Page 57 of She Gives Love a Bad Name

Chapter Twenty

Quinn

My conscience is killingme.

Guilt weighs on my head, pulling me closer to confession. When Grant left last night, I seized my opportunity. After a hasty shower, I crawled into bed and pretended to be asleep.

The prickling unease of my actions made me restless. It took all my effort to ignore Grant’s warm presence when he lay down next to me. I rolled toward him, aware of the magnetism of his body beside mine. Even though my conscience wouldn’t let me rest, I found a little peace wrapped up in him.

Sunlight streams through the window, and I don’t have the heart to move and wake him. His arm is draped over my torso, my hair pinned beneath his shoulder, our legs entwined. One slow rock of my hips would bring my aching pussy flush against his thigh. The pressure would be enough, but there’s no way I could take my pleasure without him knowing.

It doesn’t matter. We can’t do this.

Billy made himself perfectly clear. If I don’t get the money to pay him back, he’ll kill Grant and sell me to the highest bidder. I’ve seen him do far worse for far less.

Somehow, I need to convince Grant to take me back to the mansion. The key to my freedom is there, just out of sight. I heard them arguing one night, the old man and his son. He retreated to his room and returned with a wad of cash. His son left with a bounce in his step. There’s money stashed there. I know it.

Grant’s soft breath caresses my cheek. I snuggle closer, and his grip tightens around me. The firm press of his cock is insistent against my hip. Tempting as it is, I can’t make this more complicated. No matter what happens, Grant will be pissed when he discovers my plan.

The morning light casts a halo around his dark head. In sleep, his expression has softened, and he looks ten years younger. His hair curls over his forehead, hiding the scar above his right eye. He’s in desperate need of a shave and a haircut. My heart squeezes at the thought of this man, with his jaded past and gruff bark, holding me like I’m the most precious thing in the world.

No. I have to do this. I can’t let Billy hurt him.

With a deep breath and resolution for my plan, I shift against him, slowly peeling myself from his embrace. He clings tighter, his brow furrowing. I kiss his lips softly, and he groans, loosening his hold, only to readjust his grip on me.

His hands draw me closer, the gentle slide of his lips becoming more persistent. I grind my hips against him, allowing myself to indulge in a flicker of pleasure. My thigh rubs against his cock. Grant groans, breaking the kiss.

Those impossibly dark eyes open, fixing on me. “Morning.”

“Hi.” I wiggle against him, trying to pull away.

He pouts. “Where are you going?”

“Bathroom.” Regret fills me when I withdraw from his hold completely.

“Hurry back.” Grant stretches, and I’m mesmerized by the bare expanse of his chest. The sheet slips giving me a tantalizing glimpse of the hair disappearing into the waistband of his shorts.

I shake my head and disappear into the bathroom. Once I’m alone, I take care of the most urgent business before facing myself in the mirror. How the hell am I going to convince Grant to take me back? I can’t lie to him outright, but if I can convince him to take me there, I can make my move. A splash of water on my face leaves me refreshed, but it doesn’t bolster my confidence.

When I open the door, I’m not prepared for the sight that greets me. My body sways, catching against the doorframe.

Grant walks toward me, wearing nothing but a pair of cotton shorts. He’s broad and muscular. Where the hell was he hiding those abs? The dusting of hair across his chest creates a vee that disappears beneath the fabric dipping low on his hips. I want to run my fingers over every inch of his chest.

He stops in front of me and grins. “You done gawking?”

I snap my mouth closed and meet his amused gaze. “I’m not gawking. I’m admiring.”

“Isn’t that the same thing?” He chuckles, and the sound goes through me leaving nothing but need in its wake.

“Not the same.” I manage to choke out the words and step aside.

“Thanks.” He kisses my forehead before stepping into the bathroom.

Warmth infuses my cheeks, and I duck out of reach, heading for the living room. “I’ll just go make breakfast.”

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