the other night flashed across the backs of his eyelids. Shocked. Hurt. Defeated.
And he’d been the cause.
God, he wanted to fix it. But would she let him?
A better question…should he?
