Page 49 of Embody

“So you know all about the BDSM world because you read books about it? I’m not an expert, or even a novice, but I’m pretty sure you can’t claim a vast knowledge based on what you’ve read. It’s one of thosethingsI’m betting is a whole lot different when you actually experience it for yourself. Which, I have no interest to do. Unless you do?” He waggles his eyebrows.

“Yes,” I roll my eyes as I slather on the dry sarcasm. “I think that’d be perfect. Stroll my almost twenty-year-old virgin self right up in the middle of a dark, members only club. You think I’d fit in?”

He fakes a cough and diverts his eyes, tugging at his collar while beads of sweat dot his forehead.

“Oh, please! Like you didn’t know I was a virgin. Don’t guys of your experience level have some sort of radar for that? And besides, I’m not a bit ashamed of it. Still wanna be my “Knight in Moving Man Armor” now?”

He stands, grabs my mug and walks to the kitchen. When he returns, he hands me the freshly refilled coffee.

“Drink up, you obviously need it. You’re a lil’ grumpy this morning,” he smiles. “Love sass, wit and an argument when you’re all sleepy sexy, but you’re teetering on scary now. While you drink, I’ll recap.” He sits back down. “Yes, I figured you were a virgin, not at all a deterrent. No, I have no predilection for BDSM. Or dogs, we established that last night. And finally, youaremoving upstairs. Tell me what day works for you, and again, what I need to do with anything you’re not taking.”

“Jefferson, I appreciate the thoughtfulness. Not so much your delivery, but thoughtful all the same. I’m still not moving.”

He blows out a weighted breath and runs a hand through his hair, then looks me dead in the eyes. “You have to.”

“Have to? Why is that?”

“Because I’m evicting you from this one.”

“You’re what?” I screech. “You can’t do that. You have to give me a notice and have a valid reason.”

“We strongly suspect there’s mold in this apartment. By law, and every health code, we have to take immediate action. I’ll have an official notice to you by late afternoon.” He spews out the complete bullshit with a straight face and the finality of a man who’s used to getting his way.

He speaks again, this time with friendly flirtation. “Bellamy, I can’tnotwant to take care of you. It’s in my DNA. But it does have its perks. A man who will do anything to ensure your safety, happiness and total satisfaction. You’ll see,” he winks, accentuating his unsubtle innuendo.

“I’ll think about it,” I grouse. “The great part? Your family will think I’m leeching off you, a gold-digger. This wasyouridea. You better make thatoverlyclear.”

“You’ve met them,” he chuckles. “This is tame compared to the other men in my family. My mom actually refers to my father as “caveman,” often. None of them will even bat an eyelash. I promise.”

“Fine, like I said, I’ll think about it.”

“Let me see your phone,” he looks around for it.

“Why?”

“So you can call or text me when you decide what day works best for you. Just don’t forget, Friday’s out because we have the concert.”

“You’re going with us?” No clue why I’m a bit surprised.

“Yeah, I am. Who do you think gave her the tickets?”

“So you bribed Brynn to be okay with,” I motion a finger between us, “this?”

“Damn, you’re cynical in the morning. No. I didn’t know she was crying, stewing in her own guilt, when I pulled up, planning to give them to her. After we had a long talk and she had already realized for herself the error of her ways, then I handed them over. And she told me, with just a look, who was being invited. Us. Both.”

“Okay, I believe you and that does make me feel better.” I rise and go grab my phone. “Here,” I hold it out to him when I return.

He taps away on the screen then grins, handing it back. “There ya go. I’ve got your number and you’ve got mine. I gotta get to work,” he stands too, “but lemme know. You torture me, holding out and making me wait too long,” he steps into me and says huskily, “Iwillreturn the favor one day soon.”

“Don’t get too cocky, Kendrick. One man’s soon may be another woman’s never.” I toss on my sassiest smile.

“Shy to the world, brazen lil’ vixen for me. I like it. Now, I really do have to go. Come ‘ere,” he grabs me around the waist and crushes me to him, claiming my mouth with a hungry growl.

I go to my tiptoes and weave my fingers through his thick hair, pressing myself harder against his chest. His kisses are more intoxicating and influential than I like to admit, and I’m definitely scared to acknowledge how my feelings for him grow stronger every time we kiss, touch…or breathe the same air.

But why? Why be scared, hold back, deny myself the pleasure of this overwhelming man?

Because I’m absolutely terrified that if I allow myself to fully become the woman I am when I’m with him, once he’s gone, I won’t be able to find my way back. And even worse, I’ll be searching alone.

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