Page 20 of Wild Love

I shoved my hands in my pockets so I wouldn't reach for her. This woman touched me on a deep, primal level. I wanted to be the one who tamed her. Who showed her how good staying in one place could be.

The challenge of possessing a woman like this made my blood run hot.

Scarlett turned to face me. "Are you sure you can spare this place for me?"

"It's just sitting here empty."

"If you're sure I won't be putting you out," she continued.

"Positive. You want to see the rest of the amenities?"

"There's more?" Scarlett asked, but I was already moving down the hallway to the bedrooms, the bathrooms. Each apartment had roof access. I showed her how to unlock the door, then led the way up the stairs. On the roof, a wall surrounded the area so that no one could see the pool, the hot tub, or the grilling area with couches and chairs. Twinkling lights hung around the space.

"I never knew this was up here." Scarlett walked slowly around the permitter.

"The pool's heated." It was the perfect place for parties, but we hadn't had any since my brothers moved out. I never brought women here. I usually went to their rooms; it made it less personal somehow. But I'd invited this woman here.

I had to keep reminding myself that she was like family to me, a sister. Chance wanted me to look out for her.

My phone buzzed.

Chance: Scarlett said she was coming to you for a room. Is she going to take it?

Eli: I think so.

Chance: I'd feel better if you're looking out for her.

I sighed. I hated lying to my friend, which was what this felt like it.

Eli: You can count on me.

Could he though? I was the one she needed protection from.

"Is that my brother?" Scarlett removed one heel and was dipping one toe into the warm water. Then she kicked off the second shoe and sat on the edge, her feet in the water.

I grabbed a heated towel from the cabinet and put it next to her. "He wants you to be safe."

Something flashed through Scarlett's eyes. "This is divine."

"I'm close to the lodge if someone needs me, but up here I'm alone." I used to crave the solitude away from the hustle and bustle downstairs, but lately, with my brothers gone, it was lonely.

"You can hide from the world up here."

I sat on a second towel, criss-cross next to her, not wanting to get my suit wet. "What do you want to hide from?"

She glanced over at me, and there was so much raw emotion in her gaze; I wanted to pull her into my arms. But we didn't have that kind of relationship.

"Is there something you're not telling Chance?"

Scarlett sighed. "I don't want to worry him, and it's over now anyway. I'm safe here."

"You are." I had security and cameras. "No one has access tothis floor unless we request cleaning services, room serive, or maintenance."

"This would be perfect. Can I pay you for it?"

"Sure." I wouldn't make it easy for her though. I had no intentions of charging her. If anything, she was doing me a favor. My life had been in shades of gray until she came home. Now there were flashes of red that I looked forward to. "I think this is going to work out for both of us."

Scarlett kicked her feet in the water. "And how does this benefit you?"

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