Page 83 of Billionaire Protector

1. She did not like the heroine. Not at all. She was standing way to close to Cole. And why did she keep touching him?

2. There was actually nothing wrong with the heroine. Which meant she was in trouble.

3. She liked Cole. Too much. Way, way too much. As he swept onto the stage, playing the part of gallant knight, the similarities to real life blazed. Saving people was what he did, first in the military and now in Harmony Creek. When the final scene came and he declared his undying devotion to the heroine, he wasn’t looking at the willowy blond.

He was looking at her.

She stood as applause shook the rafters, as everyone lauded the hero they didn’t realize was one in truth. He strode to her, holding her gaze as if she were the only lady in the world. Allthoughts of the world disappeared as she became the damsel to his knight, as he gathered her in his arms.

The show ended, but the romance didn’t. They didn’t speak as they walked through the fair, quieter as twilight approached, or on the car drive home. Yet despite tumultuous thoughts, she remained comfortable next to Cole, confident, safe and secure. Desire, attraction and need – feelings she’d repressed for so long – rose to the surface, almost crushing in their intensity. She fought the urge to share her emotions, the truth about her life, the secrets she could no longer hide. To share herself physically, to satiate the desire that had been building like slow burning embers, only to suddenly burst into flames.

It seemed like only seconds had passed when they reached her home. He parked in front, walked around to let her out. Then hefollowedher.

She didn’t protest. Didn’t stop when he took her hand. Didn’t move away when they reached the door an eternity too soon.

Another eternity passed in his fervent gaze. He flexed taut muscles. “Well, that was–”

“Would you like to come in?”

He froze, and so did she, but she didn’t take it back. The consequences didn’t matter as the past melted away, the future left undefined. The present beckoned.

He gazed at her for a thousand moments. “Are you sure?” Untold meaning hid behind the words. He knew exactly what she wanted. By the hunger in his eyes, he desired it, too.

It was time to stop denying the obvious. “If it’s what you want.”

He reached out, traced her cheek. “It’s what I’ve wanted for a long time.”

Satisfaction ignited a firestorm. Had he been fighting his feelings for as long as she? She removed her keys with surprisingly steady hands and unlocked the door. He playedshadow as she crossed the entrance, looming behind her, towering in strength. He closed the door.

Then, he locked it.

It was like being hunted by a powerful predator, a warrior’s sole focus. Cole slowly encircled her, challenging, commanding, demanding. She wouldn’t relinquish control, at least not yet. She met him a fraction before he came to her, lunging into his open arms.

He captured her lips.

The kiss was richer than any fine wine, sweeter than the nectar of the ripest fruit. His woodsy scent came with scorching heat, formidable, protective,possessive. She fought to move closer, wanting more, needing more.

She pulled at his shirt. He seemed to understand as he moved back for one brief second and lifted it over his head, revealing ripped muscles corded with strength. Attraction flared as she pushed closer, but he stopped her. “Not so fast.” He put a possessive hand just above her breasts, burning through the regal fabric. “It’s your turn.”

Yes, it was, and she wanted nothing more than to be as close to this man as possible. “I’m going to need some help.”

Cole’s eyes blazed. Was she really asking him to help her undress?

Yes, she was, and she couldn’t wait. He grasped her shoulders, gently turning her. She inhaled his intoxicating spice as the corset was loosened, freeing her from its tight constraint. Seconds later it dripped to a pool on the floor, and he shifted her once more. His eyes darkened as he took in her thin chemise and lacy pink undergarments. “Those are going to have to go, too.”

“Yes,” she whispered. She raised her hands, allowing him to lift the slip. She pressed against his chest as he unhooked her bra in one swift movement. Her breasts felt heavy and tender as he released them from their confinement.

He wasn’t done.

Cole fingered the edges of her panties, looping his finger around the delicate lace. Slowly he lowered them, trailing a path down sensitive skin as he divested her of the last remaining barrier. He lifted her feet so she could step out of the wispy fabric, and then it was done.

She stood fully naked under his perusal.

“So beautiful.” He breathed in a ragged breath. When she dared look away, he placed a hand gently under her chin, forcing her gaze to his. “You can’t hide from me,” he whispered. “You never could.”

So. Very. True.She peered down at his pants, wielding boldness. “Now it’s your turn.”

He flashed a dark and wicked smile. “As the lady wishes.”

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