at him. “Why?” Before he could answer, I added, “And you didn’t think to tell me?”
He bit his lip and frowned. “I’m sorry. I should’ve. But I didn’t want to speak over the phone.”
“Hello, I’m around the corner.”
He touched my arm, and I pulled it away roughly.
“Don’t try to charm me, mister.”
His lips twitched into a faint smile.
“Why is she staying at your house?” I persisted.
“She’s onto a story that needs to come out. When it does, it will free me from Fox’s clutches.”
“Why does she have to stay with you?” I was more interested in the domestic detail than the cloak-and-dagger stuff.
“Because it’s dangerous for her to be anywhere else.”
“She’s beautiful.” Fighting back tears, I hated how weak I’d become.
“She’s not my type. And… I’m with you.” He stroked my cheek. “I’m very loyal. I don’t cheat.”
“But you’re a sex addict.”
He studied me with those piercing blue eyes. “I was. They weren’t you. You’re my first-ever girlfriend.” He paused. “And I want to spend my life with you.”
I wanted to hold him so badly, but I held my ground. “Why have you stayed away and not contacted me?”
“I don’t want to talk about what’s happening with Amelia over the phone. I’ve been up all night. She’s got enough material to have Fox locked up for life. We just have to find a way to publish it.”
“But why didn’t you come here and tell me? I hadn’t heard from you, which isn’t normal for us.”
He rubbed his neck. “I’m sorry. I got caught up with Barnes, my PI, and then Amelia turned up and showed me everything she’s obtained on Fox, and it became an all-night affair.”
“All-night affair? Did she sleep with you?”
“How can you think that?”
“You looked really cozy together.” I sulked. Petulance had taken an ugly grip on my spirit.
He stroked my hair. “I love you.”
I looked up. His eyes shimmered with an intense sincerity that was impossible to fake.
I took a deep breath. “I still don’t understand why she needs to stay there.”
“Because it’s the safest place. This story is huge, involving very powerful men. Security guards at a hotel somewhere just won’t do it. I’m talking very powerful men.” His eyebrow lifted.
“You could have come over and alerted me. You owed me that, at least.”
“You’re right. I fucked up.” His turquoise eyes shone with contrition. “I’m new to this boyfriend thing. Will you forgive me?”
I allowed his warm hand to remain on mine.
“What’s her interest in this case?” I asked.
“Her younger sister was trafficked onto the island and, at the age of fourteen, forced to have sex with parties of men. She committed suicide last year and left a note filled with names and details. Amelia, who’s a journalist, has spent the past year gathering sources and information. She’s discovered that Fox is trading under a different name and that the island’s owned by a lord he fraternizes with.”
Despite Blake’s explanation, which more than exonerated him, I still read Amelia as a threat, which left me with a streak of guilt for being so pettishly selfish. “But why can’t she stay somewhere else? She’s so fucking good-looking.”
Blake caressed my cheek. “She’s not a patch on you.”
His lips fused onto mine. The heat from his body made mine melt. His hands slipped under my blouse and unclasped my bra.
“I need you naked,” he said.
How could I refuse? My desire for his devouring hands and body overpowered any niggling jealousy.
I lifted my blouse over my head, and his eyes traveled to my naked chest.
I peeled off my jeans. His eyes left a trail of promises down my body. He removed his trousers, and that bulge pushing against his briefs sent a swelling ache of anticipation between my legs.
“I need to taste you.” His voice was heavy with want.
I rubbed his cock, which grew rock-hard, dwarfing my hand.
His breath roughened as he parted my thighs wide, his eyes smoldering as they traveled from my face to my pussy. He placed his head between my legs, licking me so softly that I winced. The pleasure gripped my muscles, aching arousal swept me away. He entered me with his finger as I surrendered, gasping, in a toe-curling release.
He stood up and wiped his lips. I rolled over. I needed hard sex. I loved the way Blake felt when he was driven by lust.
The first deep thrust caused my eyes to roll to the back of my head.
“I need to really fuck you.” His words were strangled by desire.
I arched my back