Page 57 of Four Promises to Love

The hunger in his eyes made her heart race, her palms dampening against the book spines. Arousal flooded her, her lungs so tight she had to push out the next word.

“Yes.”

“Did he claim your sweet pussy, push his cock deep inside the way I am going to?”

He swooped down, taking her mouth and muffling her moan of excitement. The world fell away, and there was only him and her and the devastating passion between them. She raked her fingers through his hair as they ravaged one another’s mouths, their hunger made feral by the days apart.

When he pressed her against the shelves, her nipples throbbed against his hard chest. She felt the wild beat of her blood beneath her skin and the aching emptiness between her legs. She reached down to touch him—to feel that hard, vital length she wanted inside her. He growled against her lips as she stroked the thick, wool-covered ridge. Before him, she had never wanted to belong to any man, but now she yearned to be his—and to claim him in return.

You are mine, and I am yours.

She didn’t want to be apart from him ever again. They were stronger together, and she should never have let him face danger alone…

“Go,” she heard him say. “Go hide now.”

Startled, she pulled back—and was staring into different eyes.

Through different eyes.

“Go and hide where I showed you,” he said. “You know how to get in.”

“I can’t leave you.” A sob caught in her throat. “I’m scared…scared of the darkness.”

“Don’t be afraid, my love. Darkness can be a sanctuary.”

“You are my sanctuary,” she whispered. “I cannot lose you.”

“Don’t come out until I tell you it is safe.” He kissed her. “Trust me, my darling Rose. Go—go now.”

“Finn? Is something amiss?”

Concerned, Owen touched her shoulder, staring at her frozen expression. A moment ago, they’d been locked in a passionate kiss when she’d suddenly pushed him away. Now she seemed to be staring into the distance—but when he followed her gaze, he saw nothing worthy of attention.

Was I too intense? Did I frighten her? Hurt her?

“If I did anything wrong—” he began.

She walked off as if he had not spoken.

Frowning, he set off after her. “Finn, please tell me what is going on.”

She increased her pace, muttering, “Have to go.”

Christ, I must have done something to make her run from me.

His gut clenched; the notion of hurting someone he cared about made him feel sick. In the past, he would have avoided this feeling at all costs. He would shut himself in his room—or try to numb his self-revulsion with spirits or meaningless sex. He could leave this very instant and bury himself in work since he’d given up those other vices.

He looked at Finn’s rigid, retreating back…and chased after her.

“At least tell me what I’ve done.”

He caught up to her in the sitting area. Gigi and Grantley had risen, and he was aware that they were watching the unfolding drama, but he couldn’t give up.

“Finn.” He caught her arm, turning her to face him. “What’s the matter?”

“Have to run. To hide. He’s coming.”

Her eyes were glassy, her cheeks pale. Worried for a different reason now, he touched her forehead; she didn’t feel feverish but rather clammy and cold.