The Affair: Week 2 by Beth Kery Read Free Book Online Page B

technically speaking—”
    “You’re a medical miracle.”
    She shrugged, hearing the thread of disbelief and amusement in his tone. “I knew you wouldn’t believe me. Very few people do, except for the staff at the hospital, my mother, my sister, and the physician who researched the case.”
    “And you.”
    “No. I don’t believe. I
know
.”
    He shook his head slightly, looking puzzled and a little amazed. “I’d almost believe it of you. You’re very . . . odd.”
    “I’ve heard that before,” she muttered.
    “That’s not what I meant,” he said, and even though he hadn’t been sharp, exactly, her heartbeat began to thrum in her ears.
    “You didn’t mean that I’m a freak?” she clarified, trying to keep things light.
    “No. I meant that you’re rare. Different. Even a little otherworldly at times,” he said quietly. He reached up and touched the charm where it rested at the base of her throat. Her pulse leapt just inches from his pressing fingers. So much for keeping things light. She stared up at him, her glib comment melting on her tongue.
    “I know I was harsh last week in the garage,” he said.
    She swallowed thickly. What had occurred in the backseat of that car had become a hovering three-ton elephant for her, and yet he mentioned it so casually. She stared up at his face, spellbound. His fingertips moved, stroking her throat lightly, and then her jaw, holding her stare the whole time. Her flesh lit up beneath his touch, sending a cascade of sensation through her body, making the hair on her nape stand on end. She couldn’t unglue her gaze from the outline of his mouth. It’d gotten closer somehow as she looked up at him, although she’d never seen him lean down. His fingers caressed her temple. When they sunk into her hair, it was with a greedier, more forceful gesture. She couldn’t prevent shuddering at the sensation of his fingertips skimming her scalp.
    “I wasn’t preoccupied while I was in France because I was thinking about Cristina,” he said, his mouth slanting into a frown as he stared down at her. “I was distracted from my business because I kept thinking about you.”
    “Oh,” she said thickly.
    “I’m not telling you that I was wrong the other night. Everything I said was true. I take what I want. I
am
selfish.”
    “Then why did you walk away that night?” Emma challenged quietly.
    He fisted her hair. He looked quite fierce. “I’m not walking away now, so don’t imagine that I’m something I’m not. And
never
be so stupid as to think I’m noble. Do you understand me?”
    “I . . . I think so. You want to have an affair with me? Or a one-night stand, is that what you want?”
    His gaze traveled over her face. She found herself wondering what he saw there.
    “As much as I want you, it’s going to take more than just one night,” he stated grimly. “You’ve done something to me. I can’t take it anymore. I can’t sleep. I’m having trouble eating,” he said, his gaze narrowing as her lips parted in wonder.
    Michael Montand wanted her so much that he couldn’t rest. It struck her as strange. Surreal.
    “I’m aware that I’m not what you deserve,” he continued. “But I don’t do long-term relationships, Emma. I’m sorry for that, in your case, more than I ever have been in my life. But I don’t want to lie to you. Plus, I have to travel a lot—lately nearly every week, with a big racing event I’ve sponsored happening very soon. Do you want me enough to take the risk, knowing all those things?”
    “Yes, I think I do.”
    He studied her closely. “I’m not used to doing this. I know that you’re young and vulnerable, though, so I’m trying.”
    “I’m not vulnerable. And I’m not that young.”
    “I disagree. But it doesn’t matter anymore. If this keeps up . . .” he looked bewildered, even a little wild. “I don’t know what’ll happen. As long as I know you exist out there somewhere, I’ll want you. The only