Awaken to Pleasure - By Nalini Singh Page 0,15

dropped it off early that morning, whileJacksonhad been working out. His friend had also indicated that Donald Carson was now so terrified of being labeled a sexual offender by the police, it was a sure thing that he'd never assault a woman ever again.

Because the sleep-deprived detective hadn't stuck around,Jacksonhad had to explain toTaylorthat he hadn't left her in the night and done away withCarson. He knew his tone had been edgy, his instincts still raw from being unable to go after the bastard himself. He had a feelingTaylorhad seen that all too clearly, because she hadn't pressed him for anything other than Cole's name on the drive to her apartment.

Now, while she changed, he made several calls to his legal people. An idea was brewing in his gut, but he wanted to be certain he was right. As he'd told her the night before, he didn't want her gratitude.

Neither his heart, nor his pride, would ever settle for such a paltry emotion from this strong woman.

He was the child of a broken marriage, reared by nannies and the survivor of a loveless union. It was enough loneliness for a lifetime. This time, he needed a woman capable of endless loyalty and utter devotion.Taylorwas the only woman he wanted and he hungered for everything she had. He would fight for it, but he wouldn't steal it. Not when she'd gifted him with her trust.

AtJackson's request,Taylorpacked an overnight bag and accompanied him home after changing into clean clothes. Exhausted from weeks of trying to fight Lance, she couldn't resist leaning on him.

"I have to go to a meeting. Wait for me. We'll talk when I come back,"Jacksonsaid after brunch.

She fought her natural instinct to probe, aware that she'd already asked too much. "When will you be back?"

"As soon as I can." He touched his lips to hers in a light caress. "Stop bristling. I need to talk to some people who won't appreciate an audience."

She scowled at his perception. "Don't be too long."

"Try and relax. You might want to think about whether you want to work as my secretary again."

After he left, she did just that, quickly deciding to accept. After all, there was no longer any need for her to hide her desire for her sexy Italian boss.

Jacksondidn't return until it was almost dinnertime.

"Did you find out anything?" she asked.

"I am following something through."

She could see fatigue in his eyes and decided not to push for more information before he ate. Her heart, always fascinated by this man, became a little more his at the quiet way he was helping her. Several calls interrupted their meal but finally when there was silence she made some coffee and took it into the living room.

She handed him a cup. "Here you go."

"Thanks." Curiously remote, he walked over to stand facing the window, his gaze on the darkness outside.

Shunning the couch, she perched on the third step of the stairs leading up to the bedrooms, her eyes on Jackson. He was such a big man, she thought, with wide shoulders and powerful arms. He'd shoved up the sleeves of his black sweater to bare thick forearms dusted with dark hair.

In the muted light of the room, his skin looked dusky but she knew it was warm golden brown, evidence of his Italian heritage.Jacksonwas a vibrant presence, powerful even when standing still. Silhouetted against the dark, he looked isolated and she couldn't bear to see him so alone. She knew what it was like to be separate, to not belong.

"What're you thinking?" she whispered.

He turned to face her, leaning one shoulder against the glass. "What would you say tomarrying me?"

"Marry you?" Her hands clamped around her coffee cup.

"Yes." Cool and calm,Jackson's eyes gave her no indication of the tenor of his offer.

"Why?" He was her dream man, but in her life dreams had a nasty way of turning into nightmares.

"I've talked to several lawyers and a judge I know. As Nick's biological father, Lance has strong rights."

She felt the bottom drop out of her stomach. "No!"

"But," he continued, "to retain custody, you can argue abandonment and show the court your ability to provide a good home. Unfortunately, having a husband will count, especially since Nick will need a male role model."

Confusion and hope warred within her. "But what's in it for you?" He was a powerful, handsome man.

Why would he want to tie himself toa nobody like her?

"I want a wife - I've always known the value of family and loyalty, and