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Was he punishing me for Alma’s sins?
Strong hands planted on my hips and tugged me against a hard chest. Hot breath tickled my ear. “You make me crazy.”
I balled my nightgown in my fist.
His fingers dug into my flesh. Every inch of my body was hyperaware of how close he was.
His breathing was harsh. Mine was frantic.
A swirl of emotions rushed through me. I had no idea what most of them were . . . only that Ifelt. So very much.
“A decent man would let you go,” he rasped. “But I’m not that man.”
My chest heaved. “I don’t want you to let me go.”
“Don’t flirt withNeil.”
I wrestled to turn around as my temper flared. “I wasn’t flirting,” I hissed.
He held me in place.
“You picked his side tonight, Barn.”
Some of my anger deflated. I’d sat by Neil . . . across from Kane. Something about him noticing that twisted my heart. What was his deal about picking sides?
“I’m on yours.”
“Are you?”
“Yes,” I breathed. “Maybe you’re the one who isn’t on mine.”
He pulled me closer. The fabric of his shirt scraped against my skin. His belt buckle was cool against my lower back.
“Try again.” His tone was dangerous.
I shivered, though I wasn’t afraid. How could I have ever thought this man capable of physical harm?
“Are we partners? I thought so.” I didn’t sound like myself. The door to the bedroom was open. Anyone could walk in to check on Penelope. What would they think if they saw us like this? Him fully clothed and me undressed.
This was what I’d wanted.
An uncontrollable desire. A fire that couldn’t be extinguished. A need that transcended all logical thought.
“I want you by me.”
I leaned my head back on his shoulder. “Then stop pushing me away.”
“I need you.” There was a desperation in his tone that sent my cells into chaos.
“You have me.”
“I can’t be alone in this,” he said as he dug his fingers deeper into my hip.
The confession caused an ache in my chest. Kane was far more vulnerable than he let on. I knew what he needed.
Me.
Our family.
