Page 155 of Banished Sinner
Then, like a door slamming shut, his struggle ends.
The soldier shuts down the man.
"I won't be another man who takes your choices away," he says, shifting and tossing me over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
The rejection stings, but there’s something else.
With everything I offered, he refused to be another person who uses me.
How can I not respect him for that, even if it leaves me sexually frustrated?
He carries me out of the pool and unceremoniously sets me down.
The cool air on my wet skin raises goosebumps across my naked breasts.
I don't cover myself.
Let him look.
Let him regret his nobility.
Cristian grabs a towel and drapes it over my shoulders, his hands brushing down over my breasts, lingering for just long enough to betray him.
Then he steps back, creating distance between us.
"I don’t know what game you’re playing, but this isn't who you are," he says angrily.
"You have no idea who I am." I want to throw the towel off, but I don’t. It will only make me look childish.
"I’ve known you for a long time. I know exactly who you are."
My cheeks burn. "Then you know I take what I want."
"What you need is to get dressed." He turns away, wringing water from his shirt. "I'll give you privacy."
"Such a gentleman,” I sneer. "Tell me, Cristian, will Maksim be as considerate when he takes what he wants?"
His back stiffens. "I'll wait inside," he says, refusing to engage.
When he's gone, I let out a frustrated groan and sag into the chaise lounge.
The towel slips, and I don't bother fixing it.
The sun warms my skin as my mind races through what just happened.
What almost happened.
I came so close to knowing true passion.
I saw desire in his eyes, felt it in his body.
He wants me.
But his damned loyalty is stronger than his lust.
Still, the attraction is there.
I just need to persist.
A smile curves my lips as my determination grows.
If my virginity is to be sacrificed, I'll choose the altar.
And Cristian Bonetti's bed is a far more appealing option than Maksim Vasiliev's.
This isn't over. I've only just begun.
TO BE CONTINUED.
