“I think Tiernan has already kidnapped you, and you don’t even know it,” I toss back.
This time it’s Clover and Aurora who get to laugh.
“You two have these new lives now. With love and all that, you know—” I wave a hand. “This was bound to happen one day.” It’s the truth.
They’re getting their happily ever after. I’m not sure that's in the cards for me. Thoughts of Barrow push down on me. I secretly want him to demand I stay. Usually I would never put up with that sort of behavior from a man. Barrow is different, though. I want him to want me. He says he does, but how can I believe it? Standing next to a star like Aurora, I always feel so … I don’t know, invisible, I guess. But not with Barrow. He sees me. Or maybe I’m just desperate to believe that.
Then again, he has a way about him that has me doing what he tells me. He orders me to stay in the bed, and I do it. I get grumpy about it and make comments, but I still listen. I could walk right out of the room and laugh at him, but nope. I sit my ass where he tells me. I was a bit shocked he let me come hang out in the kitchen without him. As much as I complain, I love that fact that he dotes on me.
He wouldn’t even let me walk alone to the kitchen today. He came with me, then lifted me onto the counter by grabbing me by my hips. I had to fight the urge to wrap my legs around him. I was disappointed that he’d stopped us from going further last night. He’d said the sweetest words before he tucked me into bed. Then I asked him to stay with me instead of sleeping on the couch. Look, I’m weak when it comes to him, okay?
I’m pretty sure he’d thought I was asleep when he pulled me close and wrapped himself around me. I don’t know why, but the urge to cry hit me hard. I wanted to roll over and bury my face in his neck. I wanted to go to bed with him every night. All things that I’m not ready to admit out loud. Because what if he said no?
“‘Bound to happen?’” Aurora puts her hands on her hips, a furrow appearing between her brows. “Are you kidding me?”
The kitchen goes completely quiet. No one says a word.
“Who died now?” Tiernan asks as he strolls into the kitchen. He immediately goes for one of the mini donuts on Daphne's plate. She smacks his hand, and he drops the donut and gives Daphne a glare that I’m sure has killed a few people in the past.
She only picks the donut up and shoves the whole thing in her mouth, making her look like a chipmunk. A few seconds later, Charles and Diego show up and go for their women. My heart aches, wanting what they have. I’ve never been jealous of Aurora, and for the first time in my life I am.
I slip off the counter and sneak out. I’m going to let this settle in for a little before I bring it back up. I really don’t have a lot of time here. I walk toward my bedroom and hope Barrow is there. I don’t know how I can miss him when I haven't been away long. I know it’s silly, but I’m disappointed he didn't seek me out like the other men had.
I’m hoping he thinks I’m well enough that we can explore things. I might only be here for a few more days, and I want to spend a lot of the time with Barrow. I know I can’t fall madly in love with him in the short time I’m here. It feels safer to just keep the emotional parts light with him now. I don’t have to worry about getting my heart broken, but I can have a taste of him before I leave. So, my plan is easy. Emotions? Nope. Sexy times? Yes! Easy, right?
I want him in every way possible. In ways I’ve never wanted another man. When I enter the bedroom, I find it empty. I let out a disappointed huff. I should get naked and lay in the bed. I debate if I could really do that. Would that tempt him or send him running?
I decide I’ll get under the covers naked. I think this plan is brilliant as I strip out of all my clothes and crawl under the covers to wait for him. I wait and wait, and he never comes. Why isn't he looking for me? With an irritated huff, I get up from the bed. The door opens before I can go in search of my clothes.
Barrow's eyes lock with mine for a second before he slams the door shut, and I hear the lock click into place. I reach for my shirt, but he beats me to it, tossing it further away.
“Beautiful,” he says in warning. “I can only be pushed so far.” His breathing is heavy, and I can see that he’s turned on. The look in his eyes makes me feel more confident. I stand, putting my hands on my hips.
“I want you to kiss me.”
“Where?” He steps closer. “Tell me where you want my mouth.”
My nipples harden, and I grow wet instantly. Is there such a thing as a kink for liking to be ordered around? It’s not something I’ve ever thought I’d be into. Hell, I wasn't sure I was into anything until Barrow. I’ve met so many supposedly hot men in my line of work, and none of them light me up like Barrow can.
“Everywhere. I want you to kiss me everywhere.” It’s now or never. Time’s running out for us, and I’m not going to waste another second of it.
9
BARROW
Igrab her, my fingers sinking into her soft skin. She feels amazing, and when my lips meet hers, I can’t stifle the groan that lofts from my lungs.
Walking in on her naked has to be the best decision of my life. I lay her on the bed and hover over her, then glance at the bump on her head.
“I’m fine.” She cups my face and makes me focus on her eyes. “You can’t hurt me, Barrow.”
I hope that’s true. Our lips meet again, and I can’t seem to stop this desire from overriding every bit of logic that usually rules my brain. I have to have her, and if this is the way, then I’ll happily kiss her wherever she wants.
She’s warm underneath me, her breasts jutting up and pressing against my chest. I want to feel her, so I lean back and yank my shirt off, then toss it to the side. When her bare chest meets mine, a shiver of goosebumps races along my skin.
“Damn.” I can’t believe this is happening, my fantasy playing out just as I’ve imagined it so many times.
“Hmm?” She runs her fingers through my hair.