Page 101 of Ache for You (Slow Burn 3)
His words are so soft, his tone so ardent and tender, I’m suddenly overwhelmed by emotion. The hot prick of tears stings my eyes. I suck in a ragged breath, trying desperately not to cry.
All those times I slept with Brad were fake. My life was a lie. And here I am in the arms of a man who could just as easily be playing me.
Am I being used again?
“Easy.” He’s hugging me now, cradling me against his chest with his cheek pressed to the side of my neck and his body curved into mine. He combs a hand through my hair, strokes my back, softly shushes me when I make a noise of distress. “Just breathe, bella. Shh.”
“I’m okay.”
“You’re not. And don’t lie to me again.”
His voice is both soft and hard, a caress and a command, letting me know in no uncertain terms that I can’t hide from him—and the next time I try, there will be consequences.
I push against his chest but he’s immovable. His arms around me turn into an iron band. He lowers his mouth to my ear and says in a low voice, “Running away won’t solve anything. Talk to me. What just happened?”
I hide my face in his chest, tucking my forehead under his collarbone. I blink hard and fast, trying to clear the water from my eyes. “I’m not as tough as I act.”
The softest of chuckles passes his lips. “I know,” he whispers, tracing his fingertips down my spine. “It’s one of the things I adore about you.”
Oh God. What that does to my poor heart. You’d think it would’ve had enough of sweet-talking men by now, but it does somersaults in my chest like the sad clown it is.
“I don’t understand why you’re doing this.”
“Doing what?”
I lift my head and meet his gaze. He blinks in surprise when he sees my face, his brows drawing together. I imagine I look like a wild animal backed into a corner.
“You told me you wanted to buy my father’s business. You made it clear you don’t think I have what it takes to make it in fashion here. And this game you’re playing, the kissing game—what’s the point? Are you hoping I’ll develop feelings for you so I’ll sell? Are you trying to make me fall in love with you so you can get what you really want—the business?”
He’s focused on me with startling intensity. His eyes drill down into mine. “Do you have feelings for me?”
His tone is emotionless. It reveals nothing about what he might be thinking or feeling, and neither does his face. All I can see for sure is his extreme focus and intensity, which tells me only that my answer is important to him but not why.
Don’t be a fool. Don’t let a beautiful liar break your heart again.
I decide to deflect and see how he’ll handle it. “What were you and your mother talking about when I came in?”
His left eyelid twitches, but that’s the only reaction I get. After a moment of silence, he says, “Nothing important.”
“If it’s not important you can share it with me. What was it?”
A muscle flexes in his jaw. He slowly inhales and exhales. I suspect he’s buying time.
And just like that, I’m out. That moment of hesitation tells me all I need to know.
Looking him dead in the eyes, I say, “Step back.”
His brows lower and he scowls, the way he does when he’s displeased. I can see threats are needed.
“Unless you want me to turn your balls into pancakes with my knee, step back.”
For a moment he doesn’t move. Then he curses under his breath and steps away, folding his arms over his chest so he and his balls can glower at me from a safer distance.
I fasten the buttons of my bodice with clumsy fingers, ashamed at myself for letting him get to me so easily. I can still feel his mouth on my skin.
“Tell me if you have feelings for me.” His voice is dangerously soft.
“Tell me if you’re manipulating me.”
