Page 70 of The Heartbreaker (Chandler Brothers 3)
“You don’t need to handle things alone,” he reminded her, his words at odds with his own needs.
She slanted her head to one side, a defiant tilt to her chin that boded no good. “Oh really? Since when did I start sharing my life with anyone in particular?”
“Ouch.” He winced. “You know I’ll be there for you.”
“Yes, I do,” she said, her eyes glazing over as she spoke. “Because you’re Chase Chandler, everyone’s white knight.”
* * *
Sloane bit down on the inside of her cheek, fighting against the urge to do as he suggested, to lean on him and let her problems seem more manageable for as long as he held her and made her feel safe.
“So let me do what I do best,” Chase said.
One look at his lopsided grin and endearing wink and she was tempted to do just that. But Chase specialized in riding to the rescue for one reason only. He felt obligated. “I wish I could give in as easily as you.” Sloane forced herself to meet his gaze. “You’re here for me one minute; you’re pushing me away the next. Don’t get me wrong, I understand why—”
“Then you understand a hell of a lot more than I do,” he said, interrupting. He ran a hand through his hair before pinching the bridge of his nose in a gesture she’d come to recognize as one of intense contemplation.
One that never failed to endear him to her even more. Dammit. “Look, it’s been a long day. Between your mother’s sudden illness and my father’s return, well, we don’t need any more drama in our lives.”
“No, but right now I need you.” His voice dropped a husky octave and Sloane had no doubt he meant what he said. Right now. And that was what bothered her.
But despite her misgivings, it also freed her. Chase’s attitude hadn’t changed from the day they’d met. Hers had.
She wanted the happily-ever-after Raina hoped for. And she wanted it with Chase. Knowing she could never—would never—have it, she decided she’d take one last time with him instead.
After the meeting with Samson, Sloane was at her most vulnerable.
Swallowing her pride, she held out her hand and admitted, “I need you too.”
Chapter Fourteen
Thank God. Maybe he was selfish, but damned if Chase wouldn’t take what Sloane offered. Even as he placed his hand inside her softer palm, he looked into her eyes and saw the finality there. A finality he refused to deal with now.
Not when he could have Sloane and comfort her at the same time. He admitted to himself he wasn’t sure which pleased him more. He also understood the implications that his heart was involved. But his heart couldn’t dictate his future or else he’d give up his dreams. Again. And this time he was on the verge of uncovering a story that would jump-start his career. No matter that it was at Sloane’s expense.
He pushed aside all thoughts in favor of more pressing desires to satisfy. And those were all about Sloane, the woman who beckoned to him like no other, the one who understood him like no other.
First he checked the lock on the door leading downstairs to the office, then the outside entrance. Only after he was certain they wouldn’t be interrupted, he returned to Sloane. He sensed this was going to be their last time, and if that was true, it was damn well going to be one they’d both remember.
Sloane leaned against the wall, a determined, come-hither look in her eyes. She held out her hand and Chase came willingly. He didn’t know who kissed whom first, but once he tasted those moist, damp lips, he wanted more and wasn’t about to wait.
Between deep sensual kisses, they made their way to the bedroom, where they shed their clothes along with inhibitions that were already long gone. Before he knew it, Chase had joined Sloane on the bed, hovering over her lush, naked body, which just waited for his undivided attention.
Bending his head, he lavished his attention on one plump breast, kneading her full flesh in his hand while drawing one distended nipple into his mouth, pulling on the damp, pointy flesh. Arching her back, she moaned her delight; then she suddenly pushed on his head, letting him know she wanted equal attention paid to the other breast.
Happy to oblige, his tongue trailed a moist path across her chest. “Mmm,” she said, a purr coming from her throat.
He encircled her other nipple and grazed lightly with his teeth, while plumping one breast with his hand. He wanted to continue feasting on her flesh, but his body was straining, begging for release, and it wouldn’t be denied.
He spread her thighs, and while her dilated eyes locked on his, he thrust inside her, discovering her full, wet, and completely ready for him. And even as he found his release, sex was the furthest thing from his mind, as unexpected, overwhelming emotion swamped him.
