Page 14 of My Bodyguard Neighbor
"They won't get another chance."
"How can you promise that?"
"Because I'm not letting you out of my sight until this is over."
The possessive edge in his tone sent a shiver through Holly that had nothing to do with fear.Even in the midst of her terror, her body responded to the promise in his words.
"Why do you care so much?"The words came out quieter than she'd intended."This is just a job for you, right?My father's paying you to keep me alive.So why do you look like the thought of me getting hurt is tearing you apart?"
Jonah's response was immediate and fierce."This stopped being just a job the moment I realized I'd rather die than let anything happen to you."
Holly stared at him, seeing the truth of it written across his features.
"I know this is insane," he continued, his voice rough with emotion."I know I should walk away, should hand you off to someone who can stay objective."His hands finally made contact, framing her face with reverent gentleness."But I can't.The thought of losing you makes me want to burn the world down."
"Can you kiss me?"she asked, needing to feel his mouth on her, needing to rid herself of this cold terror with his all-encompassing heat.
His mouth crashed down on hers with a hunger that stole her breath and set her entire body on fire.This was claiming, pure and simple.His tongue swept into her mouth like he was marking territory, and Holly moaned at the taste of him, dark and addictive and absolutely necessary.
Pulling him nearer until there was no space left between them, she could feel every hard plane of his body pressed against her softness, could feel the evidence of his arousal against her belly.
""You have no idea what you do to me."
Holly nipped at his lower lip, smiled when he growled low in his throat."Show me."
Jonah's hands moved to her waist, lifting her onto the counter like she weighed nothing.The position put them at eye level, and Holly could see the war between desire and conscience playing out across his features.
"This is going too fast," he said, even as his hands slid under her shirt to touch bare skin.
"Probably."Holly arched into his touch."Do you care?"
"Not even a little."
His mouth found the sensitive spot just below her ear, and Holly's head fell back with a gasp.Every touch sent electricity racing through her system, every kiss made her ache for more.
"Bedroom," she managed to gasp.
"Are you sure?"
Holly could see the question behind the question.Was she sure she wanted this with him?Was she sure she could handle whatever came after?Was she sure she was ready for everything he represented?
The smart answer was probably no to all of the above.But Holly realized she was past the point of caring about smart decisions.
"I'm sure," she said, and meant it.
Jonah carried her toward his bedroom, his mouth never leaving hers.Holly had a vague impression of dark furniture and clean lines before he set her down beside his bed and stepped back.
"Last chance to change your mind," he said, his tone rough with need.
Instead of answering with words, Holly reached for the hem of her shirt and pulled it over her head.
Jonah's gaze raked over her exposed skin with an look that made her feel like she was burning from the inside out.
"Beautiful," he murmured, stepping toward her."So damn beautiful."
His hands moved to the clasp of her bra, his fingers surprisingly gentle for someone capable of such violence.When the silk fell away, Holly heard him curse reverently under his breath.
"My turn," she said, reaching for his shirt.
