"I hoped to see you," she whispered. "I've thought of every excuse to stay away, but I wanted to make sure you were okay. And you are. I can see that for myself. That's all I need."
"Fuck," he murmured, the tension eased from his face right before he captured her mouth.
Nothing about his kiss was gentle. His lips bruised hers as he hungrily tasted her with his tongue. Her body slid down the car, and he shoved his thigh between her legs, trapping her, and yet keeping her standing while he continued taking everything he could. And she let him.
No, she needed him.
She tasted his desperation and anger, and yet, she took it as if it were oxygen keeping her alive. She swiped her tongue along his, pulled back, and sucked his bottom lip, then dove back in. Her breath came fast as she clutched at him, scared he'd stop.
"Bree," he mumbled against her lips.
"No, please." She plastered herself against his body. "Don't go."
She trembled. The heat that had her climbing his body moments ago vanished into a cold, dark fear she couldn't name. Left hollow, she clung to him with all the strength she possessed, which wasn't much considering he'd taken her higher in one kiss than any other man.
"Sh." He smoothed the hair away from her face. "Look at me."
She raised her gaze. He looked back at her intently, rubbing his lips together. An urge to cry came over her, and she could no longer hold her emotions inside than explain what was happening to her.
"I don't know what I'm doing here," she whispered.
Not one to let herself become vulnerable around others, she couldn't understand what it was about Serge that made her spill her deep secrets. All he would do was use her weakness against her in the end, leaving her worse off than she was without him.
"Lock your car," he whispered, kissing her forehead. "I'm taking you home with me."
She hurried to do what he instructed. Disoriented and unable to comprehend what was happening, she held on to the hand he offered. He led her to his car, and she reluctantly let go to climb into the passenger seat before grabbing his hand again.
Chapter Eight
Three blocks from Serge'shouse, Aubrey's tight control slipped. He squeezed her hand. All the way home, he refused to let go.
He shifted, still holding her hand, fearing that if he let go, he would lose her forever. She approached him but seemed ready to flee. She was uncertain about what she wanted, but he understood what she needed.
He had a second chance with her. He knew how to make her feel better.
The way she behaved only made him more possessive. She responded to him, sitting in his car, silent and fearful. She was afraid of her reaction to him. Scared to discover where it would lead, yet eager to touch him.
