A Flawed Heart by April Emerson Read Free Book Online

blush.
    “I was surprised to see you, or hear you , when I came home, but I’m very
glad you’re here.”
    I turn to mush at his words. It’s only been moments since we
kissed, but I crave his lips again. I take a risk and put my hands against his
chest and step closer, hoping to feel his mouth on mine. He places his nose in
my hair and takes a breath, then steps back and takes my hand.
    “Come.”
    We walk toward the window where the keyboard is.
    “You play piano?”
    “Yes. Do you want me to play something for you?”
    “I would love that, but won’t we wake Lydia and Kat?”
    “No, they sleep like the dead. Any
requests?” He straddles the stool next to the keyboard.
    “I don’t know. I’m sure I’ll like anything you play.”
    “Sit down,” he says. It’s a command, not an invitation.
    I sit on the edge of his bed and he clears his throat. “I’ll
play a song I was listening to earlier tonight. It made me think of you,
actually.”
    My heart speeds up at this admission. He turns his attention
to the keys and closes his eyes. His expression changes into one I’m becoming
familiar with—concentration and intense emotion. He strokes the keys and begins
to play the chords. His gruff appearance doesn’t mesh with the fragile notes he
sings. I feel all the walls that I’ve ever put up come down as I watch him reveal
himself through this beautiful song. His rough voice caresses the tender,
gentle lyrics. I feel as though he wants me to share my secrets with him, and he
wants to tell me his. My eyes begin to water. Maybe he feels this connection
too…he bends his head down as he plays, tapping one foot and moving his hips in
time with the music. He closes his eyes as he sings. I watch him pour his heart
out for me.
    He finishes the song and stands up from the keyboard, with
his eyes still closed and his head bent toward the instrument. His shoulders
rise and fall as he breathes. I want to go to him, wrap my arms around him and
pull him toward the bed. He opens his eyes and looks at me.I’m startled by his expression.Without speaking he stalks toward me, stopping just at the edge of the bed.He clenches his hands into fists at his
sides.
    “Jason, I—”
    “Claire, don’t.”
    “Don’t what? I’m sorry. I should go…”
    I stand,but he
steps forward and closes the gap between us. He pulls me off the bed and places
my wrists at his shoulders. His mouth is just an inch from mine.
    “You’re not going anywhere.”
    I’m captured in his strong grasp. I don’t struggle.He brushes his lower lip against mine
and moans. His kiss is gentle.
    “Lie down.”
    His tone is full of authority, and I do as I’m told.As I slide back onto the soft duvet and
into the sea of pillows, my hair spreads out beneath me. He places his hands
and knees on the bed, creeping over to me. His shirt rides up at his waist, and
I see the waistband of his boxer briefs, and the soft trail of hair that runs
from his belly button into his pants.I
raise a finger and gently brush against it as I gather up the courage to look
in his eyes.The sea of blue green
bores into me, and he smiles at my touch. He cranes his neck down and nibbles my
ear. This small contact sends me over the edge. I grip the waist of his pants
and pull his hovering body onto mine. I wrap one arm around his neck, and one
leg around his thigh.His smile
widens.
    “Amazing,” he whispers.
    “Kiss me,” I reply.
    He brings his mouth closer and licks my parted lips. He
moves one hand to my breast, cups it, and then pinches my hard nipple. He
deepens the kiss, sliding his tongue into my mouth. I feel his erection growing
and I rub my hips against his crotch. Our bodies are perfectly aligned.
    “I wanted you the moment I saw you. You’re so beautiful, so
sweet.”
    I love hearing him say these things. I dig my fingernails
into his shoulder blades and he moves his down my neck to my chest. I smell his
unwashed hair. He slips my shirt over my left breast and begins