Page 87 of Strange Seduction
She bit her lip. “I wouldn’t like it.”
“Exactly.”
She turned in my arms to face me. “Don’t be like that.”
“I’m being serious, Carmen. How do you think I feel, seeing you with other men?”
“Jealous,” she said, mouth twitching.
“You’re not funny.”
She touched my chest, her fingers warm through the fabric. “I’m not interested in them. And it hurts my feelings that you think I’d betray you after all these years, Theo.”
I swallowed hard as she continued. “I know how I’m perceived. My personality naturally gives off a flirty vibe, and it always has.But Iswearto you, I’ve never given another man the impression I was interested. I only want you.”
I didn’t answer right away. My jaw was locked too tight for that.
“They don’t see it that way.”
“Then don’t think aboutthem,” she said, firmer now. “I’m telling you what it is.”
I studied her.
“I don’t want you around Vince anymore,” I said. “Do you fucking understand me?”
“Yes.”
“I’m not playing, Carmen.”
“I know.”
“And Marcus…You should’ve told me about the thing with your dad.”
“I know.” Her voice cracked. “I’m sorry.”
I exhaled. “And I’m sorry I blocked him. But for the love of God, Carmen—limit the conversations.”
“Yes, Teddy.”
Her voice softened into that tone that always did things to me. She looked up at me with those big brown eyes and got in close. Her hand cupped me through my pants, and my face twitched.
Sheknewwhat she was doing.
“Anything else?”
My eyes lowered to her body. She’s been loving wearing dresses here, and I was thankful for it. Easier to take off.
“We’re talking about your father’s case,” I muttered, barely holding it together. “After this.”
I snatched her up and our mouths found each other, hungry and full of tension. I wasn’t gonna make it to the bed. Not with the built-up frustration of work and dealing with her pretty ass stressing me out.
I needed release.
Now.
The closest surface I could find was the couch, in front of the sliding door. I set her on her feet in front of it as she continued to kiss me. We clawed at our clothes, though I was doing most of the work.
“This ain’t gonna be gentle, Sweetness. I need you to bear with me.”
