Page 48 of The Chase
Cringing inwardly, I feigned his rejection wasn’t triggering my self-doubt, wasn’t taking me back to that dreadful time when I’d given everything, every part of me.
That same clawing regret wrenched my stomach. Hadn’t I learned my lesson? Seen how these games played out...
He offered a kind smile. “You misunderstand me.”
“No, you’re quite clear.”
“I’m too brutal for someone as gentle as you.”
“How do you mean?”
He gave a defiant nod. “You’d never withstand the hard fucking I’d deliver.”
Oh God.
I reached out to the wall to steady my feet as that same wave of powerlessness washed over me.
“Get some sleep. Everything will feel different in the morning. Your head will clear and you’ll see reason.”
He blinked as he stared downward, his teeth clenched with tension. I followed his stare between my thighs. My nightdress had ridden up. His eyelids became heavy as though fighting his will.
Tobias reached low to tug the hem to cover me. “I want a copy of your report.” He retrieved his jacket and scarf and flung it over his forearm. “First thing, please.”
I straightened my nightdress, trying to retrieve my dignity. “Of course, Mr. Wilder.” I too could turn glacial. “Right away.”
“Call me Tobias.”
Raising my chin proudly. “I much prefer formality.” Even if I was standing here half-naked I could still hold my own. “Keep things professional.”
“As you wish.” His fingers disappeared inside his jacket pocket and he pulled out my magnifier.
He set it down on the hall table.
“I’ll get the dress.”
“Please, keep it.”
That threw me a little and I went to argue that it was too much but he gestured his insistence.
“Mr. Wilder, you never asked me if the Goya is authentic.”
“Didn’t need to.”
I braved to take a step toward him, feigning he had no effect over me.
He gave a warm smile. “I saw the wonder in your eyes.”
“Good night.”
He looked hurt. “For the record, I kissed you because I wanted to.”
I watched him leave.
When the door shut I ran forward and locked it, my hands trembling as I replayed our passionate kiss, allowing those same sensuous sensations to wash over me, fighting this urge to burst into the hallway and call after him.
Tell Tobias I wanted him to stay.
9
