Page 69 of The Blackmail of Denise Randall

“Your body is so graceful, gorgeous. My heart ached when I saw your poor delicate arm when they brought you in that day at the hospital. And I’ve not stopped thinking about you since. You appear fragile, but you’re not.”

My eyes fly open and I’m stunned with how wrong this is. I need to stop and take a moment to consider what is actually happening. Roland presses me against the wall to help support me, as his hand lands on my chest and slides up to massage the front of my neck. His eyes look up at me through his dark lashes. “I tried to stay away. Tell me to leave.”

Do I want this? Should I tell him to leave? I want to tell him to leave. A part of me knows he’s not good for me. But he knows how to make me feel so good with his words, body, and the drugs. His hands quiver, and I feel his breath coming heavy against my skin, as he whispers, “If I stay, I am going to try to give you a very non-professional physical.”

Say it. Just say it. Leave.

“I will spend the entire night examining every inch of this exquisite body.”

He’s married. And I want Keaton, but it feels like once he knew the truth about me… “Roland?”

“Yes.” His voice is strained.

“What about your wife? What about our age difference?”

“Ex—wife.”

“What?”

“I’ll show you the papers. We’ve filed for divorce. I’m twenty-one years your senior. I’m forty-two. Far too old. There’s no excuse for me to be here except for selfish desires.”

“And then what?”

“Whatever you want. We’ll continue texting, calling. I can come visit. Do you want to tell your parents?”

“No.”

His smile makes him appear younger. “Me neither. Why don’t we see where this goes? A gorgeous woman like you will probably only break my heart for a frat boy.” I duck my chin and feel the heat in my cheeks. “What? Come on, you know it’s true. I’m destined to lose my heart and mind to you, but it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make.” His two fingers feather along my most private area and I gasp. “Denise?” I meet his serious brown eyes. “Have you ever been with anyone? Intimately.”

“I’ve only fooled around…clothes on.” With Keaton. A small part of me wishes he was here. Wait—you know what? He could’ve had me. I gave myself to him, but was met with rejection. Roland is apparently crazy about me. I don’t need to be thinking about Keaton while this gorgeous, sophisticated, older man is here basically worshiping me. Keaton had his chance.

“Don’t worry, Sweetheart. I’d never hurt you.” His lips are gentle but firm. It’s not an all-consuming rush like I felt with Keaton. Which I will not stop comparing them. I’m doing this. I have someone here that gets me, and wants me. He holds me firmly as his tongue slides between my lips and massages my tongue. Roland knows I’m inexperienced, but the way he takes charge makes me think even if I wasn’t, he’d still want to be in control. He removes his hand from between my legs and lowers my feet to the floor. In a voice I barely recognize, he asks, “Why don’t you show me to your room?”

I’m not so naïve as to think I don’t know exactly what he means. This is it. I thought I was ready, but a moment of panic strikes me. If I do this, I’m ending whatever it is between Keaton and me. I push against Roland. “I need a minute.”

“Of course.”

I grab my phone and rush to the bathroom. Dialing Keaton’s number, I wait. And I wait. No answer. He hasn’t sent me any messages either. He hasn’t spoken to me since he left the guest house.

Knock. Knock.“Denise?”

“Coming.”

I open the door, and Roland smiles. “We don’t have to do anything tonight. I got caught up in the moment. How about we watch a movie? Cuddle on the couch?”

“Cuddle?”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve cuddled with anyone.”

It’s strange to be sitting on my couch with Doctor Roland Hall. He’s still twenty-one years older than me, and he has children. Two that I know of.

“Roland?”

“Yeah?”

“So you have twins?”

“I do!” His voice brightens. “Two boys. They’re the same age as your niece.”

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