AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Her cheeks redden, and her features grow pinched. There’s confusion in her eyes though. “Why are you being so hurtful to me? You were so sweet to me. So tender, and now, suddenly, you’re this asshole again? What’s happening, Q?”
I love it when she calls me that. A warm feeling coalesces in my chest. I ignore it. You have to push her away, remember? This is what's best for her.
It’s going to mean Arthur doesn't confirm you as CEO of the company. It means you won’t get access to your inheritance.
Well, fuck that. I made do with very little as a Marine. I can do the same for the rest of my life. Which is, anyway, going to be bleak without her. So, what need do I have for money if I can’t spend it on her?
“Q?” She searches my features. “What’s going through your mind? Talk to me. I know there’s more to you than this don’t-give-a-fuck exterior you like to project.”
I stay silent, not wanting to give away my thoughts. Not wanting her to see how much it hurts me to withdraw from her. And at the same time, not wanting to destroy this relationship we’ve forged since I fucked her.
Perhaps I could wait a few more days?
Perhaps I can be with her a little longer?
And let her fall for you further? That would make it even more difficult for her to leave. That would break her heart even more.
You’re doing her a favor by closing off your emotions from her.
My face must reveal some of my thoughts, for she firms her lips. “Guess you're more of a bastard than I thought you were.” She drains the rest of the cappuccino, then slides off the stool. "Thanks for the coffee."
She turns to leave, and my vision tunnels.
I can’t let her go. I can’t allow her to walk away from me; not yet. Not when I still need her.
Perhaps I could stay married to her, but I could hold her at arm’s length?
Yes, that’s what I’ll do. I won't let myself get any closer to her to minimize the possibility of hurting her further. But I can keep her in my life a little longer, right?
Either way, I can’t let her leave. Not yet.
"Where do you think you’re going?" I bark.
"Why the hell should I stay when you’ve decided to turn into your glowering, mean, old self anyway? I’m going back to my room; I need a shower?—"
"No, you don’t."
She scoffs. "Don’t tell me what to do."
The defiance in her voice fires my blood. My thigh muscles tighten. My fingers tingle. When she refuses to obey me, it fucking turns me on. I can barely restrain myself from throwing her on the floor and rutting into her.
She heads toward the doorway, when I growl, "Raven, come back and sit your arse down."
Her steps slow.
"Now," I lower my voice to a hush.
She shudders, then comes to a stop, before whirling around and pointing a finger at me. "It’s not fair. You use that voice, knowing I can’t say no."
"You can say no." I remind her.
"And pay the consequences?" She rubs at her backside, a gesture which turns my cock to granite. Fuck.
"Sit." I point to the stool she vacated.
She scowls at me. “Apologize for your earlier remarks. Say you’re sorry for saying those horrible things to me. Say you didn’t mean them.”
I turn the words over in my head. I don’t want to lie to her. But I’m not ready to let her go. God help me, but I want to spend a little more time with her. Guess I’m conforming to my role of being a selfish bastard. I’m going to hell for allowing her to get closer to me, for developing deeper feelings for me, but I’m helpless.
