Page 93 of Sienna Rossi: Beyond Shattered Trust

I shut the door quietly and turn back to him; he’s glancing up at me now.

“It’s about Katara,” I begin, tugging at the sleeve of my jacket, hoping I’m not overstepping. “She is dealing with a lot, understandably. I was thinking it would be a good idea for her to talk to someone – like a professional. Mama would be an option. She’s dealt with stuff like this and works with children who have suffered all kinds of trauma. If, of course, you and your family think that’s a good idea. I did mention it to her, but I said to her before she talks to Grandma Red, if I could get your consent first.”

He ties the laces of his boot.

My heart pounds, and it’s not because of what I’m asking, but his searing gaze that is fixed on me. I exhale, averting my gaze. Gods, it’s even harder in a tight space.

Outdoors earlier, at least it wasn’t just the two of us.

He stands up and saunters towards me, that effortless swagger that oozes confidence, arrogance and pure power. I step back without thinking, my chest rising and falling heavily.

Yeah, I cannot be in the same room as him and keep my composure. The bond… How could it intensify something that was already so hard to contain?

He rests his forearm against the door above my head, tilting his head. I swallow, my core knotting at just that move, his scent invading my senses.

“You don’t need my consent to try to help Katara. It’s a good idea. I actually forgot that your mom studied in this field. She’s helped a lot of kids who have been abused and gone through trauma. I’ve heard only positive feedback. I think it would do Katara a lot of good,” he says quietly. I nod slowly, and his eyes flicker blue.

His gaze drops to my chest; for a moment it lingers, and then those dark, dangerous blue eyes are burning into mine. He swallows, his Adam’s apple bobbing, and I lick my lips. “Thanks for looking out for her. I think she really needed that one-on-one with someone who gets her.”

“Thank you… for that. I’ll let Mama know,” I answer softly.

He smells so good…

He nods, and I look away from those piercing eyes, but just when I think he’s going to step back, he leans down, his chest brushing ever so lightly against mine, sending a current through me and my breath hitches, feeling my nipples perk at the caress.

“And you’re doing a really bad job at hiding how fucking turned on you are. I can smell you, Darling,” he murmurs huskily.

Giddiness washes over me. ‘Darling’, it’s been too long…

I should be embarrassed by what he just stated, but I don’t care. I’m not ashamed that he turns me on. I gaze up at him, placing my hand on his abdomen. I push him back, relishing the feel of his delicious abs beneath my fingertips.

“Then don’t get so close,” I whisper before turning and pulling the door open. My heart is hammering as I try to calm down.

Gods, he’ll be the end of me, and I wouldn’t mind it.

He passes me before we reach the stairs, pulling out a key that he spins on his fingers. “Well, I’m going to have to get close because we’re taking my bike.”

Jerk. He should be glad I have my glamour on, or he’d be hard for me, too.

And then he’s down the stairs, those long legs eating up two steps at a time.

Great, his bike, where I’m going to be flush against that delicious back. Not that I’m complaining, but…

“Are you coming?” He’s already at the door.

I nod and hurry down the steps. He holds the door open, and I step outside before he lets it swing shut.

“Thanks.”

We walk quietly to the garage where he wheels his bike out and swings his leg over with ease, before holding the helmet out to me.

“I don’t need a helmet, especially if you’re not wearing one,” I point out, before closing the distance between us and getting on behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist.

This time it’s his turn to stiffen slightly. I smile, resisting the urge to hold him any lower.

He revs the engine, and then we’re zooming down the drive, bringing back memories of our first date. I close my eyes, resting my head against his back.

I have faith in us, despite everything that has happened between us; I am sure we will be ok.