Page 29 of Degrees of Acceptance
My face must reflect my surprise. “What… were you not going to pester me all night until I told you?” he asks, raising his eyebrows in a silent challenge.
“Well, maybe,” I admit, trying to focus on the fact that he is returning the boys home safely and not everything else that has occurred over the last few days.
He pulls me into his arms and against his chest. His heartbeat is strong and steady, holding me captive in the sound of its beat. He gently pushes the hair out of my eyes and captures my lips with his. “I love the way you feel in my arms, Baby,” he murmurs, caressing my hair. “What I didn’t tell your mom when she asked how we met was that I was completely mesmerized. Your long auburn hair was hanging down in curls… most likely in your way, but God it was sexy. You looked up at me while you were checking his breathing, and your bright blue eyes were captivating. You were frightened but determined to keep him alive, and I couldn’t help thinking what a lucky son of a bitch he was,” he admits, rubbing the back of my neck with his hand. “Baby, from the time your eyes captured mine we were only going to end one way,” he says, pulling me close.Is that his way of saying he loves me?
I swallow and try to calm my heart rate. “I need to share something with you. You’re always telling me to trust you with my emotions and I am trying to get there.”
“What is it, Baby?” he asks, his eyes gentle, showing their concern.
“Chase, I know you may not be ready for this, but…” I falter, nerves taking over and not sure now if this was such a good idea.
“Katarina, tell me what’s the matter,” he urges.What if it’s too soon and he doesn’t feel the same way?It’s clearly too late.No backing out now...“Chase, I’m in love with you. I know it’s probably way too soon. If you felt the same way, you would have told me, but…”What the hell did I do? Why couldn’t I just keep my mouth shut? He pulls me close, squeezing me and kissing the top of my head before forcing me to look into his eyes, gently wiping a tear that has escaped down my cheek.
His eyes are warm, expressive green pools of desire. “Baby, is that seriously what you thought? Katarina, you’ve had my heart since Aruba, probably since the very first time I saw you. I didn’t want to frighten or put any undue pressure on you. I’m sorry you’ve been concerned, but I wasn’t willing to settle for less than you being able to trust me with your heart,” he says, gently caressing my hair.He loves me?“I love you with all of my heart,” he says, before capturing my lips with his own.
His phone interrupts our kiss, and he breaks off gently, tracing my lips with his fingers as he answers the call.
“Chase, here. He’s only stirring up the locals to gain empathy for his cause. Of course, he’s the only one with a point to prove. He’ll get his nephew back when we get our team out. We are not negotiating damn it! Send the fucking message! He puts the phone down and pulls on his lounge pants. He is irate, and I’ve not seen him like this before. I can’t help admiring the rippled muscles of his abdomen and chest as he paces, pulling a shirt over his head.
“I’m going to sit outside and have a drink; join me when you’re done,” he says, as I head to the bathroom to wash up. I slip a nightgown over my head, before going out to the heated balcony where he soon appears with a bottle of wine and two glasses. He takes the seat closest to me and pours a glass for each of us.
“So I take it they didn’t get your team out, yet?” I ask.
“No, the diversion went as planned but at the same time upheaval in the locals started. The team had to make a decision to use force against the crowd or wait it out. They are hunkered down right now, and Sid’s team is stuck until we negotiate our way out or take them out by force. They are working on the negotiation of his nephew for our team right now,” he says, looking at me intently.
“Why are you staring at me like that?” I ask.
“Because I’m not sure how you feel about all this shit and I don’t want to lose you. Your face is an open book, Katarina. You visibly blanched when I told you about the trade and it’s clear by your expression just a few moments ago that it bothers you,” he says earnestly.
“I am not sure right now how I feel, either, if I'm honest. I know I was pissed about all the security, at first, but I understand the situation a lot better now. I’m not sure how I feel about what some of the security teams have been asked to do, but I trust you’re doing what’s necessary to keep us safe. I may not like all of it, but I understand why you are doing it. I love that you are taking care of me, my mom and the rest of your family, Chase.”
He looks visibly relieved. “Hopefully, we’ll put this to rest shortly, and we can get back to normal. Come sit on my lap,” he instructs reaching for my hand, pulling me into his lap and kissing my lips gently. “I want to hear you say you love me again, Baby,” he coaxes.
“I love you, Honey,” I whisper.
“Katarina, do you know what a happy man you’ve made me?” he asks, kissing me gently and pushing the hair out of my eyes. I kiss his lips and my fingers run through his hair and down to the nape, rubbing the back of his neck. “I love you so much. I don’t want anything to come between us, Baby,” he says, nuzzling my neck.
“I can’t believe I was so scared to tell you,” I admit.
“I’m sorry you were worried. I have to admit I was beginning to wonder if you were ever going to trust me with that information,” he says.
“You knew?”
“Katarina, of course I did. You are not the type of person who sleeps with a man and moves into his home because you like him. You just needed time to work through your trust issues, Baby, but I have to admit it took much longer than I anticipated. In fact, I’m sure there’s some just punishment for making me wait this long,” he warns.
“You’re so upfront and honest about everything else… I thought since you hadn’t told me you probably just didn’t feel the same way,” I say.
“You needed to come to terms with your feelings without undue pressure. I did hold back intentionally,” he admits, his dark green eyes glinting, eyeing me intently.
“I give up… you don’t play fair,” I pout.
He laughs, “Baby, I don’t play fair... I play to win. I want all of you; mind, body, and heart and I admit holding out a little in the short term to get what I want.” His phone rings, and he answers it immediately, “Chase, here. Good news, Jay! How long before they’re in the air? Stall them if you have to, but make sure the team is home before you do. I know what they expect; stall them, I don’t trust the bastards. Keep me apprised and text me when Sid lands. Thanks, Jay,” he says, disconnecting.
“You’re not going to trade?” I scowl more than a little surprised.
“Katarina, they had people in my father’s building although they didn’t get through the front door, your work, your mom’s work, and her home. They have displayed a pretty fixed pattern, and I’m not about to take any chances with my team. I’m going to do what I feel is necessary until everyone is safe, Katarina. They will be returned when I know everyone is home,” he says. The steely glint in his eyes is not to be argued with.
“I’m hungry, and this may last awhile. Let’s go get a piece of pie and discuss just punishments,” he says, changing the subject and grinning wickedly. “In fact, I’ve purchased a few more items that I think you may find quite appealing,” he says.
