Page 28 of Desperate Temptations

S he was laughing at something he’d said when they walked through her front door, several bags from the grocery store in their hands.

At first, she couldn’t believe how much food they’d bought, but then she looked at Cain, at his size, and that question was answered.

It would take that much food to satisfy a man as big as him.

While putting everything away, Jessa noticed that Cain had touched her as much as possible, brushing up against her, reaching around her, getting her accustomed to him and his touch.

At first, she’d jerked at the contact, but after a few minutes, she felt more comfortable with him, like they’d known each other for years instead of days.

After putting the food and bags away, he took her hand and pulled her into the living room. She tried unsuccessfully to pull her hand away and frowned at him.

“What if I don’t want to sit down?” she asked.

Cain chuckled, tugging her down beside him.

“You don’t want to sit with me?” he asked.

She wanted to be able to say no just to wipe the smug, arrogant look off his face, but she wanted—no, needed—the closeness.

He put his arm around her and pulled her closer.

Jessa thought she should be putting up more of a fight, but she liked being held by him too much. She loved the feeling of security and caring he gave her.

She sighed and lay her head against his chest. They didn’t say anything for a long time, just enjoyed being together. Jessa was starting to sink into a light doze when he spoke. She tilted her head up, her eyes dazed.

“Jessa, we need to talk about today,” he said.

Jessa frowned. She didn’t want to think about it.

The fear that had shot through her body still made her feel shaky.

She’d been so afraid Gary was going to hurt her.

The day before, she would have bet money that Gary would have been one of the last people who would threaten her.

She’d thought he was someone she could go to if she needed help.

Today, he seemed almost frenzied, almost desperate.

She didn’t comprehend that much anger or how deep his feelings had been for her.

Jessa could still remember the rush of relief she’d felt when she noticed Cain in her doorway.

It made her realize how much she trusted him already.

Jessa had previously known in her heart that Cain was special and protective of her and that she was safe with him.

She had no doubts he’d defend her. She glanced at him and realized he was waiting for her answer.

Jessa cleared her suddenly dry throat and licked her lips.

“What about it?”

The calluses on his fingers rasped against her skin, sending tingling sensations down her spine, which was making it hard for her to concentrate.