Page 74 of Possess Me

Turning over, I dropped my head into my hands. I couldn’t lose her too. I just couldn’t. As racking sobs replaced any concept of breathing, a single noise caught my attention and I snapped my head up. “Bella. Bella!”

“I have her,” he gritted out, suddenly pushing his way through the trees.

I struggled to stand, ignoring the pain. “Oh, baby.” I’d be damned if she didn’t have a mischievous look on her face. “You little ragamuffin. You scared me to death. I can’t lose you, baby girl. You’re all I have.” He allowed me to gather the pup into my arms.

“We’re going back to my cottage to talk,” Vissarian stated, his forceful words dragging me from the fear that had swept through my mind.

“I don’t know what we have to talk about.” Even when I’d remained overseas, unable to help my mother, I hadn’t felt this boxed in. Maybe it was being away from anyone I knew and the ability to escape if necessary.

Not that I felt any real threat from the Russian. But in my mind, red flags had formed, enough of them I could no longer trust my own judgment.

I took a step forward and my knee almost gave out.

Without any further discussion, he swept me into his arms with Bella remaining in mine. “You’re hurt and I’m not taking no for an answer.”

He wasted no time heading to his cottage, barely struggling to unlock and open the door even with the pouring rain and the awkwardness of having us both in his arms. Once inside, he immediately locked the door.

“You can let me down now,” I told him, although the tone of my voice was demanding.

“Not yet. Just hold Bella.”

“I’m not letting her go.” I sniffled and drew Vissarian’s attention. He took a deep breath, obviously uncertain why I was bawling like some broken child.

Because I felt broken inside.

He flicked on several lights in the kitchen area, gently easing me to the counter and immediately taking Bella from my arms. Only then did I notice several bags, with something peeking out. Wait a minute. My mind couldn’t process what I was seeing. “What did you do?”

“What are you talking about?”

“You purchased puppy food? Is that a… dog toy?”

After tossing a look over his shoulder, he lowered the pup down; immediately she shook, forcing a laugh from his throat. Even as small as she was, she managed to get him all wet.

Wetter than he already was.

His smile faded, the dark furrow in his brow and the shadows in his eyes keeping a trickle of fear sweeping through me. Something was very wrong. He was angry, but not with me.

“She needed a few things. A dog’s bed. A leash and collar. A dogfood bowl and some toys of course.”

Another yin and yang moment forced additional tears from my eyes. “You did that? I thought you didn’t know anything about dogs. Why would a man of your stature care about animals?”

“I don’t know much of anything, but believe it or not, Fallon, I do have feelings.”

Exhaling, I studied his eyes briefly before looking away. “That was horrible of me to even suggest. I’m sorry. Thank you for caring about her. I know it sounds strange, but it feels like she’s the only creature in my life.” He planted his hands on either side of me, lowering his face until his lips were dangerously close. Sadly, what I knew about myself was that I didn’t need to become involved with anyone. Not now. Now when I had Antonio breathing down my neck. Even a man like Vissarian was no match for a dangerous syndicate.

“Not horrible at all.”

“I need to make it clear that whatever this is can’t happen again. What I’m dealing with, you aren’t capable of helping me figure out or control. We live in different worlds.”

“Not as different as you believe.”

“Just let me go. I need some space.” I pushed my hands against his chest, the ache from before dulling my senses.

“Lady, maybe you don’t understand who I am, what I’m capable of, or feel you can have some faith in me so allow me to be very clear. You can’t run, Fallon. I don’t know what happened to you, but I do know whatever you’ve gone through made you feel as if you couldn’t trust anyone including yourself. You are in danger. Hell, I think we both are.”

“How can I trust you when I can’t trust myself? You don’t know me at all, Vissarian. I appreciate your concern, but what I’ve been through isn’t something anyone can change or fix.”

The electric surge was so powerful, so overwhelming. I knew this was all physical attraction, but what was wrong with needing a moment where I could forget? What was wrong with savoring a sweet taste of passion?