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“That boy’s used to playing fast and loose, little girl. I’ve known him a long time. He’s screwed everything in a
four county area. You wanna be his next?”
“No,” she answered softly as her cheeks turned pink.
“I’m going to ask you again. Did you let him touch you?”
“Not like that.”
“Elaina.” It was a warning.
She took exception to his tone and her volatile temper exploded. “I’m not planning on sleeping with him, Raul. Not that it’s any of your fucking business.”
His eyes blazed down at her. Rage colored his expression. “I’ve told you before. You better watch your mouth.” His words were sharp.
She felt his dark, compelling eyes on her. “Oh, I think you’re watching it closely enough for the both of us.” Suppressed lust and territorial aggression glimmered in his dark gaze, easily identifiable even to someone with her limited sexual experience.
He sucked in oxygen and forced his eyes from her wet, luscious lips. His hands reached down and grabbed her wrists and pushed them over her head, pushing them into the sofa. He loomed over her, going for intimidation to get her to conform. “I’m trying to be a gentleman here.” His words were a low snarl. “I’m telling you to stay away from that boy.”
Heat and excitement speared through her. He was trying to be a gentleman? She pushed against the hands that restrained her. They didn’t give. If this was an example of him being a gentleman, she wondered what he’d be like if he lost control. A shiver of fear and curious anticipation went through her. But she wasn’t ready for that, not with someone like him. No way.
“You don’t have the right to tell me what to do. But I’ll be nice and have mercy on you and tell you how it is.” She raised her neck and glared into his face, pushing against his restraining hands. “I haven’t slept with him. I don’t intend to sleep with him. So chill.”
An arrow of pure jealousy continued to pierce through his bloodstream. “Chill?”
“Yeah. Chill. You’re way too serious. You need to calm down. Chill.”
He was about to begin interrogating her further when the back door slammed and he heard Brian and Janie come back into the house.
He slid to his feet and picked his beer up from the coffee table. Putting it to his lips, he took a long pull and turned to greet his hosts, trying to give them no indication of the inappropriate conversation that had just transpired.
Janie stopped in the doorway, looked between Raul and Elaina and slowly back again and then spoke in a stilted manner. “Steaks are ready.”
****
Raul forced himself to stay away from the Canton household the rest of the month. It wasn’t easy, but it was for the best. Or so he told himself. By the time New Year’s Eve dawned, he was itching for the damn party just so he could see her again.
When he finally arrived, his mood blackened when he saw the amount of people already gathered there. All he could think about was getting her to himself for awhile, and now he realized that wouldn’t be possible.
It was probably for the best, but that didn’t stop him from meandering through the house, nodding to people he knew, his purposeful strides taking him in her direction.
He found her in the arched doorway between the living room and the darkened hallway that led to the bedrooms. She was covered in a tiny red dress that ended only a couple of inches below the point where her thighs met. Her ankle had obviously had time to heal, and she was standing on impossibly high-heeled strappy gold sandals that emphasized the shape and contours of her legs.
The only physical effects he could see from her mishap were two pale spots on her knees where her injuries were healing and wouldn’t be noticeable to anyone that wasn’t looking for them. Her facial features were enhanced by the subtle use of make-up and her hair was silky smooth around her shoulders. She looked far too sophisticated for her young years. She was holding a glass of champagne in one hand and was surrounded by a group of young people that included Trevor.
Raul saw red as a jealous mist swam before his eyes.
He ruthlessly contained his rage and approached the group with a pleasant façade that he was far from feeling.
He had one thought only.
Containment.
****
Elaina stood in the circle of young people feeling so emotionally free and happy she was almost delirious with it. She had finally made up her mind to withdraw from nursing school, had gotten over the guilt, and had told her aunt what she planned to do. Much to her surprise, Janie had been one-hundred percent supportive. They had talked for nearly two hours, and Elaina was going to start looking for a job close to the ranch when the hustle and bustle of the holiday season was over.
Janie had well and truly convinced her that she and Brian wanted her to stay with them, and for as long as she wanted.
