Page 17 of His to Possess

Alive,I realize.

“Everything will be okay,” he says.

I turn to face him, not sure I’ve ever met such an optimistic person before. Honestly, I’m not sure what to do with him. A part of me wants to drop him off at his brother’s house, leave this city and never look back. But, an even bigger part of me wants to get to know Angelo Rossi better. Although, I have no idea why.

“I hope you’re right,” I say.

Normally, I keep my distance from everyone, especially men. But, Angelo is very charming, likable and the most beautiful man I’ve ever met. It occurs to me that his presence is making this situation better. I’m used to being on my own, figuring things out myself, but now I have someone else by my side. It’s selfish of me to think—but, I’m glad he’s here with me.

Despite trying to remain cool and keep my distance, I find myself warming up to him. Against my will. But, how can I not? It’s the strangest thing, but he calms me, centers me, and makes me believe we will be able to find a way out of our current situation. Although I have no idea how.

“If you want to sleep, the bedroom is all yours,” I say, motioning toward a door off of the living room. The apartment is small and, although a little dusty, it serves its purpose, providing us a temporary safe haven. I’m sure Angelo is used to betteraccommodations, but there’s not much I can do. The Ritz-Carlton is definitely off the table for tonight.

His dark gaze holds mine, steady and searching. “I’d rather stay out here and keep you company. Entertain you with my charming personality.”

“You’re really something,” I mutter and drop down on the couch, trying hard not to smile. It’s kind of impossible, though. He’s far too adorable.

“I could say the same thing about you.”

The old couch cushion sags beneath his weight when he sits down next to me. Far too close, I might add, but I’m not complaining. He’s a good distraction and his lightheartedness is something I rarely see in other people. And, dammit, I kind of like it. I’m starting to like him.

“So, Butterfly, what made you get into the bounty hunting business?” he asks, flashing those delicious dimples of his again.

“Next question,” I say without missing a beat.

He chuckles. “Oh, c’mon. Since we’re stuck together—mind you, I’m not complaining—why don’t we get to know each other a little better?”

Revealing anything too personal is dangerous, but something about this man lulls me into a false sense of security. I’m not sure whether it’s his delicious scent—something spicy and intriguing—or his deep, steady voice, but he’s pulling me under his spell. Making me want what I haven’t allowed myself to have. Ever.

Having a dangerous occupation means I can’t allow myself to get too close to anyone. Okay, maybe that isn’t the complete truth,but it’s a crutch I rely on and use to convince myself that it’s fine. It’s fine that I’ve never been in a serious relationship, it’s fine that I don’t date and it’s totally and completely fine that I’m a twenty-seven year old virgin.

After what I’ve been through—foster care and a terrible upbringing—I’ve never allowed myself to get too close to anyone, especially men. However, Angelo is reeling me in and tempting me in ways I’ve never been tempted before.

My attention drops to his mouth and I study his lips. Of course, they’re perfect. Not too thin or too full and when they curve up, I want to kiss them. Thoroughly.

“I meant we get to know each other better by talking, but if you’d rather do something else…” He lets his voice trail off suggestively and smirks. I know he’s not serious, that he’s only joking, but, at the same time, I’m beginning to wonder if this mixup happened for a reason.

And maybe I should take advantage of being stuck in this apartment with this sinfully good-looking man for the night.

The fact that I’ve never been intimate with a man just sort of happened. It’s not something I let myself think about too often because…well, it’s embarrassing. Plus, I’m such a private person. The idea of opening myself up, physically and emotionally, is daunting.Unless you don’t,a little voice whispers.Just keep it about experiencing pleasure and unloading your virginity. After tonight, you’re a ghost.

Hmm.This might be a good chance to do exactly that. Once I straighten this clusterfuck out, I’m never going to see Angelo again. There won’t be any way to get hurt or my heart tangled up or, even worse, broken. It would only be a one-night stand.

I’ve never seriously considered sleeping with anyone before…until now. And, dammit, I can’t stop picturing him in that shower. Every wet, slick, hard, very impressive inch.Shit.I’m starting to overheat.

“What’s your name?” he whispers and my gaze snaps up. His dark brown eyes search mine, trying to find answers that I’m reluctant to give.

“Butterfly,” I automatically respond. I can’t tell him the truth. He’s already in enough trouble and, from the sexy way he’s looking at me, I think I’m in a boatload of trouble, but of a different sort.

And I’m kind of excited about it.

I’ve already lost control of the situation. If I indulge a little more, would it really even matter? Everything is such a mess, has spiraled completely out of control, so what could it possibly hurt if I spend a little time getting to know this perfect specimen of a man better?

“Your parents named you Butterfly?” he challenges with another little smile.

At the mention of my parents, two people I never knew, I pull back. It’s like he tossed a bucket of ice cold water over me. My walls shoot right back up, lock into place, and I slide a little further away from him.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, concern washing over his face.

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