Page 65 of CHASE: Captive to the Dark

I shook my head, smiling, as I reached for an apple slice. “Thank you for this. It was really sweet for you to bring me something.” His returned grin had me continuing. “I’m going to school for Sociology. Throughout the years I’ve gone, I’ve learned a lot on things like cultures, economies…it got me thinking about Untold. I started researching options that might not only help you, but the people here.”

“And you came up with oil fracking?” Interest sparked in his eyes and I couldn’t stop my pulse from jumping in excitement at his approval.

“Well…no. At least, I don’t think so. I’m not an expert in the field, nor do I even pretend to know much about it, but I guess it’s possible. The problem is, it might have been the best option years ago, but with the spending cuts and the price per barrel, I’m afraid it wouldn’t offer the best solution. Not that we shouldn’t keep it in mind. I could be wrong, or maybe the information isn’t insight into the entire picture.”

Chase was already leaning over the desk, writing it down. I took a bite of the apple, chewing slowly as my mouth watered.

“I never thought of that,” he said, glancing at me. “I’ll have Max look into it. Maybe he can find something out.”

“Aside from that, I’m afraid there’s only the obvious things that came to my mind. Ones I doubt would work or even go well with the people here.”

“Tell me. I’d love hear what you’ve come up with.”

I took another bite, watching as he popped a grape in his mouth. That look, the intensity and heat behind his stare, made swallowing almost impossible.

“Well, it’s hard to really come up with stuff being as I’m not from here or even around the area. My first thoughts were to put in a resort. Make this a fancy getaway spot for tourists. I almost immediately squashed the idea. I get the impression the town would like to stay small. I can’t really see the residents in favor of that one. Besides, we’re talking tons of cash, probably a few investors worth. I’m not sure if that idea is stable either. The plus sides I saw was the seasonal work it would provide for the locals. Tourists wouldn’t be here in the masses all the time. Just mainly during the winter. Work for upkeep, though, would be year-round. Anyway, it’s an option, I guess.”

“Yes,” he said, writing it down. “We can never have too many ideas.”

“I’ll keep looking into things. There has to be some sort of answer.”

“Thank you. I believe there is, too.”

Happiness wasn’t something I had seen often with Chase, but seeing it now, I almost couldn’t believe the difference it made in his personality. It drew me to him, fed the need in me to please.

“You must be tired. Do you want to move this to the bed? I can turn on the television and we could watch a movie. Or just talk, if you’d prefer.”

On instinct, my eyes went to the door. Although I felt safe and content with him here, lying next to each other on the bed was just asking for trouble.

“I…”

Chase’s eyebrow rose while he smirked. “You don’t have to fear, little one. I won’t ravage you. Not yet.”

Ravage me? Fuck. I couldn’t deny how he affected me. He always had. Just being in his presence—dark or not—left my body craving to be taken over by his. I wanted him. The more he smiled and flirted made me want it even more.

“TV would be okay then, I guess.”

“And the ravaging?”

My head shook quickly.

“No ravaging. Got it.”

He picked up the plate and I stood, following as he led me back to his room. As he placed it on the bedside table, he picked up the remote. “I see you brought some clothes back with you. Perfect. Why don’t you jump in the shower while I see if I can find something for us to watch? We can still go get you more tomorrow if you’d like. From the size of your suitcase, I’m guessing you have a week’s worth at most.”

It wasn’t an offer to take a shower, it was an order. I didn’t miss that as I walked toward the suitcase. Obeying. Yes, I was doing that. Not because he commanded—at least, I didn’t want to think so—but because I did need a shower.

“I think I’d like to get more. I’m afraid I didn’t pack according to the climate here. I don’t have much winter clothes. I wouldn’t say it gets very cold in Florida. At least, not for long.”

“It’s a date then. Weston’s out getting my car fixed so it should be ready to go by tomorrow. I’ll take you to Bell’s in town. She’ll help us out.”

I nodded, taking out a pajama set and my intimates. As I closed myself in the bathroom and took my clothes off, I couldn’t help but notice the rush I was in. I got in the shower and every routine was done in hyper speed. From washing my hair, to shaving my legs, to getting out and brushing my teeth…I’d never finished so fast. I wanted to get back out there. I wanted to soak in the way he was treating me.

With my light blue pajamas on and a towel wrapped in my hair, I headed back into the room. My steps slowed at seeing Chase asleep. The television was playing in the background and he still had the remote in his hand. A smile slowly appeared. His peacefulness drew me forward. In that moment, he looked so beautiful. So…inviting.

I pulled the towel from my head, letting it fall to the floor. Fascination…or maybe it was awe, had me taking in his large body. The width of his chest was so impressive, I couldn’t stop from biting my bottom lip while I lowered my gaze to his slim waist. Even with as big as the bed was, he dominated the space. Lust flared throughout until I was battling not to reach out and trail my fingers across the width of his pecs. To kiss him, to spend one more night wrapped in his arms. It was all I wanted. And something I knew wouldn’t be good. If I got too attached, or he did, I was condemning myself.

A yawn came from his mouth and he rolled to face me, stopping midway. Thick eyelashes fluttered open and the green was so bright, all I could do was stare into their depths. He didn’t speak. Chase’s hand rose, his fingers settling on my forearm. There was no hold or grip for the action to draw the top half of my body down.

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