Page 119 of Fifth Avenue Fling

“I can’t stay here while you sleep with Maria.” My voice breaks on her name. I study my feet because I can’t bear to look at Killian. “I know there’s nothing between us, but I can’t shut off my emotions like you can. I figured that out tonight.”

He makes an ugly sound that sounds like a laugh.

The callous bastard actually fuckinglaughsat me.

“Can you just fuck off, Killian?” I say in a sob, glowering at him through my tear-filled eyes.

“Wait.” His arm shoots up, and I am jarred back against his warm body. He stares into my eyes and slowly slides my backpack off my shoulder. His arm tightens around my waist, making it impossible for me to escape. My head barely reaches his chin.

I go rigid as the warmth of his body and the smell of him surround me.

My heart starts pounding in my chest. My face flushes hot, and I hate his effect on me.

He’s not playing fair.

“Maria’s not here,” he says gruffly. “She’s gone. She was never going to stay. I took her out for lunch yesterday and told her things would only remain friendly between us.” His warm breath blows against my forehead as he heaves a sigh. “Even I’m not that big of a bastard, despite what you think of me.”

“Yeah? She didn’t look like she got the memo,” I snap.

“I’m sorry.” His strong hands grip my lower back, holding me flush against him. “I’m sorry you thought there was something between Maria and me. I’ve taken her to lunch a few times, but that’s it. There’s no connection. You are the only person I saw in the room tonight.” He almost seems frustrated with himself for his feelings toward me. “You’re the only person I notice in any room these days. You consume my thoughts more than I care to admit.”

“Why is that such a bad thing?”

“I can’t give you what you need.” He caresses my cheek with a sadness in his eyes that makes me want to screamwhy?Why not?“You deserve more.”

Instead, I muster a weak smile like it’s no big deal. “I know, Killian. You’ve been upfront about that. You don’t want anything serious with me.”

His expression turns grim. “It’s not that cut-and-dry. I’m not a good guy for you.”

“You don’t commit.”

“I can’t commit. There’s a difference,” he counters, as if it justifies everything.

His face clouds over. I want to ask him what he means, but I’m afraid he’ll close down.

And right now, he wants me. He hardens against me as I run my hands down his chest.Hisbreathingisragged, andhis nipples harden as my fingers trace over them.

I get on my tiptoes, so his hardening cock is closer to my core, and I can run my hands through his hair.

I want him to fuck away my pain. I want him to fuck away my tears.

Even if only for tonight.

“I didn’t come here to fuck you.” He groans against my forehead, his expression clouding with what I think is regret. “I came here to make sure you’re okay.”

“Then make me feel good,” I murmur, angling his head down so our lips almost touch.

He groans again, then grips the back of my hair and drags my mouth to his. I open wide, my tongue pushing hungrily against his.

His stomach muscles jerk as I push my hand down his abs and into his underwear. I need to feel all of him.Now.

Holy shit, he’s fully erect. His thick, heavy cock strains in his trousers, jerking against my touch, and I love how affected he is by me.

I curl my hand around him possessively; thesensation sending shivers throughmy body. I’m aching for him to destroy me, to rip me to pieces.

“Wait, Clodagh,” he says as I fumble with the buttons of his trousers. His voice is coarse, thick with need. “Fuck. This is all about you, not me.”

He slowly unbuttons his shirt while I stand there, panting and desperate, with my hands gliding across his skin. The shirt joins the rest of the clothes on the nearby table as he grabs me with one arm and carries me into the bedroom.

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