Page 59 of Unguarded

I lift my chin, setting my jaw. “I don’t remember inviting you back.”

“I don’t remember asking for permission.” He doesn’t stop until he’s six inches from me.

I have to tilt my head back to look up at him. He’s beautiful, but there are dark circles under his eyes, like he hasn’t slept.

“What are you doing here?” I stick my bottom lip out in a pout.

The sudden potency of his cedar forest and leather and pure Cash scent nearly knocks me off my feet. With no warning, I’m dizzy, and the room starts to spin.

Strong arms catch me before I’m even halfway down. I don’t fully lose consciousness, but the feel of his muscled biceps and forearms carrying me makes me feel even more delirious.

“I love the way you look at me,” I mumble quietly so one else can hear.

He grunts, gently depositing me on the sofa and kneeling beside me. His fingers find mine, squeezing tight. He leans in closer to my cheek, his voice dropping to a whisper. “How you feeling, Princess?”

His scratchy voice makes me feral.

“Hmm, right now? I’m feelingveryturned on.”

Oh no. I must be delirious.

He chuckles into my ear, the warmth of his exhale causing me to lean into him.

No! I’m mad at him. Soooo mad …

“While I’d love to help you out with that, I need to know how your head is feeling. Do you remember yesterday?”

“Yesterday? Are we still in Paris? If we are, I want one of those chocolate croissant things.”

His rough fingertips caress the skin of my forehead for a few long moments as he studies my lips. “No, we’re not. But I’ll see what I can do about that.”

“Well, I’ll be damned.” The brother speaks from behind Cash.

I try to focus on him, but my eyes are struggling to obey me. “Is he your brother?”

“Younger, yes.”

“What—what’s wrong?” Ember rushes over, her voice an octave too high. “What’s wrong with her?”

The brother shrugs. “I have no idea. I was talking about him. He’s a goner.” His shit-eating grin widens.

Cash tenses his shoulder muscles, releasing a deep exhale. “Shut the fuck up, Duke.” He turns to face Ember. “Has she seen a doctor yet?”

Ember responds, “No … they didn’t make it before the start of the show. Do you want me to call one?”

“Yes.”

Ember scurries off.

I reach up, cupping the side of his face. His five-o’clock shadow is scratchy under my touch. “You’re so handsome. You and he look alike.”

“Aw, thanks, sweetheart. You’re not so bad yourself. My brother here has been depressed as hell since getting home,” Duke remarks, crossing his arms casually.

“Hey, Duke, did you come to be useful or to get pummeled? Go out and find us a couple of chocolate croissants. Take Brooks with you,” Cash orders.

I don’t hear a response before the guys leave together. The room is quiet, and all I have to focus on is Cash.

“Why are you here? I didn’t ask you to come back.” I should be playing it cool and kicking him out, but my head feels too swimmy for me to keep up the act of indifference toward him.

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