Page 34 of Reaching His Heart (The Sartoris 3)

“And that was another lie.”

She quivered with outrage.

“You’ll stay on at the mansion as my permanent nurse.”

She pulled her hands away from his. “You don’t need a permanent nurse. In fact, from what I saw tonight, you’re okay from now on. Pretty soon, you won’t even need those canes.”

“Agreed. It doesn’t change the fact that you’ll stay on.”

“Cason, that’s a waste of money.”

“It’s my money to waste.” He reached for her again, bringing her close with a light touch at her nape. When he swooped in, her breath caught in her throat. She was like a fluttering butterfly caught in a net, and he thrilled at the capture. Why had he thought she wasn’t beautiful at their first meeting, and why did he find her irresistible now? He couldn’t figure it out. “If you don’t like that arrangement, you can be my lover and share my bed every night.”

A small squeak of alarm escaped her. “Y-you’re not serious.”

“I’m very serious. You can live at the mansion, and so can Joseph.”

She struggled against him, but he wouldn’t let go. Her heart pounded so loud, he heard it and laid the backs of his fingers against the valley between her breasts to feel it. She fluttered some more.

“Cason.”

He brought his lips to within inches of hers. “Yes?”

She infused her tone with annoyance. “What about Bambi? Or did you forget your fiancée.”

“Woman, I’m not nor have I ever been engaged to Bambi. Now, does that settle your mind?”

“No. I can’t…I won’t…” She swallowed.

“Kiss me. I want to taste your mouth again.”

“C-Cason.”

“Kiss me, Solette.”

She shook at his whisper of her name.

“You know you want to.”

“I don’t.” She started to rise, but he grabbed her hand. Of their own accord, he guessed, her fingers splayed, and he took advantage of the movement, lacing his with hers. She shivered again and looked into his eyes. This time he waited for her to try to rise again. Amusement rose in him when she didn’t move.

He skimmed a thumb over her cheek and then cupped her jaw. Never in his existence was he so thankful to have strength in his right hand again, that he could touch her this way. Yet, it wasn’t enough. He tilted her chin up and claimed her mouth. A small moan escaped her. He delved his tongue between her lips to taste her and thrilled at her sweetness. Did any other woman taste as good as Solette? He had sampled a lot, and he couldn’t recall another. In fact, at that moment, he was consumed with her. He needed oh so much more.

Cason drew back after a few minutes to stare into her face. Her lashes fluttered against her cheeks, and she licked her lips as if experiencing his touch again. He studied those full lips, so much thicker than his previous lovers. They fascinated him as much as the rest of her.

Maybe it’s my brothers and seeing them with their wives.

Could that be the answer to why he wanted Solette so badly? Or maybe it was just that he was hard up for a woman. Perhaps any woman would do. If he said yes to Bambi, she might get this fever for Solette out of him. He considered it, and a splash of cold water dumped over his desire. Choosing to touch Bambi instead of Solette seemed like madness.

No, it’s madness to want Solette this much!

Solette opened her eyes and realized he was staring. Her hands fluttered about, and she looked away. He watched amused as she opened the small purse she had brought tonight and pretended to search it for something. He didn’t miss the fact that she still didn’t rise to get away from him.

Okay, not Bambi but another woman. His face was looking better, almost handsome. Although when he looked in the mirror, he still saw his flaws. He’d never thought he was vain until his looks were taken away. The surgery for his eye had gone well, but even if it hadn’t, women would have found the patch sexy.

Jeez, yeah, I’m vain all right.

The knowledge amused him more than anything else. Solette wanted him. Her small body almost strained toward him, and he knew without a doubt he could make it sing with one touch. Temptation washed over him to test out the theory right then and there. If he made her cry out in culmination of pleasure, how would she react? His little mouse might not forgive him.

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