Your To Take - Connaghers 03 by Joely Sue Burkhart Read Free Book Online Page B

socks off too. Barefoot and
vulnerable, he made her heart ache. He trusted her to take care of and protect
him. In the cold on the streets, he’d never walk around without his shoes for
fear someone worse off might take them.
    To break the intensity, she asked, “Hungry?”
    He stared at her mouth, pausing several steps below so his
head remained lower than hers. “Starving.”
    Blood pounded a vicious tempo in her ears. Slowly, she
reached out to lightly brush her fingers across his jaw to the ponytail holder.
“May I?”
    “You can do anything you want to me.”
    She worked the rubber band loose, trying not to pull his
hair, but his eyes darkened like a mysterious lagoon. Experimentally, she
wrapped her hand in his hair and tugged, mesmerized by the way his mouth
softened, opened. His tongue darted out, his eyes falling shut. “What do you
like?”
    “Anything you want.”
    “I’m serious.”
    “So am I. I’m up for anything you tell me to do. You said
your brother was a sadist, so if pain runs in the blood, try me. I can take a
lot of punishment.”
    She blew out her breath, frustrated and scared spitless. Maybe
I should have gone with Victor a few times so I’d know what the hell I’m
getting into. “I don’t want to punish you. I want you to feel safe and
secure with me. I’m not going to let anyone hurt you.”
    “Not even your cop?”
    He didn’t say it like an accusation, but dread still made
her stomach queasy. She owed Elias her allegiance first and foremost. He was a
good man, an excellent cop and a fabulous lover. But when it came to his pride,
he could be a loose cannon. In the end, aren’t I cheating on him with
another man? How can I ask him to allow this?
    “Because if you want him to fuck me, I’ll accept him
gladly.”
    Blood drained from her face. She cupped his cheeks in both
hands and leaned down with her sternest look. “I will never ask you to do such
a thing. If you don’t want to do something, I need to know. You told me earlier
you don’t like men, so don’t make that kind of offer to me. It’s not necessary.
In fact, it’s repulsive to me, and to Elias, that you’d think we’d require such
services from you in order for you to stay. You have to tell me the truth or I
can’t protect you.”
    His eyes shimmered and his mouth trembled. “I’ll do
anything, Vicki. Please don’t send me away.”
    “I’m not going to send you away, but we have to take this
slowly. I don’t know what the hell I’m doing. I don’t want to lose Elias just
to have you, but the thought of losing you…” Letting out a rough growl, she
pulled Jesse into her arms. Eagerly, he went to his knees, pressing as close to
her as possible. “I’m going to get help for you, for me, whatever it takes.
You’ve been abused, and I don’t want to screw this up out of ignorance.”
    He hugged with his entire body, arms locked around her hips.
“I’ve never had a choice. I don’t know what I like, not really, but when you
touch me, even a hug, it’s like angels start singing and my bones melt and my
blood boils in my veins. It’s you. Whatever you want. I trust you not to hurt
me.”
    Hands trembling, she held him, smoothing her hands over his
back and shoulders. Such responsibility. God help me. She couldn’t stop
touching him, though, like she couldn’t watch him walk away into the snow and
cold. She wanted to make him feel safe and loved like he’d never been before.
    “Just having you touch me…” Muffled against her stomach, his
words burrowed into her. “I’m starved for affection and physical contact as
much as anything else.”
    “Let’s go eat dinner.” Soothingly, she ran her fingers
through his hair. “Then if you can stand to watch cheesy horror movies, we’ll
cuddle on the couch for awhile.”
    Reluctantly, he released her and stood. “If you’ll let me
hold your hand, I’ll even watch ballet.”
    She offered her hand, and he clasped her fingers between his
palms,