Page 48 of Rainstorm

Even dressed in just a simple maxi dress paired with a denim jacket she was stunning, and make-up free, it was clear she didn’t require anything to enhance her perfect skin.

“I was thinking we could go out, there’s this place in...”

“Trying to hide the skeletons in your closet, Holland? Like maybe you already have a wife and kids?”

This time nothing stopped me from kissing that smart mouth, but it was only a touch, a whisper. Not because I didn’t want more, but because she was already opening her door to hop out of the car.

“Show me your place first, then I’ll decide just how adventurous I’m feeling.”

She walked ahead of me along the short concrete path leading to the porch, her lithe body so tempting, her sexy curves making my mouth water, even concealed as they were beneath the soft fabric of her clothes.

Taking the keys from my pocket, I opened the door, feeling strangely insecure. I wanted more than her approval; I wanted her to feel comfortable in my place. I’d taken great care over the details of my house transformation, just as Rose had with her fixtures—one more thing we had in common, we could both see hidden potential in old relics. So, although my place was sparsely furnished, with just a couple of stools at the breakfast bar and a king size bed in one of the three bedrooms, I still hoped she was impressed. I hadn’t gotten around to finishing off my home, and until Roselynn walked into my place and suddenly brought everything into focus, that hadn’t bothered me. But now, here was a ray of sunshine breaking through the darkness, both literally and in the poetic sense as the sunlight illuminated her, silhouetting her with a halo.

I was bewitched at the effect.

“You wanted to see my place, babe, well here it is. Welcome to Holland Manor. Let me give you a tour. It’s not much, but it’s yours to command, princess.”

“As are you?” she asked playfully.

But my answer was completely serious. “As am I, for sure.”

The tour did not last more than five minutes as there was not much to show, with most rooms being empty.

“How long have you lived here?” she asked as we wandered round the house.

“Eight months.”

She raised her eyebrows at my reply.

“I know, I know! I should’ve ordered in some more basics, just to fill the place.”

“Don’t you dare get just any random crap!” she scolded me. “This place is awesome, so it deserves some unique pieces.”

I tried to take in what she was saying, but all I could think about was how beautiful she looked standing there in the middle of my kitchen, that she belonged here. But I was getting ahead of myself.

“Are you hungry?” I turned to the stainless steel refrigerator. Surely getting up so early meant her stomach was clamoring for sustenance by now?

“No, not really,” she replied, the sweet timbre of her voice filling the empty space and casting an additional spell over me. “Usually before the show I only eat something light, a smoothie or a juice. But that’s not why we’re here, is it? You promised me an adventure, so that’s what I’m expecting.”

You’re playing with fire, doll, be careful what you ask for...

In two seconds flat I had her trapped between my strong body and the granite counter, my hands around her waist.

She was so fucking perfect, the way her body melded against mine.

We were two missing pieces of a puzzle finally fitting together.

“Should I be afraid?” She lifted her chin at me defiantly, but there was fear hidden behind those golden pupils. My instincts told me to calm those fears, to reassure her that she was safe with me, that all I wanted was to protect her, and take care of her.

And yet...

“Yes, you should be afraid.” My answer was hardened by desire, because fuck, I was more than ready to take her again. But that wasn’t the whole story, I wanted this to be something far more special than a quick fuck.

I was ready for battle between the bedsheets but out of them as well.

“I’m not afraid of you, Chase thechaser.”

Each word threatened to break my self-control.

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