Page 95 of Fractured Future

When his huge hand lowers to cup my face, I forget how to suck in air. His massive palm is rough and warm, sparking an electric storm inside my veins that threatens to decimate my entire being.

What was my plan here?

Whatever I hoped to achieve, it’s obliterated by pure instinct as I lean into his palm. Anger has distilled into a concentrated shot of longing. For his touch, his harsh words, his gentle declaration. Any and all of it.

I want to take.

I want to feel.

I wanteverything.

“So why do you treat me like I’m made of glass?”

“Because you survived a living nightmare,” he replies simply. “I don’t want anyone to try to break you ever again.”

“But why? I’m not your responsibility.”

“You’re my client. My assignment.”

“So what?”

“That makes you my responsibility.” He shrugs. “If I have one job in this miserable life, then it’s to protect you from experiencing pain ever again.”

Peering into his expanded pupils, the black point drinking in all light and colour around it, I wait for Hyland to take the next step. Lord knows, I want him to break this stifling tension.

Regardless of our location. Regardless of the kiss I shared with Axel. Regardless of the fact that we’re client and bodyguard. Something is screaming inside me, begging to be released.

And I want him to silence it.

I want him todevour it.

“I didn’t protect someone once before.” His admission comes in a rough rasp. “I failed, and she paid the price.”

“Who?” I ask in a whisper.

He shakes his head, actively dislodging the painful memories. “I was so stupid, Em. My family got hurt because of me. That’s why I’ll never fail anyone again.”

My insides twist at the sight of anguish leaking from his expression. “I’m sorry, but you can’t protect the entire world.”

“Watch me,” Hyland challenges. “I can, and I will.”

Just as a delicious heat begins to pulse between my thighs, he straightens then steps away from me. The space that opens up between us makes me want to pathetically sob and plead.

I must be losing my mind if I’m expecting him to do… What, exactly? I’m his client. His assignment. That’s it. For all his grandiose words, our relationship will always boil down to that dichotomy.

“We’re late.” He clears his thick-sounding throat. “Shouldn’t keep them waiting.”

Unable to speak, I can only summon another uncertain nod. I’m still distracted by thoughts of him pinning me against the wall and destroying my mouth with his tempting lips.

I bet his muscles would fit snugly against mine. I’m hardly short, but compared to him, I have to wonder how I’d take the brunt of his raw desire. Damn me to hell, I want to find out.

“Ember?”

Shaking off the thought, I push away from the wall to follow him out. “Coming.”

Walking out into the plush corridor feels akin to a fever dream after that intense moment. My legs are wobbly and unstable. I mentally berate myself to get a grip as we approach the apartment door on their private floor.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Hyland hesitates, hand wavering over their security system.