Jude's Law Excerpt 4
"Jesus." He suddenly looked disgusted. "Don't start mothering me, okay?"
"But -"
"I need to get laid, May, not coddled."
Taken aback after all his soft speaking, she flinched and would have stepped away, but he cupped her neck, tipping her face up, holding her close. "Tell me you want me."
"No."
"Tell me, May."
His breath brushed her lips. His hands were big and warm on her sensitive skin, destroying her concentration. To brace herself, she gripped his forearms. "I... it's a moot point. I can't get involved."
"Fine. No major involvement." His thumb moved over her bottom lip. "That doesn't mean we can't enjoy ourselves."
May closed her eyes, hurt and disappointed, and embarrassed that, for even a moment, she'd held out some silly hopes. To be sure, she asked, "You want to have sex with me?"
He brought her closer. "I guarantee you'll enjoy every second."
Of that, she had no doubt. But she wasn't a woman who indulged casual sex. Not even for Jude Jamison. "I don't think that's a good idea."
Impatience sharpened his tone. "You know you want to."
"Maybe. But I'm a smart woman. I don't take chances -" She almost added, with my heart , but bit the words off in time.
"Chances?" His expression went cold. "What does that mean, exactly?"
She'd angered him when that had never been her intent. Just because she did want him - more than she'd ever wanted anything - she refused to wear her heart on her sleeve, or give him more reason for amusement. She had her pride, and she'd damn well keep it. "I'm sorry."
"Sorry for what?" He used the edge of his fist to tip up her chin, still close, still appealing. "Spell it out, May. Tell me why."
And then he'd go and never come back? The thought left her shaken, already filled with remorse. In all her twenty-nine years, she'd never known a man like him. If she lived to be a hundred, she'd never meet another. For her, it wasn't about his money or fame. When with him, she felt... happy. Somehow more complete.
If only he felt the same...
She returned his compelling gaze and made a decision. She would kiss him. Just once, but she deserved that much. If she didn't, she'd never forgive herself. After tonight, she'd probably never see him again.
It wasn't easy, but she held herself in check, maintaining the small distance of their bodies, only brushing her mouth over his, lingering for one heartbeat, two. Her breath accelerated. Her heart pounded.
She forced herself to lean away.
Confused, definitely irritated, Jude scowled at her, running his tongue along his lower lip, as if tasting her. "Tell me, was that a weak come on, or an insulting kiss off?"
A half laugh took her by surprise. The fact that she couldn't even kiss him right only proved her point. Playing with Jude was like playing with fire; she already felt burned.
With a groan, she admitted the obvious. "I have the spine of a jellyfish."
Jude pinched the bridge of his nose. "Swear to God, May, the shit you say has no meaning."
Fighting her smile, May looked up at him, and wished for a different life. "It means I'm weak." She drew a reinforcing breath. "It means I want -"
"Hello!" Her brother barged into the room with indisputable bad timing, obliterating the moment... and saving May from her own foolish babble.
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