The Path to James by Jane Radford Read Free Book Online Page A

memory forever.
    I lean forward, standing on my tip-toes to kiss him, and he bends to meet me halfway. His lips press hard against mine and I can't help the stifled pant that escapes me.
    I want this. I've never wanted anything more in my life. My arms come up, pulling the elastic band of his underwear away from his stomach with one hand, and dipping in to stroke his penis with the other.
    He moans deep in his throat the moment my hand closes around his shaft. When I tug up along the length of him, he disconnects our lips with a gasp. “Why did you leave your home?” he breathes. He wants to know before this goes any further.
    The look in James' eyes, something about him makes me trust him. Makes me feel safe, and comfortable—confident even. Something about him makes me feel like he would never judge me, never ridicule me. Never hurt me.
    Never stalk me.
    “My ex-boyfriend burned my house down thinking I was sleeping inside.” I regret my confession the moment it drifts out of my mouth. James' eyes narrow and he stares at me with an indecipherable expression.
    “Are you kidding me?” I flinch at the sound of his cold voice. He sounds furious.
    “No,” my voice is small. I've ruined the mood.
    His jaw clenches and he pulls his arms around me, forcing me into him. His embrace feels oddly natural for how little I've known him. His erection is pressed against my stomach. Is he being protective of me? I inhale the scent of him, he smells exactly like my dreams. Pine trees and fresh air. Sunshine and soap. He is perfect.
    He lifts me from my feet then, pulling me up into his arms. I instinctively wrap my legs around his waist and he begins the trek to his bedroom. He kisses my neck as he walks, his lips trailing down my throat while his legs take us up the stairs. I feel so light in his arms. I feel caged, but I feel protected.
    James moves down the walkway, passing his books and office, spare bedrooms. He pushes the door to his master bedroom open and tosses me onto his bed. It's soft and plush. The down comforter poofs upon impact. He remains standing, his pants unzipped, his cock fighting for freedom.
    He pulls his shirt over his head and his chiseled torso is fully exposed. “If I've frightened you, I'll stop. If I've misread you, tell me now.”
    I stare up at him wide-eyed. I want this. I've never wanted anything more. My whole body is on fire. I won't stay here, I won't let another man stop me from pursuing the dreams that I've sat on for far too long, but if tonight is all I have—is all I'll get of James—I'll take it. I'll take it, gladly.
    I sit up on my knees and James freezes. He acts as though he doesn't want to startle me; treats me like I'm some kind of wild animal. He waits for me to either come to him, or for me to leave. Either way I know he won't move to stop me. I love the control he has given me, it's a foreign feeling.
    I scoot forward and he holds his breath. “I'm not frightened,” I look up at him as my hands slide his jeans from his hips. As the words leave my lips, I'm surprised to realize they're true. I'm not afraid. I've been scared for so long, running from Jaren, sleeping at friends' houses, abandoning my home, but I feel safe here. James is strong and virile, but somehow he makes me feel like I'm the one with all the power.
    His jeans slide past his calves and he steps out of them. His eyes never leave mine, he keeps his hands to himself. He has handed the reins over to me, he's waiting to see where I lead him. I reach for him, skimming my hands along his toned stomach, up over his defined chest.
    Goosebumps erupt over his skin and I slide my hands back the way they'd come. Back down his chest, down his stomach, heading south, following whimsically along his seductive little happy trail.
    James' breath catches as I hook my fingers under the band of his boxer-briefs and begin peeling away the fabric. Exposing him to me, I'm biting my lip, hungry. No longer a caged animal, his cock