The Specialist (Norcross #3) - Anna Hackett Page 0,21

what you calling me Mr. Norcross in that snotty tone did to me, you wouldn’t do it.”

She froze. Oh. God. Ignore it, ignore it. She quickly finished attending to his knuckles. “Who else could possibly be after me?”

Easton’s face hardened. “I don’t know, but we’ll find out. We need to talk with your father tomorrow.”

Harlow slid off the stool, and paced across his living area. Just the thought of her father and this mess made her feel sick. Fathers were meant to protect, not put their family, their children, in danger.

“I can’t stay with you” she said.

“This again?” Easton swiveled on the stool, looking like a king on a throne. “Why?”

“You’re my boss.”

He raised a brow. “So?”

“It’s not appropriate. People will talk.”

“So? They talk all the time. Half the time they make shit up.”

Tiredness hit her. It was late, and she’d been running on caffeine and anxiety all day.

She dropped onto the couch. “I don’t know how to fix this, Easton. I’m usually really good at fixing things.” She stared at the lovely gray rug on the floor.

He came and sat beside her, and took her hand. “Sometimes you can’t do it alone. Sometimes you need to ask for help.”

She glanced at him. There was a deep note in his voice.

What had Easton needed help with?

“I can’t stay with you,” she said again. “If I do…” I’ll be no better than that misguided assistant when I strip naked on your bed. She wondered what his bedroom looked like.

No, Harlow. Not seeing his bedroom.

“Harlow, I don’t give a fuck about what people say.”

“They won’t say nasty things about you.”

He growled. “I won’t let them say shit about you, either.”

She looked at him, eyebrow arched. “Sorry to burst your billionaire bubble, but you can’t control what everyone thinks or says.” She flopped back on the couch. It was surprisingly comfy. “I can’t believe this all happened.” She felt a tight knot in her chest. “My dad. Antoine. Whoever the hell those kidnappers were.” Everything was caving in on her. Then she felt a horrifying prickle behind her eyes.

No. She wasn’t going to cry. It wouldn’t make anything better, and she wasn’t a crier to begin with.

“Don’t cry,” Easton bit out, sounding a little desperate.

“I’m not.” A traitorous tear slid down her cheek.

“Harlow—”

She sniffed. “I can’t help it. It’s been a really shitty day.”

He made a sound and yanked her into his arms.

She was too weak to push him away. He smelled good, felt good. So strong and solid. She wrapped her arms around him and held on.

But soon, her emotions morphed into something else.

Something far hotter and steamier.

Harlow swallowed. She needed to let go. She needed to get away from him and leave his million-dollar house. She’d go somewhere, and find a hotel for the night.

She gripped him tighter.

His hands slid up her back, then into her hair.

She didn’t let herself think, just feel. She turned her head and kissed the side of his neck.

He made a sound and tugged her head back.

Then his mouth was on hers.

Harlow moaned. Tongues stroked. He tasted like wine and dark, sexy things. She pushed closer and he devoured her lips.

Gasping, her head fell all the way back. “See, this is why I can’t stay here,” she panted.

“This?” He nipped her neck. “Or this?” One big hand cupped her breast.

She pushed into that electric touch. “Yes. Yes.”

Then his mouth was on hers again. She matched each nip and stroke of his tongue. They kissed like they’d both been deprived for far too long.

Then suddenly, he pulled back. They were both breathing heavily.

Easton rested his forehead on hers. “You’ve had a rough day. You need some sleep.”

She sucked in a breath. “You’re being noble?”

His gaze bored into hers. “I won’t take advantage of you. You’re vulnerable, emotional, tired, and coping with a lot of crap.”

Damn him for being nice.

“When I finally make love to you…” He nipped her lips, making her gasp. “When I finally slide inside you, you’ll be focused on nothing but me.”

Her belly contracted and her panties were soaked in a second. “I’m adding arrogant to your list of faults. Bossy, arrogant, autocratic.”

He raised a brow. “It wasn’t on there already?”

“I’m also adding nice.”

He grimaced.

“I mean that in a good way, Easton. Not a boring way.”

“Shut up.” He pulled her against him and leaned back on the couch. “Let’s just lie here for a minute.”

Harlow kicked her heels off, and settled against him.

Mmm. This felt really good. She soaked it in, his strength, his