Page 8 of Captive Desire

Whatever put us together the first time we met, this is very much the same.

It’s not just lust. I don’t only want her body. I want everything that comes with this woman. What we have together is something I can only describe as fate.

The moment we met each other, our lives became twisted and entangled. No one else feels so right.

“You are dangerous.” Breathless, the words fall from her lips. “In too many ways to list.” There’s a look of need behind her gaze, one that demands more than a kiss.

Her words are what stop me from indulging her.

There’s no point in hiding the fact. As this woman is to be my wife, she’ll have to know everything. I’m sure her arrival alone has been enough to make up whatever stories in her head. I want her to know nothing but facts. My home is the safest place for her. Not only will my men throw away their lives for her protection, but I’d be damned to let another soul touch her.

“I want you to get comfortable.” Forcing my body to take a step back, I glance at her luggage. “I grabbed what I thought you’d need. If anything is missing or you want something, just say the word. I’ll get my hands on it.”

Charity doesn’t move, not at first. She’s too busy taking in the bedroom. It’s a bit of an upgrade compared to the one in that apartment. When she does lift off of the wall, she moves toward the bed. Taking a seat, her fingers graze the silk.

“Who are you, Romeo?” Looking at me, I get a moment of vulnerability. “At the club, I assumed you were nothing but an office worker looking to blow off a little steam. I was wrong.”

I can’t help but snort at that. However, she’s right about needing to blow off a little steam. Back then, I felt like a ticking time bomb.

If my brothers hadn’t encouraged me to come with them and I hadn’t crossed paths with Charity, I just might have blown up.

“I am in charge of an organization,” I explain as I lessen the distance between us. “I work in trades of sorts. My hands aren’t the cleanest.”

She scoffs at that. “You’re trying to sugarcoat your answers. Those men in your front yard with assault rifles tell me you’re a bad guy.” She doesn’t flinch when I rest next to her at her side.

Now that I know we’re alike in more than enough ways, I feel like I’m on top of the world. However, the pain in her voice helps dull it out.

“I will not leave you again.” There’s a hint of doubt behind her eyes with my words. Grabbing her hand, I press her fingers to my chest so she can feel the heavy beat of my heart. “Until my heart stops beating, I will remain at your side.”

Her fingers curl as she forces out a laugh. “You can’t say something like that. It makes you sound even more crazy.” Her cheeks are more flushed at my confession.

“I will say it as many times as you need to hear it to believe me. I am yours, Charity.” When I lean toward her, I ache for another kiss. “I will also test my patience around you. Until you agree to be mine and meet me halfway, I will wait until you ask me for touch.”

Her eyes graze my mouth and I see the way she swallows nervously. I can see her feelings in her eyes. There are many reasons why she feels the need to hold back. One at a time, I plan on taking on each concern. Once she has no reason to hold back, that will be when I strike and propose to this woman.

“How about I give you a tour of your new home?” Pulling away, it’s easier to think when there’s some distance. “You can ask all the questions you want and I will be completely honest with you.”

“Even if it makes you look worse?”

I nod. “I will never lie to you. If I do, you can take my tongue.”

Rather than taking my words as a good thing, she grimaces. There’s plenty I need to learn about this woman. For one thing, she doesn’t like the thought of being included in anything with gore. Even if it’s meant to show her power over me.

Nodding to my offer, she stands and accepts the hand I offer her when I do the very same. Wrapping her arm around mine, there’s no better feeling than her trusting me enough to guide her through the building.

Moving down halls and entering rooms with more than enough space for one person, Charity doesn’t waste any time in asking her first question.

“So, you’re the boss? All of these guys roaming about are willing to listen to anything you say?” We pass two men on our way toward the kitchen. “You must feel pretty powerful.”

On a normal day, yes. I feel like I’m on the top of the world. However, today isn’t like the rest. I feel like I have to walk on glass and be more careful of my actions. Charity is my weakness. She’s the one thing that saps away my strength and power.

“What is it that you trade?” She takes in the kitchen with awe. “How bad?”

“Drugs.” I list them off, knowing well enough how illegal what I’m doing is.

“What about human trafficking? I always hear stories on the news. Are you the face behind those crimes?” She abandons my side to take a peek at the cabinets.

“No.” A frown forms when she gives me a doubting look. “I may not be the cleanest person, but I’m no monster. I’m very much human.”

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