Madness or Love (Be With Me Book 1) by Selina Bodur Read Free Book Online

asked but never took his
hands off her. Imprisoned by his sensual eyes, she felt the electric current
race between them again. And for a second time that day, she saw the flash into
the blue and felt Ian’s muscles tighten. His smile never wavered, but he let
her free of his embrace. Disappointment took over after she’d lost the warmth
of his hands.
    “Let’s go in,” he urged.
    She led him to the back of the building and up the
staircase and opened the door. Ian stepped over the threshold, mesmerized by
the place. He could see her touch everywhere—from the recycled décor pieces and
the splashes of color, to the custom, handmade chandelier. The design presented
an open door to her true self, her hidden nature. Behind her smart look she
could be a devastating force and a gentle touch, day and night, confidence and
insecurity, pure love and deep passion. She had let him know her. She had let
him deep into her soul.
    “It’s so you,” he managed.
    “Thank you! I guess,” she said, studying his face.
    He smiled reassuringly. “I love it.”
    “Do you want some coffee?” She needed to distract herself
from the sudden awkwardness.
    “Sure. Do you have decaf?”
    “Yes. Feeling edgy?” she teased.
    “No, but I hoped to close my eyes for five minutes.”
Ian felt crushed by the lack of sleep. Living in that fast-paced reality had
its toll on him, but the dark-haired vision in front of him was all worth it.
He lay on the couch, letting his muscles relax, and desperately tried to shut
off his brain. He was safe here next to “V”—his best friend. The thought felt
wrong, at least a part of it—a friend. He closed his red eyes and drifted into
sleep.
     
    * * *
     
      Victoria leaned over the gorgeous masculine body of
her friend sound asleep on the couch. He seemed relaxed, and she hated to
disturb him. “You have to wake up, Ian.”
    He instantly opened his eyes and, seeing her, dazzled
her with a smile. He reached for her face but stopped midair.
    “Any plans for tonight?” he asked instead, and tried
to control the urge to touch her full lips.
    “Yes, we have.” Victoria sat next to him. “We are
going out.”
    Still feeling a bit sleepy, Ian thought he hadn’t
heard right. “You’re joking, I assume.”
    “No, I’m not.” She had anticipated such a reaction,
and a tiny smirk rose on her face.
    “You’re serious.” There was a hint of shock in Ian’s
voice.
    “You sound scared. Don’t worry, I’ll protect you.” She
made a serious face. “Where is the threat that needs to be eliminated, sir?”
    “Hey,” he protested, and knocked her on the soft
furniture piece while she laughed uncontrollably. The sound reverberated
throughout the room—enchanting, musical, and unique. He held her head gently
until she calmed down. Their eyes met and locked by the invisible bond that had
entwined their fates. She dived deep into the blue, and her eyes finally
projected what the words failed to say. Having Ian so close was a blessing and
a torture mixed into one devastating power build of denied passion and
forbidden thoughts. She closed her eyes, cutting off the spell. Victoria gently
pushed him away, but he responded instantly and let her free.
    She focused and looked at him seriously, concern
written on her face. “Tell me what the point is to be who you are,” she paused,
“young, sexy, and famous, if you’ll become a prisoner of your home?”
    “You think I’m sexy?” he teased.
    “Stop it! Can you truly enjoy life, be whomever you
want? If not, it’s not worth it. You are finally at that place you always
wanted to be, but if you choose to shut yourself out of the real world, that
would be the saddest thing.” She stopped and took his hands. “The next month
will be a constant flow of press, interviews, autograph signings, and photo
shoots. The only people around you will be managers, agents, stylists,
journalists—people who don’t give a damn about you. And you’ll close the