Page 47 of The Darkest Knight

“I had no fears. No boundaries.” He shrugged and once he saw the compassion in her features, he knew he needed to change the subject. “Speak to Isla and see what she thinks. I’ll talk to the boys about the new building. It’ll be interesting once we have a meeting with the trainer to discuss how we move forward. I’d like to see his plan.”

Excitement lit her eyes. “I think you’ll find him the man for the job.”

He scratched the bridge of his nose. “I hope so. I guess I have another question.”

“Okay.”

“This project isn’t short term. Are you prepared to stay here at Landing Knight?”

She looked at him like she hadn’t gotten that far. “Honestly, I’m still shell-shocked that I’m here and we’re making progress.”

“It’s a great idea. You should realize that. Here’s what I wanted to show you.” They topped a grassy knoll and on the other side was a large pond with a dock and a small fishing boat.

“Wow. I had no clue. Amazing.” A gust of wind blew through the nearby trees and across them. Since he was in the downwind, he inhaled her scent and it was much like a drug to his system.

“There’s another pond on the other side of the property. I like to get out here a few times a week and see what’s biting. It’s quiet and helps me gather my thoughts. You like to fish?”

“I did as a kid. I haven’t had much opportunity these days. Do you have family that comes and visits?”

“They have, but my brothers are busy with their careers. Being rich is a busy business.” He laughed.

“That’s sad. What I wouldn’t give to have my mom and dad still alive, along with a couple of siblings.” She met his gaze and smiled. “I had only met your sister for a brief period at a charity gala. She was vibrant, beautiful, and would light up the room. I was so sorry to hear about her passing. The world lost some of its shine that day.”

His sister’s death got him straight in the heart. She had been loving, giving, and the glue that had kept his family strong. “She was an amazing woman. Her goal was to help everyone, and she did, even after she passed away she still seemed to continue in her efforts.”

“I think she would be very proud of you.” She smiled widely. “You’re no longer alone.”

“By the way, Spike isn’t neutered. Could this be a problem?” As if the dogs understood, they took off at a run, side by side, and stopped to bounce against each other.

“All service dogs are fixed because it gives them longer, healthier lives and is supposed to keep them calmer. However, I don’t think it’s working for Abby. I haven’t seen her this active ever.”

“Everyone deserves a little love.” With his words, their gazes met. Another strand of hair moseyed out of her ponytail and smacked against her cheek. This time he didn’t resist the urge and stepped closer so he could grab the silken tendril. He held it for a long two seconds, then pushed it behind her ear. His knuckles glided against her smooth cheek, and it wasn’t by accident. She was satin smooth, and because he was caught up in her scent, his brain cells were on autopilot. He didn’t stop there as he brushed the tips of his fingers along her jaw and down the slender cord of her neck. Her chest lifted high as she sucked in a breath. She exhaled slowly and he noticed that her nipples beaded against her shirt. His hand lingered at her collarbone as he contemplated his next move. He could easily skim his fingers along the tops of her breasts, even lower to the parts he had wanted to explore for all his life…even before he knew her. He had hoped that a woman would come along one day that would trigger him into wanting more than just to have her in bed.

She stood still, watching him with a bold and beautiful pale glaze.

Why didn’t he jump into this opportunity with the zest of a hungry man?

Her gaze landed on his lips and she could have clutched his groin in her palm. That one little look had him by the balls. His cock shot up and stretched the zipper to its capacity point. Danger stood before him with the sexiest body he’d ever seen, and he wasn’t immune. She was so close now that he could count the freckles that scattered her cheeks along with the tiny white scar on her chin. He could allow himself to sink right there into the blue depths of her gorgeous eyes and forget that nothing came without problems. One slip and he’d have her in his arms, and the trouble wasn’t that he didn’t have enough desire, but it was the fact that she was living here on his property, so close that his hunger would always be on superpower mode.

A whimper fell off her slightly puckered lips and he wanted to drink that sound in. Her expression and each breath breathed life into his lungs, awaking something he’d lost in the dust in Syria. He’d never felt so okay before and it was an unexplainable feeling.

Even now, guilt threaded around his brain cells, suffocating him. How could he have happiness when his buddies would never experience life again?

He dropped back a step, removing his hands and pushing them into his front pockets. She was too irresistible. Too damn beautiful. Luscious and full of life. She deserved to be made to feel special, beautiful…

He couldn’t be responsible for anyone.

Counting the number of times he’d wanted to devour her sweetness wasn’t possible.

“We should get back.” He was fully aware of how hoarse his voice sounded. Hell, he should just consider himself lucky that he could talk at all.

“I guess you’re right,” she replied, her voice breathless.

Did he see disappointment in her features? Confusion? He was disappointed in himself that fear trapped him in its hold. He deserved a little joy in his life—a little Reese. Yet, what could he offer but a temporary pleasure? She wasn’t the type a man could have a fling with.

Was he truly ready to build that dream house for two? Maybe more?

He’d need to know how far he was willing to go before he took that step.

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