Page 64 of Virgin's Stolen Nights with the Boss

‘So that was it?’

‘Pretty much,’ Carmen said. ‘And then, years later, my father got ill and she returned. I was terrified for him that she’d change her mind and leave—but, to be fair, she stayed.’

There was a pained and careful balance to her words, Elias thought. Every thought weighed out, considered, analysed.

‘They were making love when he died. And since he died she hasn’t run off. She’s still in the house.’

‘Why can’t you tell your brothers that she was there that day?’ he asked, and he felt her body tense. ‘What difference would it make now?’

But she chose not to answer. Instead, she lifted her head and looked at him.

‘Do you think people can change?’

‘Of course they can,’ he said. ‘But I would never, ever count on it.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘I don’t believe in second chances. People can change all they like, but it won’t affect me. Once I’m done with someone, I’m done.’

‘Well,Ibelieve in second chances,’ Carmen said, and removed herself from his arms and lay back on the beach.

‘You’ve already given her a second chance—’

He halted himself. He had no right to interfere with her decision. He had no stake in this; they weren’t close enough for that.

He rolled over and went up on his elbow, so he could look at her as he warned, ‘Just be careful how many chances you give...’

‘Yes,’ she said distractedly, and Elias knew she wasn’t listening. ‘Just kiss me...’

He was the ultimate distraction. This beautiful, sexy man who kissed her so passionately, so softly. And his tongue tasted of the ocean air they were both breathing.

There was no place nicer than Venice Beach if she could be in his arms. He kissed her as if he were stroking her soul, and she felt at peace.

‘More,’ Carmen said, because his tongue was sublime.

His leg came over her thighs and she brushed his left shoulder, wishing she’d kissed that dark mole just once...

‘Don’t tell Laura I went to—’

‘Shh...’ he said, kissing her neck.

‘Don’t tell anyone about this day.’

‘Do you think for a moment I would?’

His hand was on her waist and his tongue was wet and gently probing. Oh, this man...this man who could charm every secret out of her heart and ease the turmoil in her soul. He was so very, very dangerous.

Carmen shuddered. She knew she had to hold on to her heart, because it would not be safe in this man’s hands.

‘Not here...’ she said, but she was weak from his kiss.

How could she be so turned on just from a kiss? So close to coming? He had truly unleashed something inside her, this dangerous, dangerous man.

He stopped kissing her then, seeming to understand her meaning without her having to say it out loud.

They watched the sunset instead. And, oh, it was spectacular. Yet still nothing compared to the bliss of being held in his arms...

But sunsets were safer.

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