“We could be.” She edged forward. “We survived a traumatic experience together. Things like that bond people. We’ve both lived through pasts that were hell, but we didn’t let those nightmares break us. You and I could have a great deal in common.”
Oh? Because you’ve killed, too? Not the time to ask that question. He was trying hard not to send her running. He was also working hard not to pounce on her. Another priority. But it was hard with her standing right there, and that strawberry scent tempting him.
Truth be told, everything about Sloane tempted him. His gaze kept falling to her lips, and he thought about just how great she tasted. “I don’t tend to have friends.”
“I don’t think that’s true.”
It was.
“Debra is your friend. You’ve been close to her for years.”
Is that what Sloane thought? That they were close? Because of some long-standing friendship? “My adoptive parents paid Debra to keep an eye on me until I was twenty-one. She always made sure I had extra protection while I was here, growing up. After my kidnapping, my parents moved to Cashiers. They wanted a fresh start for me. Their protective instincts went into overdrive.” A roll of one shoulder. “Debra watched out for me because she was paid to do so. When my parents died, they left a significant amount of money to the town. To her. She’s still grateful for that cash.”
“You honestly think she’s watching out for you because she was paid to do so?”
Yes, that was exactly what he believed.
“And is that the same story for Frankie and Noble? Are they paid to be your friends? That the tale you’re spinning?”
“Frankie has been a bodyguard who worked on my payroll for years. I have money.” Flat. Not bragging. Just stating the truth. “Money can attract a certain amount of danger. Employing bodyguards can be a necessity.”
“You’re stupid rich, that’s what you are. You’ve got like, seven homes. Businesses and real estate ventures everywhere. I’m pretty sure you just built a forty-story tower in Miami, and by pretty sure, I mean I discovered that info while doing my research on you.”
He didn’t speak.
“Wealth can attract danger, I get it.” Her head inclined toward him. “You hired bodyguards. Makes sense. People without wealth attract danger, too. Danger can sneak right up on you. It can be right there, hiding behind a charming smile.” Her own smile came and went. A quick flash. “Just because you pay someone, it doesn’t mean that person can’t be a friend. Pretty sure people can pull double-duty. A woman can be a sheriff and a friend. And someone can be a bodyguard and a buddy.”
There were no buddies in his world. “I don’t pay for friendship. Frankie does a job. He gets a salary and benefits. End of story.”
“And Noble? You really going to try and spin the same tale with him? Because I won’t believe you, and I’d appreciate it if you didn’t lie directly to my face.”
Dammit. She knew. “You and your research, huh?”
“Yes. Me and my research.”
They were having this conversation all while his dick still saluted her. While he thought about how easy it would be to strip her and fuck her. While her nipples pressed against her pajama top. Tight nipples.
He thought of the way the rain had soaked her white shirt. “I wanted to punch those bastards who were gaping at you in the rain. Sonsofbitches should have been more professional.” He swallowed. “And yet here I am, staring at your nipples and thinking about how badly I want them in my mouth.”
A gasp slid from her.
He turned away. The better to not stare at what he wanted so badly. “I’m not a safe place for you tonight.” Or any night. Preston took one last look out of the windows as the lightning flashed. “You can stay down here. Stare out. Breathe.” She could take the haven. “I’ll go upstairs.” Or into his study. It had damn windows, too.
But her hand pressed to his back. “I came to find you. If you leave me, then I’m basically failing at my whole mission.”
He stiffened. “You…really shouldn’t touch me right now.”
“Why not? Because your dick is hard and you want to fuck me?”
She wasn’t dancing around the truth. He wouldn’t, either. “Because my dick is hard and if you don’t get away from me, we will be fucking.” He’d left her before. Left her naked and on his bed. Left thinking that they shouldn’t rush. That he needed to handle her with care. Because…
She’s important.
Something that he understood all the way to his soul.
But now all he could think was that the predator was out there. Sloane could be taken. Sloane could die. And he would lose her.
Fate was cruel, he knew that, and it would be just like that twisted bitch to give him everything he’d ever wanted and then to rip her away from him.
