Page 21 of Always

“Oh, you sure as hell do when you show up unannounced at my parents’ house.”

“I wasn’t unannounced. I called them first.”

“It was unannounced to me.”

“I had no idea you’d show up today.”

“Didn’t you? I call bullshit again.”

“You think I’m having you watched?” I stalk closer to her. She has no idea how tempted I was to have her followed. To have my people find out her schedule. But I didn’t. I didn’t go that far out of respect for her.

Just the accusation has me tense, ready to grab her. I’m angry. Angry and full of lust.

Fuck, I want her.

I want to grab her. Kiss her. Tie her up and fuck her, just likeI did that day in my office when she came rushing in, throwing accusations at me.

“Y-Yes.” Her lips tremble when she finally replies. “I wouldn’t put it past you.”

Tension coils through me. “Why would I have you watched if we’re not together?”

“Why would you show up at my parents’ home if we’re not together?”

“Damn it, Skye!” I grip her shoulder. Hard. “Damn it all to hell!” I crush my lips to hers.

Her parents are still inside the house, only yards away. They may very well be watching.

I don’t care.

Skye is impossible for me to resist. When I demand entrance with my tongue, she parts her lips and lets me in. We kiss angrily for a minute, until I break the kiss abruptly.

“Damn it!” I say again.

“You don’t have any business here, do you?” she says.

I do, but it’s not any serious business. I don’t reply.

“So why are you here, then?” she asks.

“I’m worried about you,” I say.

“I’m a grown woman.”

“I know that.”

“Why worry, then?”

“Just because I can’t be with you doesn’t mean I no longer love you.” I trail one finger over her cheek.

“I love you too. Why can’t we make this work?”

“You know why.”

“Why do you think I came here?” she says. “I came here to start at the beginning. To figure myself out.”

I nod.

“So why are you here?” she asks again. “And don’t tell me you’re worried about me. You know I can take care of myself.Tell me why, Braden.”

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