Page 17 of Whispered Desire

"Don’t deny something is amiss here, so what do you need?" I don't know why I'm pushing this. Don't know why it matters to me. If Allison wants to live life harder than she has to, that's her prerogative. It has absolutely nothing to do with me.

Yet I'm in Raleigh after chartering the jet to check on her.

Why?

She’s a puzzle, and you itch to solve them.

That's the only reason.

“I—”

The reaction I was trying to avoid earlier finally comes as tears stream down Allison's flushed cheeks. Her silent cries rattle the chain wrapped tightly around the gnashing beast I keep buried deep unless someone fucks with me or my brothers.

So why is it waking for Allison?

Why does she affect me so easily?

"I need help," she admits with a shudder.

Words spill from her like a flood, matching the increasing pace of each tear as her face gleams with resignation. The guarded walls she kept high and barbed-wired crumble like they were made from a stack of playing cards—one pointed blow and they came tumbling down.

"I'm so tired. So overwhelmed. Even when I thought about using the money to hire a maid service, I couldn't do it. There's so much to do, and it's embarrassing. Every website said they didn't deal with clutter, which is half the problem. I tried to clean and organize, and I got some done but then..." More quiet sobs fall as she chokes on her words.

"What about your roommate?"

Allison sighs and deflates, though my grasp keeps her gaze on me.

"Bailey..." She bites her lip, contemplating the question. "Since she's dealing with her own mental health stuff, she doesn't think she should have to help. Which I get, but everything's become a nightmare since she lost her job. She and the pets depend on me for everything at this point, and even with your money, I can't do anything. I’m stuck. Burnt out."

"I wish I had someone who could..." She stops and shakes her head at the unspoken thought. "Nevermind. It's selfish."

"You wish you had someone to assume control. Take care of you. Shoulder the heavy burden you've placed on yourself without a second thought."

Blood pounds in my ears.

In my heart.

In my cock.

The air charges around us, and it requires all of my willpower to remain outwardly calm, despite the feral hunger Allison's half-voiced admission ignites.

Don’t take the bait.

You didn’t come to North Carolina for this.

"How did you…?” Wonder shines through the tears before she shakes it off, swiping at a few salty droplets. “It's a foolish dream. I don't want to burden another person with my messy life. Everyone has problems, and I'll deal with mine like I always have." A tremulous smile forces its way onto her lips, and I growl at the brave facade she's trying to project.

I don't want fake positivity.

I don't want lies.

"No, Angel, you won't." I studiously ignore the endearment that slips out and continue, "You saved my life. It's time I save yours."

A watery laugh trembles from her throat. "I'm not dying. Just having a tough time. It'll pass."

“Agreed. Forget about calling the maid service or breaking your lease. I'll handle things from now on.”

My brothers hate my impulse to lead. My need to control a situation. We're independent men with our own unique skill sets, but that doesn't mean I'm content sitting back when someone should captain the ship.

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