AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Let’s hurry and finish so I can kick them out and spank this pussy,” he says against my throat, “Maybe tie you up and edge you for a few hours with my fingers, my palms, and my mouth before I let you come on my tongue.” He presses a kiss against my mouth and then backs off, leaving me swaying.
“How wet are you right now, I wonder?” He winks and backs away slowly.
Bastard.
“Come eat. It’s getting cold. You probably don’t want to leave Alannah out there with me.”
He gives me a loaded look. Loaded with threats.
He leaves me. Leaves me reeling.
Fucking bastard.
Not knowing what he’ll do, flashbacks of the guy with the gun, of the cold look in his eyes when I slapped him across the face the other night, I decide I don’t want to leave Alannah’s fate to chance. I hesitantly walk out there.
I find Alannah and Grace with their heads together while Derek is making another cup of coffee, intense eyes on me.
Both women look at me with concern.
“I’m sorry if I was rude, Grace. I’m… kind of… shattered, thanks to your brother.”
She pats the chair I vacated. “Sit down. Let me fill you in on Derek.”
“This oughta be interesting,” Derek says, rejoining the table.
I sit down and Alannah grabs my hand and squeezes. But she’s got a strange look on her face.
I don’t have time to try to decode it before Grace starts to talk.
“Derek was kidnapped when he was a child. Held for ransom. It was kept out of the papers and both of you must keep this fact to yourselves. Under threat of severe consequences.”
“Grace,” Derek warns, giving her an icy look.
She ignores this and continues. “It was very traumatic for him. It’s probably why he has some extreme reactions in certain scenarios. Most people don’t know how to take him. I was very young when this happened, so I don’t remember much, but I can tell you that I’ve never seen him get infatuated by a woman before. Never seen him with the same girl more than once. Most of them don’t get past the first date. He’s certainly never moved anyone in with him.”
“How old are you?” Alannah asks Derek.
“Almost thirty-four,” Grace answers for him.
“When was he kidnapped?” Alannah asks, now looking at Grace.
“He was eleven. Most of his life, he’s had an addictive personality. When he discovers something new and gets hooked by it, his reactions can seem extreme. He works to excel in whatever he becomes focused on. I don’t think you’re in danger, Chloe. In fact, this is the best news I’ve heard in a while. Maybe best news ever where Derek’s concerned. Are you not interested in him? I mean, he’s attractive, wealthy. He’s a catch. Right?”
“She’s interested in me,” Derek states boldly.
My eyes roll.
“He’s not someone you can dissuade from things he sets his mind to. But that doesn’t mean you need to be afraid for your safety. I think maybe you’re not giving him a fair chance because of the way he went about things. His approach was probably unorthodox, but…”
I scoff.
She sallies forth, getting louder and with an even more determined look on her face, “But I’m telling you, I don’t see him smile. I don’t see him laugh. And I’ve seen him do both with you. That’s something that has me hopeful. Maybe things could turn a corner for him with your help.”
“I’m not looking for a project,” I tell her. “He needs a therapist.”
Is she delusional too?
Derek’s expression turns dark, but he aims his gaze away, flexing his jaw.
