Page 17 of Embracing My Nightmare
Standing in front of her, I saw a small tremble in her body. Slowly, I ran my hand over her shoulder and up her neck, cradling her cheek in my palm. She leaned into my embrace and her eyes closed involuntarily with a small sigh from her pouty lips.
“Lamb, I’m a dangerous man and you deserve someone better than me. I tried to stay away, but after watching you push away one guy after another, I knew your heart was waiting for me. You need someone who stokes the fire inside of you and isn’t afraid to challenge your stubborn streak.” With a quick grip, I had her hair in my hand and bent her head to the side, exposing her slender neck. “But if you ever hit me again, I will paddle your ass.”
She smiled at me and I kissed her neck, nipping at the tender flesh. Separating from her delicious skin, I smirked and pressed my growing length against her. With hooded eyes, she reached down and stroked my hard cock. I tilted her head back and whispered against her lips, “Why don’t you properly thank me for saving your life.”
“What did you have in mind?” she asked, her words coming out in panted breaths.
Her soft lips pressed against mine and I released my hold on her head, pulling her small body against mine. I kept the kiss simple, wanting her to feel my desire, my burning need. I pushed her too hard this morning with my temper and she deserved delicate and sweet. Even if all I wanted to do was rip those tiny shorts off her and plunge my cock into her until she screamed my name.
Just as I was about to unzip my shorts and pull out my stiff length, my phone chimed. James, my best friend and head of security, was sending me a secured message that required my immediate attention. I pecked her on the lips and smiled.
“Will you put the gun away? Unless you feel you still need it.”
With confusion written across her beautiful face, she turned toward the weapon and shook her head as I opened the secure message and watched her return the gun to her purse. One look at my phone had my anger rising and my eyes snapped to Elise, fearful the news I just received would damage any trust she and I were just starting to build. Four simple words that could upend everything . . .
I found the bastard.
Chapter 6
Elise
Devlin’s mood swungfrom playful and opento cold and closed-off with the chime of his phone. I felt like we made some headway into our unique situation, and I was letting my guard down, hoping his words were truthful and from the heart.
After securing my gun, I turned to find his eyes distant and his body tense. He squeezed his phone until I was afraid it would break, and the way he was looking at me made me think his anger was directed at me.
He took one step toward me and I stepped back, keeping my purse within reach. Devlin ran his hand through his thick black hair and sighed loudly into the apartment. I relaxed my posture, trusting he wasn’t going to hurt me. He smiled lightly, tension clear on his face.
“I’ve got some urgent business I need to take care of. I don’t want to leave you, but this can’t wait.” He took a small step in my direction and I remained still as he brought me into a deep hug.
I wrapped my arms around his muscled chest and inhaled his scent, allowing it to calm me. Heburied hisface in my hair and he lightly rubbed my back, holding me in his arms. I propped my chin on his chest and stared up into his blue eyes, finding myself lost in the azure hues. He kissed my lips softly.
“I’ll be out of town for a few days and I don’t know when I’ll be back exactly. I don’t want you to leave the apartment until I return,” he instructed and I shook my head.
Releasing my hold on him, I moved to refill my coffee, taking a sip as I watched him over the rim of the mug. He looked relaxed, but I knew better. I was a master at hiding my real feelings. I could sense he was vibrating with anger, but I also knew the text he got caused it and not me.
I smiled playfully, hoping to calm him. “I won’t stay locked up in my apartment. I have lunch with my parent’s tomorrow and need to go grocery shopping for the week. Plus, I work on Monday.”
