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"And will that stop you from dating again?"
"Of course not," I muttered, shrugging. It would probably be easy to swear off men because of this experience—at least for a while.
To develop a hatred and see every man I meet as a threat because the past could possibly repeat itself.
My subconscious had already decided that it wouldn't be disappointed by Gray. Otherwise, I couldn't explain the trust that existed between us.
He hadn't earned it the usual way; it was just there, and somehow, we had built on it.
"It didn't stop you from dating, right?"
"No. But my dates aren't worth mentioning. In the last ten years, there hasn't been a single one I would call successful."
"Have you developed a bad taste in women?"
He looked at me pointedly. "It seems to me like it's gotten better."
"Maybe I'm a nightmare, and you just don't see it yet?" Changing a tough topic to one that made me flirt.
"Oh, I can see exactly what kind of nightmare you are, Amelia. The kind I can handle best. The only reason you haven't noticed is the boundaries I’ve set for myself."
Until just now, we had never finished the conversation we had in front of the bar. His statement made me catch my breath.
At the same time, his grip on my hair changed. It became tighter. More demanding. Forcing me to tilt my head back and expose my neck while I couldn't help but look straight up at him.
"But in the end, it comes down to the fact that you're my favorite nightmare. And I can't wait to turn that dream into reality. But you should know that I'm not the kind of man who shies away easily."
Instead, he would paint the dark corners even blacker. I knew it with such certainty that it sent my pulse racing. Not because of danger, no.
It was damned anticipation.
14
GRAY
Just like the previous week, Amelia sat by the campfire with a book in her lap. Only this time, it was the one I had recommended—and I didn't miss the covert glances she kept throwing my way through the crowd.
For the most part, I deliberately ignored her, partly because Wilder was right next to me, fidgeting, and I was waiting for him to start yet another conversation about Amelia. As if we hadn't talked enough about her in the past few days and how she had turned my life upside down in the best possible way without really trying.
What would happen if she actually put in some effort? If she stopped avoiding me and embraced the inevitable?
It hung in the air between us, but until she clearly indicated that she was ready, I wouldn't make another move. What was already happening between us caused enough emotional turmoil.
"Every time I look at you, it looks like you want to devour her, Gray."
"Just shut up," I grumbled. "You're seeing things."
It was the truth. And this need grew stronger every day. I wanted to peel her layer by layer, break her into a thousand pieces, and then put her back together. I wanted to see her ironclad self-control dissolve into thin air and have her surrender to me.
I wanted to be the one who silenced her thoughts and made her body sing. I wanted to see her arch with desire, feel her snuggle against me, and taste her lips on mine once more.
Not to mention the profound longing that kept rising inside me. I saw something in Amelia—and even though I couldn't name it, it stirred something in me, making me feel like I’d known her for more than just a week. Maybe even years.
With every new facet she revealed to me, the desire to hold her in my arms and never let go grew stronger. To protect her from anything that might harm her.
This didn't make the overall situation any easier because as long as Amelia and I were alone, I was completely certain of these feelings. I was aware that I had never felt this way for my ex-wife. Yes, I had loved her over the years, but at no point did it feel as intense as it does with Amelia. But there were moments that caused doubt—mostly coming from outside.
From the looks and what I read in them. From people who went overboard with the rumors. From the pity that met Amelia, or the odd questions and comments—like in the bookstore, from which I would certainly never buy books again.
