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“Brent, what did you do?” I asked, understanding now why Brandon had stayed away from me.
“I just scared him a little. I told him to stay clear of you, and he did,” Brent gloated.
He was holding back. His expression gave away that he had done a lot more to Brandon than he was admitting.
“Okay, I don’t want to know,” I said, fidgeting underneath him. He pressed his body into mine and wrapped his arm around me, holding me firm.
”Look, Claire, the point is, that was minor compared to the rage that took over when I saw you with Logan. Because of our apparitions, when we bond, it’s quicker, stronger, and more intense than it is for humans. The compulsion for us to protect our mate above anything else is not easily controlled. Those images you shared sparked my anger. It takes every bit of restraint I have not to go find Logan right now and make him pay for what he did to you. And the only reason I don’t is because I know it would hurt you.”
“You’re right, it would hurt me,” I admitted. “In fact, it would crush me.”
Logan had another chance at life and so did I.
“I know,” he said, threading his fingers through my hair and resting his hand just above my ear. “Just don’t leave again, Claire. I need you to trust me.”
“I won’t,” I promised, hoping I could keep it. I wanted to trust him but it wasn’t something that came easy for me. I was a product of the way I had grown up, two parents who trusted no one, for good reason. But nonetheless, it had affected me more than I thought.
“I’m serious Claire, not even for Logan. We can’t be sure his regret will continue or he won’t be adhered to again,” Brent warned.
“Okay, I got it. Jeez,” I said, trying to end the conversation.
I didn’t want to talk about it anymore. I felt guilty enough about leaving Brent and not trusting him. Needing to distract him, I climbed on top of him and straddled him, placing my palms flat against the bed next to his head, letting my hair fall around us, tunneling our faces.
“I love you and you’re right. I’m sorry. Now, I don’t want to talk anymore. I just want to feel, Brent,” I sighed, shaking my head just enough that my hair fluttered teasingly across his cheeks.
Brent froze, letting out an equally heavy sigh. Before he could put a stop to things, I put my lips on his, waiting for him to respond. He did, kissing me softly, pulling me close, and squeezing the back of my neck. I released a soft moan.
“Christ, Claire, those noises you make when I kiss you drive me crazy,” he whispered.
I relaxed against him, his compliment fueling the fire I could feel starting between my thighs. Our chests met, and I felt his heart beating against mine through the thin fabric of my shirt.
I sat up and Brent rested both of his hands on my hips. His breathing was heavy. I slowly began removing my top. He started to stop me, but I pushed his hands away, whispering it was okay, and he didn’t try to stop me again. I was braless and tossed my shirt to the floor. Brent’s appreciative gaze made my cheeks red hot, and the fact I knew he had seen my blush, increased my need for him. He lifted from the bed and wrapped his arms around my body, digging his fingers into my back, burying his head in the crook of my neck.
“Aw hell, Claire, you’re trying to kill me,” he whispered, panting for air.
I positioned my hands on both sides of his face, pulled him close and kissed him passionately. When I stopped to take a breath, I stared into his blue eyes, burning with desire. I slid my hands down his abdomen to his waist band.
“I want you, Brent. I don’t want to wait any longer.”
He grabbed me at the waist and flipped me so I was lying on my back again. He hovered over me.
“I want you too, Claire. You have no idea how bad, but I can’t, not right now,” he uttered breathless.
I deflated like a balloon with a hole, the entire moment released to disappointment. He sat up next to me, raking his fingers through his hair.
“It can’t be like this. It’s too emotionally charged. With everything going on, if I make love to you right now, it will feel like a distraction from everything you’ve dealt with. Like it was when you kissed Logan. I don’t want that. With the stress of what happened to you, it feels wrong. I want to make love to you when it feels right. I need that, Claire, and you may not believe it, but you need it, too.”
I did need that and if it was possible, I loved him even more for his ability to understand this moment would be one neither of us would want to feel regret about. It was a one-time memory we would have forever. He smiled and pulled me to his side. I rested my cheek on his chest, listening to his racing heartbeat.
“Your heart is beating so fast,” I commented.
“Kind of your fault, Blake,” he laughed.
I giggled and peered up at him. “I know it wasn’t easy for you to stop, but thank you,” I said trailing a finger over the scruff of his chin.
“Nearly impossible,” he said half laughing, kissing my forehead. “But worth it and you’re very welcome.”
CHAPTER 19
