Page 13 of The Rancher's Plain Jane Wife

"Breathe."

He saw her lips tremble even as her chest slowly rose and fell.

"That's it, love."

Her tears continued to fall, but already he could feel the tautness gradually easing from her body, and he began stroking her back to help her relax.

Looking up, she asked with a sniff, "How did you find me?"

"Doesn't matter. All you need to know is that I'm letting you cry for another minute if you wish...but after that, you're to cease wasting your tears on another man."

"Jerk."Her fist struck his chest. "You really think saying that would make me feel better?"

"Yes."

Instead of answering, Sarah laid her head against his chest, and moments later, he felt his shirt growing wet under her cheek.

Time dragged ever so slowly, and every second was an infinite struggle to remain in control and not give in to the rage still churning inside of him. He had seen every fucking thing unfold, and the only reason Damian had kept his distance was the knowledge that Sarah being Sarah, having him confront her while she was in a compromising position would only cause her greater distress. She might be brash and coquettish at first glance, but he knew his Sarah well. She was a closet prude, and so he had waited until she had left before walking up to Colton and driving his fist into the boy's face.

When the minute he had given her finally came to pass, Damian slowly released her and cupped her chin to force her to meet his gaze. "Feeling better?"

She nodded. She could actually breathe a lot more easily now, and her chest didn't feel as tight as it had been earlier.

"Still have the urge to cry?"

She shook her head.

"Sure?"

She was about to nod when she realized where this was all leading to.Shit.This was Damian, after all, and he had this nasty habit of playing big brother at the most horrible times. "Wait—-" But of course it was too late, and he had already flicked her forehead...hard.

"Ouch!"

Another flick.

"That hurts!"

"Good," he snapped. "Maybe next time, it will get you to think twice about being alone with Moore."

"What happened was an accident—-"

"That wouldn't have happened in the first place," he said between clenched teeth, "if you didn't let yourself be alone with him."

"He's my friend—-"

"Amalefriend," Damian snarled, "who's been slavering over you for years."

Her eyes widened, and before she could stop herself, the words were already out of her mouth. "Are you jealous?" Damian's blue eyes immediately blazed at her in anger, and she winced.Right. Totally wishful thinking that she could make him admit—-

"You know I am."

Sarah's stunned gaze flew back up to his...and the first thing she saw was his head dipping...just before his mouth crashed over hers.

Oh God.

Her eyes squeezed shut even as her heart slammed against her chest, and her entire body burst into flames.

God. Oh God.

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