Page 50 of Protected in Darkness
He couldn’t deny he’d anticipated her having an issue dealing withwhathe was, but since he’d yet to reveal any details to her, that wasn’t the issue.
“What’s wrong?”
“This … it’s moving too fast.”
Ah. Speed could be a tricky thing. Then again, he was in no rush, so why should she be?
“We can keep it casual,” he told her, willing to do whatever it took to keep her with him, to spend just a few more hours together.
Her cautious gaze lifted to his face. “See, that’s the problem, Obsidian.”
The frustration in her tone had him stepping back, giving her space.
“I’m not sure I can keep it casual. Whatever’s happening here … I can’t … I can’t seem to find the brakes.”
Personally, he didn’t see a problem with that, but clearly she did. Then again, he was aware of theamnigh, the overwhelming desireamsouelotsfelt for one another. It wasn’t something that could be ignored, and with time, it would only intensify.
“I’m not into one-night stands, Obsidian.”
He smiled. Couldn’t help it. “Trust me, that’s not what this is.”
“No?” She obviously wasn’t convinced.
“I want to spend time with you,” he admitted.
“For now,” she countered. “Once I sleep with you, all bets are off. You’ll be out the door before—”
Obsidian cut her off, his voice dropping an octave or ten. “Don’t assume you know who I am or what I want, Penelope. I assure you, you’ll be wrong.”
She had no scathing retort, but the insecurity was still glittering in her eyes.
Funny how he had a wealth of powers at his disposal, yet he couldn’t use a single one on this female. Perhaps the more accurate term waswouldn’t,because technically, he was capable. Obsidian wanted Penelope with a passion that rivaled all, but he wouldn’t force this. He wanted to take this at her pace, because in the end, she was all that mattered.
Holding out his hand, Obsidian waited.
“You terrify me,” she whispered, her eyes pleading as though she needed him to confirm that what was happening here was something to embrace, not run from.
When her hand settled on his, he felt the tremble in her body. Whether it was fear or cold, he couldn’t tell, but he pulled her against him anyway, holding her for a minute. Her hair was dripping down her back, her shirt wet and the air conditioner was going full blast. He was going with cold.
“You have no reason to believe me,” Obsidian whispered, cupping the back of her head as she pressed her cheek to his chest. “But this isn’t temporary. What’s happening here…”
He couldn’t continue without giving away his deepest secrets, and he knew she was in no place to believe him, much less understand this was only the beginning for them.
“Stay with me today, Penelope. We’ll go as fast or as slow as you want. I have no agenda, I promise.”
Penelope’s head tilted back, her eyes searching his face. “I don’t even know what color your eyes are.”
Well, hell. “I’ll show you, but I need you to come back to the room with me.”
Her forehead creased, her confusion evident.
“Trust me, Penelope.”
Whether she did or not, at least she nodded.
Getting her back to the hotel room didn’t require much effort. She walked with him, her hand in his as she clutched her purse to her body.
Before they stepped inside, Obsidian willed the curtains closed with his mind, ensuring there was no light peeking in now that the sun was rising above the mountains.
