Page 38 of Protected
“You barely know me,” she muttered.
“But I want to know everything about you.” He whispered it, but his tone spoke volumes.
Until the first time you catch bad press for being associated with me.
“I can hear you thinking, Darci.”
She sighed and closed her eyes thankful that it was dark so he couldn’t see her blush.
“I don't care how bad of an idea you think this is. Until you tell me you want nothing to do with me, I'll chase you to the ends of the earth. You want to be pursued? Wooed? That’s exactly what I’ll give you.” The cab arrived in front of his apartment and once again, he ordered her to stay until he opened her door. She chuckled, amused at how easily she found herself obeying. She had to work harder at making this a chase.
He took her hand and led her through the lobby and up to his apartment, letting go only to unlock it. As soon as the door was shut behind them, he pulled her into his arms, rested his forehead on hers, and looked into her eyes. Darci’s lids fluttered shut as she reveled in the way his arms felt around her.
“Open your eyes and look at me,” he ordered softly. She blinked them open again and stared up at his beautiful face. “Good girl. I'm going to kiss you now.” Her lips parted to protest, but it was too late. His mouth was on hers hot and heavy, and Darci could no longer resist. She returned his kiss with passion and lust as a warmth spread from her core. He may not have to work so hard to woo her after all.
14
SHE tastes so fucking fantastic,Bradley thought as he lost himself in their kiss. The tensions of the night flowed out as they embraced and locked lips. A soft moan escaped her throat as he explored her mouth with his tongue. His hands slid into her hair, and he deepened the kiss.
“Darci,” he whispered, finally releasing her. Her breathing was heavy, and if he were a betting man, he would put money on the fact that she was just as turned on as he was.
Every part of him wanted nothing more than to carry her into his bedroom and make love to her right that moment. But she’d insisted she wasn’t sleeping with him tonight, and something told him trying to cross that line wouldn’t earn him any points with her. Instead of giving in to his urges, he turned her in his arms, so her back was to him and pushed her toward the couch. “Sit,” he ordered.
“Bradley, I... This is too...” She was stumbling over her words unable to finish a sentence. It was kind of cute.
“I said sit,” he repeated, raising one eyebrow as he looked down into her eyes. Darci did as he asked and sank into the couch.
“Good girl.” He couldn't help but grin when she squirmed.
“What are you grinning at?” she asked with a pout.
“You like it when I call you a good girl.” He tapped the end of her nose with his forefinger and settled onto the couch next to her.
“So what? You already know I’m submissive.” She huffed, and her tone was defensive.
“So? Darci, I think I'm going to win this chase, and when I do, we'll see just how much of a good girl you can be.” She rewarded him with another squirm as her cheeks turned bright red.
“You're adorable when you blush,” he teased, causing her face to go an even deeper shade of crimson.
“You're not playing fair.” She was frowning at him, but he could see a twinkle in her eyes.
“I never said I would,” he teased.
“What do you have to do tomorrow?” he asked as he tugged her closer to him on the couch.
“I was planning to call in sick until all of this. Now I think I just want to go into work and try to have a normal day.”
“I want to catch the sunrise with you. If you’re going to insist on turning me into a tourist at least let me show you the one thing you haven’t seen.”
She crinkled her nose, and he thought she might argue, but then a slow smile crept onto her face. “OK. That’s not a terrible idea. I guess I could still call in sick. Would you mind if we also go back to my apartment to clean up my files? I’m terrified something is missing.”
“I don’t like the idea of taking you back there, but if Michael says it’s OK, we can do that.”
“Thank you. I just need to protect ACSL’s clients. I’ll go call him right now.”
While Darci was on the phone, Bradley opened a bottle of wine and poured them each a glass. When she returned, he asked if she wanted to put on a movie. “We can put it on in the bedroom if you like.”
“I'm not sleeping with you,” she said. There was no anger in her voice this time. Only playful teasing.
