Page 42 of Wade’s Wrath

“And the owner.” His thumb brushed unconsciously over the back of her hand, and neither of them let go. Harlow looked down at their joined hands and then back up at him. Wade was watching her. That same heat from earlier returned, and his gaze dropped to her mouth. Her heart pounded just like last time, but this time, she knew exactly what was happening—and she wanted it. She wanted him to kiss her, and while that realization should have terrified her, it didn’t. Instead, Harlow stepped closer, and Wade immediately released her hand. The rejection stung.

She stepped back. “Sorry.” Her cheeks burned. “I misread⁠—”

“You didn't,” he growled. She looked up at him again. Wade's jaw was clenched.

“Then why did you release me?” she asked.

“Because yesterday you were supposed to marry another man,” he reminded.

“I didn't want to marry him,” she insisted.

“I know,” he breathed.

“I didn't love Frank,” she said.

“I know that too,” he insisted.

“Then what's the problem?” she asked.

Wade stared at her for a long moment. “You're scared.”

“Not of you,” she said.

“You should be a little bit scared of me, Harlow,” he said. She rolled her eyes at him. “I'm serious.”

“So am I,” she said. He stepped closer, and Harlow's breath caught. Wade lifted his hand but stopped before touching her.

“Everything in your life got blown to hell less than twenty-four hours ago,” he whispered.

“So what?” she asked.

“So I'm not taking advantage of you or this situation,” he insisted.

“You wouldn't be,” she breathed.

“You don't know that,” he countered.

“I know what I want,” she insisted.

“For the first time in your life, maybe.” The words landed like a slap to her face, and Harlow stepped back from him. Wade cursed. “That came out wrong.”

“No.” She wrapped her arms around herself. “It's true.”

“Harlow,” he whispered.

“I spent my whole life doing what everyone else wanted me to do,” she said.

“Exactly.” He moved closer again, and she didn’t back down. “So figure out what you want when you're not scared, exhausted, and dependent on me.”

She stared at him. “And if I still want you?” Wade went very still. Harlow couldn't believe she'd said it, but she refused to take it back.

His eyes darkened. “If you still want me when this shit settles down—” He leaned closer but was still careful not to touch her. His mouth hovered near her ear, making her shiver. “You won't have to ask twice.” Heat rushed through her entire body, and Wade stepped back from her. The bastard.

Harlow stared at him. “You did that on purpose.”

“Yep,” he admitted.

“You're horrible,” she insisted.