el

he meant by them, and even if there was, the way his eyes flicked down to my

't the Gi

on my body. And it wasn't fear. No, even after my rape, Gio had been the one I clung to. I had always felt safe with him, ev

k over The Family and the years had only made him more so. I licked

e unblinking. I squirmed. Him looking at me like that was nothing but trouble. Not be

than was going t

idn't need. Which meant if I had any hope of him letting

the next moment I had opened my mouth and said the first thing I had been thinking. What would I do if he kissed me? No man had touched me since that night. And I couldn't

, pinching it and pulling it away from my teeth. "Would

e hell I wanted anymore. Five minutes back in his pres

fast that I couldn't follow what he was saying. I watched as he sucked in several breaths, his shoulders rising and falling. When

o talk like an a

d. I wasn't even sure that I hadn't imagined it in the first place. But no, I could still f

I rubbed a

I hur

e. I hadn't even really been afraid.

d froze before he touched my skin. "I can't trust myself to touch you, Keeley

e putting my past behind me as it was. I didn't need him to bring it up. I didn't want or need his sympathy about s

the reason you never came home, Keeley? Why you never thought once about

hat what you want to hear? It was too painful. To be around you all." And maybe you most of all, I added silently. I kne

oked at you

outh shut. I wanted this over so I could go home and sleep. I was tired after hav

ut can we wrap this up or do i

up on." He smiled so suddenly that I did a double take. "And I

ht, I am tired...not to mention I a

he pulled me to my feet. I half expected him to encircle me in his a

o one had ever said I needed feeding up

nked.

he way and f

*

t in wonder. I liked to cook, hell, once upon a time I had loved to cook. It had been m

er the marble coun

ou li

e it's ever been used." I turned to him as he heaved himse

get used. I

. "It should be full of delicious smells

laughter and delicious smells." Jumping off the cabinet, he stalked towards me. Heat flooded my cheeks

e a single penny off you, I would..." I shuddered. My pride was going to get me into trouble. But I refused to go backwards. Even if Gio's offer was coming

ame Keeley he had once known. T

uld go

e. At least that way I k

ting is over. Either get one of your goons to