Rescuing Jenna - Anna Blakely Page 0,31

mouth nearly touching his. “Good. Because I care about you, too, Adrian.”

She was going to kiss him. Had planned to kiss him. But it was too late.

He was already kissing her.

Chapter 6

I shouldn’t want you.

Jenna was spot fucking on when she’d said those words. Of course, he’d known that shit from the start.

She shouldn’t want a man like him. She should be with someone who was safe. Trustworthy. A banker or a doctor. An accountant, maybe.

Someone whose life didn’t revolve around death and deceit.

But by some miracle, she’d chosen him. And God help her, he was too weak to walk away a second time.

Adrian did, however, find the strength to tear his lips from hers long enough to look her in the eye. He needed to be very clear when he told her this next part. Needed to make sure she understood what she was signing up for.

“You were right.” He pulled in a ragged breath.

“About what?”

“You shouldn’t want me.”

Jenna started to shake her head. The argument was already there, brewing behind her determined gaze.

Make it clear, shithead. Tell her the truth and let her decide.

“I’ve done things.” He clenched his jaw. “Terrifying things that would send you running in the opposite direction.”

Her auburn brows fell inward. “Why are you telling me this now?”

“Because I’m not a good man, Jenna.” He swallowed hard. “Not the kind of man you deserve.”

The lines on her forehead smoothed as a look of understanding crossed over her. “Is that why you left after our first time together? Because you think I deserve someone better?”

I know you do.

“I thought if I could have you that one time I’d be able to forget you. I thought…” Adrian pulled her flush against his chest, holding her so tightly, his fingers dug into her back. “I thought these flames burning me up inside would go away, and I could move on but…”

“But what?”

He stared deep into her emerald eyes and shook his head. “The fire grew.”

“Adrian…”

She needs to know.

“You shouldn’t want me,” he reiterated the point. “You should go back to California. Stay as far away from me as you can.”

Her eyes softened and…was she smiling?

She’s not listening.

“I’m giving you an out, Jenna.”

“Funny.” The corners of her lips definitely curved. “I don’t recall asking for one.”

“I’m serious.” His voice came out rough. “You said it yourself…I’m a killer.”

“I know.”

Why isn’t she listening?

“I’ll kill anyone who even thinks about hurting you and not lose a wink of sleep.”

His declaration didn’t send her running. She didn’t flinch or tear herself from his arms. Instead, she seemed to hold him closer.

Didn’t she hear what I just said? Can’t she see the darkness living inside me?

“I’ve walked away from you once before.” He laid it all out there. “I don’t think I can do it again.”

“Good.” She cupped one side of his face. “I don’t want you to walk away. And, whether you want to believe it or not, I know exactly what kind of man you are.”

“No, you—”

“You’re the kind of man who gave up the life he knew for his country. You risked yourself to save my friend.” She rose up, her lips a hair’s breadth away from his. “You risked your life for me.”

I’d risk everything for you.

“Jenna—”

“That’s the kind of man I want to be with. That’s the kind of man I can see myself falling for.”

His heart punched his ribs like a prize fighter. “Be sure, baby. You need to be sure.”

Because he was pretty sure he’d already fallen.

“I am sure, Adrian.” Her lips whispered across his as she spoke. “I want you.” A simple kiss. “I want all of you.”

And just like that, his control snapped.

Adrian slammed his mouth against hers in a kiss that ignited his soul. He tasted and took, and when she opened for him, he wasted no time feasting on what was his.

Mine!

Jenna melted in his arms. A tiny moan escaped her throat, and like the greedy bastard he was, he swallowed it whole.

Releasing a guttural sound of his own, Adrian reached between them, releasing the tie on her silky robe. He reached up, gently pushing the material off her delicate shoulders and letting it fall.

A second later, the garment was lying in a pool of satin by her feet, and she was standing before him, completely naked.

Fuck. Me.

He sucked in a breath and stared. Yes, he’d already seen her without her clothes, but that night had been a whirlwind of hard, fast, primal sex.

Tonight, he wanted to take things slow. He