AllFreeNovel
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“Everything,” I say on an outbreath. “I don’t want to bother you with my silly girl thoughts, though.”
“None of your thoughts are silly, and if it’s bothering you, I want you to share it with me. Talk to me, Kindra.”
“Okay, for starters, why? Why do you want me to share my troubles with you?” I turn to face him.
The light clicks on in his head, and he understands what this is really about. “I want you to share your thoughts with me because I care about what you think. I care aboutyou.”
“Do you mean for this trip? Or does that care extend beyond tomorrow?”
He cups my chin and raises my lips to his. “I care about you for this trip, yes, but I want to care about you for much longer. Maybe even for as long as you’ll let me.”
I close my eyes and lose myself in his kiss. His hands move through my hair, pulling my head closer, but I feel him everywhere. When we kiss, it’s as if our souls touch.
“I’m falling for you,” he whispers against my lips. He pulls back and runs his thumb over my cheek. “No matter what happens, I want you to know that this moment is real. Don’t ever question it.”
“No matter what happens?” I cough up a nervous laugh and lean back. “Is there something you aren’t telling me?”
He stares into my eyes, but he doesn’t answer me.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Ezra
I’ve made a real dog’s dinner out of this. My need to be honest with her quarrels with my need to protect what we have. Now would be a good opportunity to lay out the facts. We’re on a boat, so it’s not like she can run away. She’d have to face this head on, as would I.
But I can’t do it. The truth will shatter her, and who will pick up the pieces? I would gladly paste her together again, no matter how long it might take. Even if her sharp edges leave deep wounds, I’ll bear the pain if it means she can be whole again. If only she’d let me.
Knowing she would never, I’m forced to keep this going.
“I meant nothing by it, pet,” I say. “I just want you to understand my sincerity. That’s all.”
Her shoulders relax, and she lets out a soft sigh as she places her hands on my chest. “So this isn’t just a fling for you?”
I shake my head, unable to form the words to explain what this is.
“We aren’t so different, you and I,” I say. “We’ve both been running from attachments for so long that we’re terribly awkward at this.”
“I can think of one area where we aren’tterriblyawkward.” She climbs over me and straddles my lap. “How long do we have before the others return to the ship?”
I run my hands up and down her sides. “Not long enough for all the things I want to do to you.”
“What about when we get to shore? Maybe we can set up our own activity back at the villas?” She grinds herself against my lap, and the friction sends a pleasurable jolt up my spine.
“As tempting as that is, we can’t miss tonight’s dinner. It’s mandatory attendance, per the great director.”
She groans and tips her head back, giving me a view of her perfect neck. I remember how she looked tied up, and maybe Jim’s wrath would be worth it if it means I can see that again.
“We could always show up fashionably late,” I say.
With a shake of her head, she slides off my lap. “No, I completely forgot about tonight’s fancy dinner. I’ll need time to get ready, and depending on Cat’s mental state after your brother drugged her, she might need help as well.”
“Dinner won’t last all night,” I say as I put my arm around her shoulder and pull her closer. “ButImight.”
“Ezra Carter!” She smacks my chest. “My room or yours?”
“Mine.” I lean toward her ear and lower my voice. “And I want you to bring your toy.”
“The Priest-Exorciser Five Thousand?”
