Page 27 of Dangerous Redemption (Paths to Love 4)

“Am I wrong in assuming you aren’t looking for a relationship?”

“I can’t,” I said quickly, slightly panicked at the thought of even attempting to date.

“What about something with no strings?” He spoke casually and continued rubbing that hypnotic pattern on my hand.

My body sparked at what I thought he was proposing. “No strings?”

“Just orgasms. Lots and lots of orgasms.” The velvet of his voice had me clenching my thighs together.

“I—”

He pressed his thumb into my hand. “I should go.”

I blinked at him in a daze. Go? After just offering lots and lots orgasms? A part of me seriously wanted to consider the proposition.

Carlos stood and pulled me against him. I exhaled in a rush as his heat seeped into me.

“Holly, you’re not dead. It's okay to fulfill your needs. Even if I can't be all you want, I can certainly help you out with that.”

He kissed my forehead and sauntered out the front door, leaving me staring after him. Could I take him up on something just physical? My body said yes. My brain wasn't so sure.

Chapter Sixteen

Holly

With Gabriel'shand in mine, we waited in front of Muriella's apartment. It was a few minutes before seven, and this was the routine we'd developed over the past week even though it would change in a couple of days when school started. I wanted to be the one to take Gabriel to school, and thankfully, Mulaney was more than understanding about that.

Carlos opened the front door.

“Mr. Carlos.” Gabriel released my hand and flung his arms around Carlos's waist.

My voice lodged in my throat. Carlos looked like he'd just stepped out of the shower. His black hair was damp, one lock of it hanging over his forehead. He had on a thin gray T-shirt that stretched tight over his pectoral muscles. The sleeves strained around his biceps like they might rip any second. I knew firsthand how strong those arms were.

“Hey, Gabriel. What are you doing up so early?” Carlos lifted him and tossed him in the air, Gabriel squealing with delight as Carlos caught him and set him back on his feet.

“Mama's got to go to work,” Gabriel answered. That was when Carlos finally seemed to notice me. His eyes heated as they took in my houndstooth pencil skirt and pearl Victorian blouse.

“Good morning, Holly.”

“Hello, Carlos,” I replied crisply to hide what I feared was my blatantly obvious reaction to him. His body was like a magnet. I itched to run my fingers through his hair and over all that muscle.

“Coffee?” he asked, letting me inside.

“No, thanks. Is Mulaney ready to go?”

“Haven't seen her this morning. Why don't we wait in the kitchen?” he suggested. “My sister's cooking something.”

“Gabriel, go say hi to Miss Muriella,” I suggested, and he took off. “Do you have a minute?”

“I have all the time in the world for you,” Carlos said, and my heart skipped a beat. “Want to talk in the living room?”

My cheeks burned, but I lifted my chin. “Somewhere more private, please.”

He shot me a questioning gaze. “This way.”

He led me into what had to be Muriella's study and closed the door behind us. The room was light, with champagne-colored walls and a glass-topped desk. White leather chairs were positioned in front of it.

“Have a seat.” Carlos gestured toward the chairs, and I shook my head.

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