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He stops chewing and swallows the food down. “Do you like it?”
“No, I hate being on my feet all day. But I tell myself I’m lucky to have a job because not everyone does, right?”
“Right,” he says slowly. “I suppose that’s a good way to look at it.”
But, for whatever reason, he doesn’t look happy to learn where I work.
“So, what else do you do?” I ask, wanting to learn more about the man who rescued me tonight and then fed me dinner with zero expectations other than a friendly chat.
“My brothers and I run the other family businesses.”
“Businesses?” I echo and take a sip of my Coke. Wow. He must have a ton of money. I’m not surprised, though. Vin Rossi looks like the kind of man who sits behind a big desk in a corner office in some fancy highrise. He exudes a calm, cool control that I find fascinating and I’m pretty willing to bet he knows how to handle just about any situation with aplomb.
He nods, but he doesn’t go into any details. I’ve never been able to talk so freely with a man before and, for whatever reason, Vin makes me feel safe and secure. And that’s something I haven’t felt in a very long time. Hell, maybe ever. I’ve always been the one taking care of my mom and making sure everything was done. So it’s really nice to have someone look out for me.
Stifling a yawn, I set my empty plate aside.
“Tired?” Vin asks.
“Exhausted,” I admit. “It’s been a long…I would say day, but it’s been more like a long few months.”
“I’m sure. And I’m sorry about your mother.”
“Thank you,” I whisper. “She was my best friend.”
Once again, his knuckles caress along my jawline and then his hand moves to cup my chin. “You’re going to be okay, Hannah. From now on, everything is going to be okay. I promise.”
“Why do you care?” I can’t help but ask the question.
“I don’t know,” he answers honestly and shrugs. “But, I do.”
I’m not sure how long we stare at each other before I say, “Can I ask you another question.”
He nods.
“Why did you spend so much money to buy me—er, my virginity—and you don’t want to sleep with me?”
His green eyes darken a shade. “I never said I don’t want to sleep with you,” he says in a low, gruff voice and my pulse thunders madly in my ears. “But I won’t take something that isn’t freely given. And I’ve never paid for sex.”
“Oh,” I simply say, not sure how exactly to respond to that. Then, before I even realize what’s happening, Vin leans in and lightly presses his lips against mine. The kiss is over before I can even process it.
“Go to sleep, Hannah,” Vin says softly. “You’re safe.”
When he pulls his hand away, I immediately miss its warmth. With a nod, I scoot backwards and crawl under the covers. I don’t even have the energy to go to the bathroom. Even though I’m in a hotel room with a complete stranger, it only takes me a few minutes to fall asleep. Because some part of me knows that I can trust Vin with my life, that he’d never harm me. Only protect me. My savior.
At some point, the mattress beside me sinks and I know he’s lying down, too. And, I’ve never felt so very safe or slept so soundly in my entire life.
6
VIN
For the first time in a long time, I sleep comfortably all night beside a woman. It’s been a long time since that’s happened. Since Cynda. Before she broke my heart, anyway. Pushing thoughts of that traitor aside, I open my eyes and turn onto my side to watch the angel still sleeping beside me.
Because that’s exactly what she looks like. Hannah’s long, blonde hair is spread all over the pillow, surrounding her like a golden pool, and I’m tempted to reach out and touch a silky strand. Long, black lashes practically sweep across her high cheekbones and her full, pink lips look soft and, God help me, so damn kissable.
I shouldn’t have kissed her last night. Not that it was much of a kiss, but I did press my lips to hers briefly and, dammit, it was more memorable than any kiss I’ve had within the last five years. Thinking about it, even though it had been completely innocent, makes my body react. Shit. I tell myself to shut it down, to ignore the lust rising within me and, instead, I focus on the innocent woman sleeping so close I can smell her baby powder scent.
Hannah Everson is beautiful. It’s not something I can ignore. She’s also sweet and trusting. I have an unexplainable and all-consuming urge to take care of her. I don’t want her returning to some dumpy apartment and low-paying job where she has to stand on her feet all day. Instead, I want to sweep her off to my luxury apartment, tuck her into my king-size bed and worship her. I want to give her gifts and money and make her life easy. I’d also like to give her pleasure. So much pleasure that her body would writhe and she’d cry out my name.
