Sin on the Run by Lucy Farago Page B

night. But he was in pain and she was here. And the image of her beneath and on top of him wasn’t easily forgotten. She’d been the best one-nighter of his life. And more importantly, she wasn’t pulling away. He told himself to keep his tongue out of her mouth. He didn’t listen. And if not for the stabbing pain to his chest, he’d have kept right on not listening. Reluctantly, he let her go.
    He was staring at her. Was anything more beautiful than a woman whose lips were wet from his kisses? He felt suddenly possessive, with a need to kill any man who dared touch her mouth. “I’ll not apologize for kissing you. So don’t expect me to.”
    â€œOkay.” She licked her lips, drawing his saliva into her mouth. It was so hot, he considered kissing her again simply to watch her repeat it.
    His hard-on told him he’d better cut it out or Christian would have his balls. He needed a way out of the mess he’d just created. He liked Rhonda. Shit, the woman had saved his life. She deserved better, better than anything he was capable of giving. Which for now, was nothing. Colin had to inherit the money, or his brother might not have anyone in his life either.
    â€œIt’s close to dinner,” she said, breaking the silence. “You hungry? I can bring you something.”
    Bloody hell, was the woman not listening? “Am I going to have to kiss you again?” Now it was himself he teased.
    She smiled, laughing a little. “I have no idea why you kissed me. Did you take a pain med when I wasn’t looking?”
    He returned her smile and leaned in. “I like kissing you. Is that not reason enough?”
    She opened her mouth then closed it. Opened it again, and again, closed it. Success, he thought. He’d stunned her stupid. Good. Now he had a plan. Every time she’d offer to help, he’d kiss her. He wasn’t going to be a burden, and if he had to stun her into compliance, then so be it.
    â€œSeriously,” he said, “you aren’t here to take care of me.”
    â€œI know that.”
    â€œOkay then, so we’re in agreement. The next time you come into my room it’s to crawl under the covers with me.”
    â€œStop.” She eyeballed him sideways. “I’m not Maggie. You can’t shock me.”
    â€œI beg to differ, and as you said, I’m bored. Of course . . .” He glanced over at the big empty bed. “If you want to get under the covers with me . . .” He was half kidding.
    â€œAnd on that note.” She stood. “I’m glad you’re feeling good enough to joke.”
    â€œWho said I was joking?”
    â€œHoly hell, you’re more persistent than some of the dumbasses that come into the club. Do I have to get rough with you ?”
    â€œHmm.” He considered her offer. “Not today. I don’t think the hole in my chest could handle it, but if you care to ask me again in say . . . a week?”
    She laughed, the sound intoxicating. It was sexy, heartfelt, and it made him proud to be the cause of it.
    â€œI didn’t realize you were such a flirt.” She crossed her arms and leaned on one hip.
    He remembered those hips, remembered his hands gripping them. He cleared his throat and forced himself to look up. “Can’t hurt a guy for trying.”
    â€œActually, in Maggie’s club, you’d be out on your ass after the third attempt.”
    â€œThird?”
    â€œIt would depend on the flirtation. No hands, you’re bothering me, three strikes you’re out. With hands, no strikes, you’re out.”
    â€œRight.” He nodded. “I saw that happen once.”
    He closed his eyes, realizing his mistake the moment the words had come out of his mouth. He hadn’t wanted her to know he’d been in the club. It was foolish. Who knew how many men had seen her dance? And yet, he didn’t want to be counted among them. Maybe it was