Page 43 of Protected By the Billionaire Ex-SEAL

So, I look as she gestures, says something back, and gets excited. I look as her hair swishes with her movements, and her dress rides up, then falls when she remembers to pull it down. I look as her cheeks warm and the pink spreads down her shoulders, which I want to kiss until they become pinker.

Then I remember I’m not alone and note that Nick’s staring at me…no, observing me.

“No attachments and no feelings, huh? Are you sure about that?”

“It complicates things. It’s not needed.”

Even I can hear how defensive I sound. Nick observes me some more, tilting his head.

“So, this is just sex, then? You’ll be ready anytime to let her go if she leaves?”

My mind flashes to how I held her tightly when she had another nightmare, then how our last sex in bed felt like something that I’ll never experience with anyone else. It was more real than any of my other trysts with women, but it’s the intimate talks and sharing of our pasts that connect us even more deeply.

I try to recall a time when I was alone in my house and can’t seem to remember a single moment anymore. Then I recall the times I spent with her there and a multitude of images come rushing at me with no effort.

“I don’t know.”

That’s the truth, too.

Chapter 14

Raven

“You look nice.”

I blush at the compliment, but I can’t say I’m not pleased by it. Christian looks good, too, in his khaki shorts and plain white shirt, then the sunglasses that immediately make him even more attractive. I glance down at my cotton shorts and floral, summery top, glad that I brought a swimsuit with me to wear underneath.

When we arrive at the riverside, where Clara’s family has already set up a picnic feast, I’m already excited. Jazzy sees us and runs straight toward me for a hug, which has Christian laughing.

“Aunt Raven! I’m so glad you could come!”

Christian pretends to roll his eyes and pout. “Really, Jazzy? Switching loyalties now? Wasn’t I the one who read you her books?”

Jazzy beams, then pulls away from me to give him a longer and tighter hug. “Uncle Christian, I already knew you would come. I’m still excited but not that excited.”

Which sends him into another round of pouting and complaints. Jazzy giggles through it all, and I watch as they exchange playful banter before Jazzy pulls me toward the picnic table. Clara gives me a hug, too, while Nick grins and tells me I can swim now if I want.

“Yeah, come on, Raven. The water’s nice and warm.”

Clara gets into the water in her one-piece with Jazzy while Nick sits with Jared, who’s still eating. Christian shakes his head.

“I don’t think Raven brought a…oh. Never mind.”

Green eyes stay on me while I remove my top, hesitate, then strip off my shorts, too, when I remember I didn’t bring extra shorts with me. The gleam in his gaze is subtle, but I can’t help but give him a playful, warning look.

“Christian.”

“What?”

“It’s just a one-piece. Your sister’s wearing the same thing.”

His nose wrinkles. “I don’t look at my sister the way I look at you.”

I gasp at the boldness.

“Don’t be too obvious.”

“I can’t help it. That looks good on you.” He turns away from them and brushes his mouth against my ear. “It would look even better off you.”

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