Page 45 of Obsession

“Nightshades?” Her tone was curious.

“That’s right.” Reaching for her hand, he encased it in his larger palm. She was so diminutive and delicate. So utterly wonderful and all his for the taking. His balls contracted at the delightful prospect. His cock, although only recently satisfied, stirred at the intoxicating mental image of all the ways he could take her.

Not helpful. His inner voice chided. I’m trying to keep her safe.

“They’re beautiful,” he went on. “But deadly.”

“Deadly?”

“If eaten,” he corrected. “But I think it’s better to keep you at bay. I wouldn’t want any accidents, little girl.” There was no medical provision for miles and little the medics could do except offer activated charcoal to remedy the nightshade’s symptoms.

“Right.” Her expression was sheepish as she withdrew back to his knee.

It was such a small and reflexive deed, yet inwardly, Tucker wanted to cheer. She had withdrawn to him. In her moment of potential panic, it was his body she’d chosen to return to. In light of everything, that was remarkable, and it gave him hope.

“So, why show me if we can’t touch them?” She turned back to peer at him.

“I just love them.” His tone was wistful as his thoughts flitted once more to his mother. “Nightshades and I go way back.”

“Oh?” Fresh confusion flickered in her eyes. “Why? I thought you were a soldier?”

“I was.” Adrenaline coursed around his system as she mentioned the atrocious piece of his history. “Once, but I liked the flowers before then.”

He considered telling her more, explaining why the flower was pertinent and held a special place in his heart, but he couldn’t seem to find the right words. Even after so long, it was hard to speak about his mother.

She doesn’t need to know. He watched as she glanced back to the bushes. She doesn’t need to know any more about me. I’ve told her too much already.

“Well…” Her tone was hesitant. “Thanks for showing me, sir.”

“You’re welcome.” He forced a smile, sensing how shallow the gesture was. “You remind me of the flowers, that’s all. You know, you’re both beautiful but not to be underestimated.”

“Thanks. I guess…” She smirked, chuckling at his back-handed compliment. “But can we go back inside now? It’s getting cold.”

“You want to go back inside the cabin with me?” He was aware that he probably shouldn’t have queried the one request he’d yearned to hear since her arrival, but her change of tack was so dramatic, he needed to make sure he’d heard her right.

“I know.” She laughed softly. “It doesn’t sound much like me, huh?”

“Not the Ella I’ve come to know.” And come over. He resisted the urge to vocalize the final line, but it pinballed in his head, regardless.

“It’s been a rough couple of days.” She turned away. “I haven’t really been myself.”

“Understandable.”

They seemed to be reaching a genuine accord—a place where both of them would be content to let down their guards—but a part of Tucker still called for skepticism, warning this could all be part of an act to lull him.

“I know this hasn’t been easy on you, little girl.” He snaked an arm around her middle and tugged her toward him. A gasp left her lips as she came to rest against his groin, but he noticed she didn’t try to resist.

What did that mean?

Either she was tired of resistance, or she actually wants to be closer to me.

“I’m sorry for that.” He blew out a breath. “I guess I didn’t take your feelings into account when I struck a deal with Bennett.”

“No shit,” she scoffed, attempting to laugh, although it was clear to Tucker that tangible hurt simmered just below the surface. “But thanks for the apology. It’s more than I’ll ever get from Alexander.”

Tucker suspected she was right.

“You should stay away from that prick.” Leaning closer, he breathed in the floral scent of her hair. Even now, after however long he’d held her there without her range of cosmetics, she smelled sweeter than almost any bloom he could find in the forest. He had the sense he’d remember that scent far longer than was right.

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