Even the thought of Reynard Crisp seeing her braless disturbed me beyond words.
I opened the door and let her in.
“The answer is yes. It does disturb me. He wants to fuck you.”
Stunned, she stopped at the entrance. Her mouth parted, as though I’d admitted to some wicked crime.
“How can you say that? You were miles away.”
“Because I can read body language.” I headed to the fridge and, taking a bottle of water, unscrewed the top and offered it to her.
She took it and sipped. “If I was interested, which I am not, what right have you got over me?” Her eyes wide and fiery.
“I don’t share. You know that.” I took a slug of water and wiped my lips.
“I’m not interested in him or anyone. Only…” She sipped her water and looked away. “You.”
I took the bottle from her hand and held her.
Warm, soft, and tactile, her body melded into mine making my heart sigh.
I not only wanted to make love to her, but I wanted to protect her.
“We’ve only been together for a week,” she said, stepping out of my arms.
Looking overwhelmed, she rubbed her forehead. Like me, she was trying to understand this burning, unable-to-stop-touching passion of ours.
I exhaled a breath. “It’s intense for me.”
“It’s intense for me too. You’re the first man ever, and I have no idea how I should treat this.” She opened out her hands. “I have a right to talk to men, though.”
I nodded slowly. “That you do.”
She was wearing a tight T-shirt. Her nipples hard and on show, and I was reminded of Reynard’s comments. “You were spotted not wearing a bra at Merivale.”
Her face reddened. Whether that was embarrassment or anger I couldn’t say. But as I was getting to know her, I’d noticed her feisty side, which only inflamed my arousal.
“That was my private time. I was practicing. I didn’t expect anyone to come into the room.”
“So he just waltzed in while you were playing?” I frowned. Why was that fucker even there?
“Your mother came in first.”
My eyebrows sprung up. “My mother saw you without a bra?”
She puffed. “I was wearing a fucking bra.” Her voice, despite being abrasive, quivered. “I’d unloosened it while I was practicing. And because I had a tank top on, well…” She shook her head and knitted her fingers. “It all happened suddenly. One minute she’s in there chatting to me about the piece I was playing and next minute that creepy guy came in and started staring down my top.” Tears coated her large eyes.
She grabbed her backpack.
“Where are you going?” I asked.
“I’m leaving. I can’t stand this. You’re making me go crazy. I can’t concentrate on my work. The little practice I get, this happens. I didn’t ask for this.”
She stormed off, leaving me there completely bewildered.
Snapping out of it, I went after her as Theadora charged off up the hill. Her bike was still in the back of my car.
I ran after her. “Come back. I’m sorry.”