Page 35 of Forbidden

“No. Miami.”

“Why’d you move here?”

The tears begin to gather in my eyes and I desperately try to blink them back. He moves closer and curls his arm around my shoulder. All I want to do is bury my face in his neck and cry my eyes out.

“Hey, what’s wrong?”

His voice is low and soothing and has me turning toward him as the tears slide down my cheeks.

“I lived with my dad, but he died four months ago.”

“I’m sorry, baby doll. Come here.”

He pulls me into his arms, and I lay my head on his chest as he settles into the couch. I can’t control myself. All my feelings just push to the surface and have no other outlet but my tears. Losing Daddy, living with Lonnie. He’s probably rolling in his grave at the way she treats me.

“I know what it’s like to lose a parent. I lost my mom before you were even born and I still miss her.”

“Does it get easier?”

“No, but you learn to deal.”

I curl my fingers in his jacket and sink into his embrace. He gives me exactly what I need – to be held. I need to feel close to someone else, to feel connected. I’m alone in this world, and right now I feel so removed from it, floating away. I need something, someone solid to tether me.

“It’s okay. Let it all out.”

Who would have thought that someone would be Gage Hunter? This man holding me in his arms, soothing me…he makes me want things I shouldn’t. He makes me want to feel things I shouldn’t, want to do things I shouldn’t…he just makes mewant. I cry until I have no more tears. I lie on his chest, sniffling until I feel like I don’t even remember why I was crying. He makes me forget. And right now, whatever cologne he’s wearing is doing strange but incredibly good things to me.

“You smell good.”

“Thank you. So do you, like apple pie.”

I giggle softly as I sit up, wiping my cheeks. “Yeah, I need a shower.”

“Never said I didn’t like it,” he says, brushing at my cheek with his thumb.

I know I should pull away but I don’t. The consequences are far from my mind as I gaze into his penetrating, blue eyes.

“Look, the clubhouse is empty. Why don’t I take you there? We could play some pool or table tennis, whatever you want. Cheer you up a bit.”

“Thanks, but I can’t.”

“Come on. I don’t bite…much.”

He winks and gives me that crooked smile and I just want to give in. But I can’t.

“No one will see you. Half the guys are working and the others are in Florida. It’ll be just you and me.”

I’m probably more afraid of that than anything else. I don’t trust myself around him.

“I’ll have you back at a decent time. I promise.”

“Gage –”

“We’re going.”

Fuck. There he goes with that commanding tone again. Why does it always eradicate any kind of will power I have? It’s like I become one of his minions just ready to do his bidding.

“You’re sure no one’s there?”