Page 14 of Captive Lies

I laid a palm against the wooden barrier and inhaled deeply, the butterflies in my stomach fluttered madly, causing my heart to pound painfully behind my ribs. “Go away,Grant.”

“I’m not leaving this time, Angel.” His voice filtered from behind the door withdetermination.

My fingers couldn’t unlock the deadbolt fast enough. Irritation mixed with desire to see him driving my actions. I was still conflicted when I dragged the door open, convincing myself that I wanted to tell him face-to-face to goaway.

I wasn’t prepared for how his smile transformed the attractive man I remembered into the devastatingly handsome version before me. Full of health, vigor, and virility, my mouth fell open and my words, meant to banish him, clogged up mythroat.

“Hey,” he murmured and his gaze, imbued with wonder, warmed my skin. “Your eyes are as mesmerizing as I rememberthem.”

“Uh …”

Caught unaware by his frank appraisal, I wasn’t prepared for when he shouldered the door wider and walked right in. “I thought you’d neverask.”

“I didn’t.” My irritation turned to outrage. Although, if I were honest, I was secretly thrilled that he overpowered my resistance. At least I tried,right?

His grin grew wider. There was almost a smirk lurking there, and, heaven help me,my hormones were running a charged circuit in my body with a direct line to my vagina. Gorgeous men were not in short supply in Colorado, but Grant Thorne was almost a unique sub-species. I tried very hard not to stare past his face even as I was tempted to look lower. God, I remembered the outline of his cock behind his boxer briefs. It was huge even in its relaxed state and I wondered how a fullyerect…

Stop!

“You’re blushing.” He wore a full-on smirk, eyes gleaming knowingly. “I wonder why thatis?”

I chose to ignore his innuendo even if I was guilty as hell. “You’re a bullheaded man, Grant Thorne,” I said as I crossed my arms over my chest. “You’ve thanked me enough. We saved your life. I know you think you owe us unending gratitude, but have mercy on the delivery guy. You’ve sent enough flowers, chocolate, and fancy food to last through winter. I don’t know where to put themanymore.”

Thankfully his gaze left me briefly to survey the contents of the cabin, and a corner of his mouth kicked up sheepishly. “I guess I wentoverboard.”

“Yes, youdid.”

He took a step forward and I was tempted to retreat but held myground.

“Let me make one thing clear, Blaire,” he said. “I’m indebted to you and Liam forever, that’s true. But that’s not why I’mhere.”

“Grant,don’t…”

“All Liam got was an expensive bottle of Scotch.” The distance between us diminished and I could feel the heat of his body. And his eyes, good Lord, his eyes were burning so hot, it was as if he’d incinerated every piece of clothing between us. His nostrils flared as if he were scenting me. He had turned verystill.

“Grant?” My eyes turned wary. “Are youokay?”

“I want to know you better, Blaire.” His husky voice was like fingers caressing all the sensitive places of my body, but I couldn’t give in. I lived in this secluded cabin for a reason and Grant represented everything I should stay awayfrom.

His brows drew together as if sensing myregret.

“Won’t you give me a chance?” hepressed.

“What’s the point?” I answered. “You’re not from here. You’re a senator’s son. You live in Boston. You’re abillionaire.”

“Is this some kind of reverse prejudice you and Liam have against rich people?” Grantdemanded.

“You’re missing the point!” I snapped. “Has it even occurred to you that I don’t like to be around people? I’m up here living a life of solitude in a log cabin and don’t want to change a thing. Your life is an endless string of galas, fundraisers, and dinner reservations at the poshest restaurants. I’m a recluse, Grant. We don’tfit.”

“I’m not asking you to marry me,” he responded softly. “I just want to get to know you. Give me a chance, Blaire. Spend time withme.”

“I don’t know why you’re pushing this sohard.”

“Can’t get you out of my mind,” he said gruffly. His eyes looked at me in earnest, pleading, and yet his jaw was set indetermination.

As for me, I was drowning with wanting him, to give myself over and experience this man even for just one night, but I was afraid one night with him wouldn’t beenough.

“Is it because I slept with you?” I asked, injecting scorn in my voice even if my heart rebelled against doing so. “You were shivering, delirious with a fever and, on top of that, you were having a nightmare. Maybe I should have asked Liam to cuddle youinstead.”

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