Page 40 of Savage in the Streets
“My parents were abusive, and she was the shelter in the storm.”
“What happened?”
“She died. Terribly. Fell in with the wrong crowd. I’ll leave it at that.”
“That’s…so sad.”
“That’s not all, though. She was my sister’s and Mabel’s best friend.”
“Oh…”
“Liz, my sister, is a couple years younger than me and so fucking smart, but after Carolyn’s death…well, let’s just say it took a toll. I don’t even recognize her now.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“I’ve spent the last ten years burying myself in my work, and fucking the pain away. But it’s hard…I’m so tired…and numb. I want to feel again.”
Bailey’s arms wrap around me, pulling me into a tight embrace.
She smells of vanilla, delicious and warm. I want to sink into her, and become one with the beautiful girl who’s so captivated my heart. I want this woman so badly it scares me.
I wonder if it scares her.
“I know I’ve been terrible, but it’s not because I think badly of you. The truth is, I found myself falling for you, and it was a struggle to come up for air.”
She emits a dry chuckle. “Youfeel forme?”
“How is that at all hard to believe? You’re witty, funny, sexy, smart—”
“I dropped out of school at fifteen.”
“And managed to start your own business.”
“That I’m now losing.”
“Not due to your own mistakes.”
“Have you lost your damn mind—”
I don’t let her finish. Instead, I seal my lips to hers in a long, passionate kiss that I hope will show her what my words could not.
When she kisses me back, a small part of me I had once thought was lost ignites in a blinding spark.
I could very well love this woman.
Her legs wrap around my body, disallowing me from pulling away. We’re pressed right up against each other, yet I can’t get close enough.
A maelstrom of hunger unleashes itself, demanding I claim this woman. My hands find her hips, her breasts, her neck. I want to own every part of her.
I’m going to make her mine.
Her hands press against my chest, and as we part, she tugs my lower lips between her teeth.
“I want you, Bailey,” I growl.
Her hands cup my face, sadness clouding her eyes.
“I want you too, but I can’t do casual. I’ve had a revolving door of people in and out of my life since I was born. I need to plant my roots in deeper soil.” She shakes her head morosely. “You’re a dream come to life in a three-piece suit, but as you said, you ride for free.”
