Betting on Fate by Katee Robert Page B

her into his arms without so much as a by your leave, and then sat in her chair with her in his lap. She considered protesting, but the delicious heat of his body was already working its way into hers, and his scent wrapped around her, more comforting than any blanket. With a sigh, she relaxed against him, burying her face in his chest.
    This. This was exactly what she’d needed.
    She could almost hate him for knowing that without her saying a word. Maybe she even would hate him later, but right now she took what he offered and didn’t question it.
    A frisson of fear tried to ground itself inside her. A woman could get used to this kind of comfort. Hell, a woman could get used to everything Will Reaver brought to the table. With his arms around her, she didn’t care that she might be blowing her chance at securing an important client, and she didn’t care that her assistant Curtis was bound to start asking questions about the Norse god who kept showing up and locking himself in her office with her.
    She didn’t care about anything but extending this moment indefinitely.
    “You should have told me.” He stroked a hand down her spine and back up again.
    There was no mistaking his meaning. He’d told her at the very beginning that he expected her to communicate her needs, no matter how difficult she found it to do so. Out of everything she’d done so far, it was the hardest thing he’d required, the one place where she seemed to constantly disappoint him. She fisted her hands in his shirt. “I didn’t know how.”
    “And it took me entirely too long to realize something was wrong.” Another stroke. “It seems like we’re destined to continue to make missteps around each other.”
    “I’ll try harder next time.” The words were out before she had a chance to rethink them.
    Will cupped the back of her neck, drawing her up so she had no choice but to meet his gaze. “We both will.” And, God help her, but her whole body warmed to know he was going to try to take better care of her.
    This isn’t forever. There are only three days left. Then it’s over.
    She didn’t want it to be over.
    The realization that had been brewing since dinner last night stuck in her throat. She wanted more than three days with Will. But how was she supposed to say as much? He’d very clearly laid out the terms, and she’d accepted them. If she changed her mind now and demanded more than he’d ever offered? He’d dump her before the end of their agreement.
    “What’s going on in that busy brain of yours?”
    “Nothing.” The word came out too fast, a clear indication of her lie.
    He waited. Her heart beat faster knowing that he was content to sit there until she told him the truth. She and the other Dominants played at this type of thing, but they had nothing on this man. No one had anything on this man. She shifted, realized she was fidgeting, and tried to stop. “I don’t want to talk about it.” Still, he stared. She looked away. “I really would prefer you leave it alone.”
    “It’s causing you pain.”
    Which meant he wasn’t going to let it go until he had his answer. She slumped back against his chest, wishing it were easier to speak this truth now that she couldn’t see his face. His hand kept up its steady motion, comforting her even as he pushed her past her comfort zone.
    She could tell him now, or she could tell him later. The outcome would be the same regardless. Penelope shored up her courage, and then laughed at the thought. If she were truly courageous, she’d get to her feet and put some distance between them. She’d tell him to get out of her office and let her work. She’d do anything except pull her knees up so she was totally and completely surrounded by him. “I’m reluctant to end this.”
    His hand stilled. “Say that again.”
    Could her humiliation get any worse? Apparently the answer was yes. She gritted her teeth. “Seven days seems like a very short time.” A very short time, and