Page 19 of Ruthless Savage

“Of course it is. You were seventeen, and I was your protector. I failed you, and I won’t hear you blaming yourself anymore. Understand?”

His fingers roll up and down my shoulder, and with my sharp intake of breath, he instantly stops, like I’m made of acid or fire. Or both.

But his touch remains there long after it’s gone, like a ghost I ache to hold on to.

CHAPTER 6

DEVLIN

What the hell am I thinking, touching her, holding her this close? But it was like I couldn’t help myself, needing my fix.

I rationalized it in my head. Told myself I was only making sure she didn’t end up hurting herself. That’s what I’m here for, aren’t I?

But that’s not what this is. I wanted her. I wanted to feel her skin on mine, no matter how we got there.

Her arms stay wrapped around my neck, and I’m this close to kissing her. What would she do if I did? Would she tell me to stop, or would she let me taste her?

Too bad I’ll never know.

We make it back to her dorm room and I realize she’s more inebriated than she even thought.

Gently, I drop her to her feet as we enter her room, and I lock up behind us. She plays with the hem of her dress, appearing uncomfortable to be this close to me. And if I’m honest, I’m damn uncomfortable too.

She’s dressed in such a way that should have me lookin’ the other way, but I can’t help but rake her body while she doesn’t see me. Makes me feel like a dirty feckin’ man. But nothing about my true feelings for her is dirty.

I saw the way those guys at the party were staring at her body, and I hated it. Wanted to take off my shirt and wrap it around her.

She flings her shoes off and tosses them to the side while shrugging off my jacket and handing it back to me. I lay it over the back of her chair.

“My God, these are the worst things I’ve ever worn.” She sighs.

“Why did you, then?” I glance at the long, thin heels. God knows why women do that to themselves.

“Because…” She clears her throat. “Never mind. Ugh, I have a headache.”

“Shouldn’t have been drinking, then.” My brows bow.

“Okay, Daddy. Promise to be good next time.”

A low, savage growl emanates from deep in my chest. Why did that spunk just make my dick hard?

Her lips thin, head slanting all innocently, and I swear there is a deviant little devil inside that girl dying to come out. Sure as hell won’t be comin’ out when I’m around. Lots of trouble could happen if she pushed me hard enough.

I may be strong enough to resist her for now, but day by day, it gets harder not to pin her to the wall and rip her clothes off until I’m balls-deep inside her.

I bet she’s submissive. I bet she’d like it rough.

My God, what the hell am I doin’, thinking these thoughts?

I back off a bit at a time. “Let me get you some meds and put you to bed before I go.”

My feet are moving to her bathroom to grab some pills and a bottle of water from the mini fridge. I open it for her as I return, handing her both.

She swallows the meds before placing the water down on the desk.

I stalk to her dresser and retrieve a pair of leggings and a t-shirt that can cover that breathtaking body of hers.

Staying at that party, seeing those guys looking at her… It was hard not to lose it. Too much I wanted to do to those boys. None of which would be a good thing for the Quinns or me. Can’t be headin’ back to prison. She needs me.

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