She no longer heard anything but the beat of his heart against her ear.
'Why didn’t you turn off the phone?' she asked drowsily.
'Why do you think?' He kissed her breast. 'I was busy. Maybe I didn’t want to take the time.'
'Tell me.'
'Ego. I wanted to be more important to you than Dom. I wanted to beat him.' He kissed her nose. 'You hurt my feelings a little.'
'Not enough to stop you.'
'It would have taken a major catastrophe to stop me. Dom doesn’t qualify.” The Killing Game – Eve Duncan 02
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“He qualifies.'
'He didn’t win, did he? Therefore, he’s out of the running.' For the time being.
'Stop thinking about him.' He reached over and turned on the light. 'I want to look at you.'
She was blushing. 'For heaven’s sake, give me a blanket, Joe.' He shook his head. 'I’ve wanted to see you like this for too long. Let me have my kicks.'
Not when she felt as if she were melting wherever he looked at her. 'Turn off the light. Please.'
'Not until—' He saw her expression and turned off the light. 'Maybe later?”
“Maybe.'
'I forgot you’re not all that experienced in this sport.' He pulled her closer. 'But you liked it?
You like me?'
She didn’t speak.
He was silent a moment. 'After ten years I think I deserve the words.' Ten years. She felt tears sting her eyes. 'If I weren’t afraid you’d be completely impossible, I’d tell you that you were pretty good.'
'Pretty good?'
'Very good.”
“More.'
'A stud, a stallion. Brad Pitt and Casanova rolled into one. I don’t know why Diane ever let you go.'
'She was a smart lady. She knew she deserved more than I could give her. It was a mistake from the beginning.'
She raised herself on one elbow to look down at him. 'Why did you marry her, Joe?'
'It will scare you if I tell you.”
“The hell it will.'
Silence.
“Why, Joe?'
'For you. I married her for you.”
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“What?'
'You were too isolated. I thought you needed a friend of your own sex.”
“You’re kidding.'
'I told you it would scare you.”
“Men don’t get married to provide—”
“I did,' he said simply.
She stared at him.
'You were my center. Everything revolved around you. It was a time in my life when I’d almost given up hope of being anything else to you. I thought I’d chosen someone who could give you the companionship you needed. Diane liked the nice things I could give her, and I honestly tried to make a go of our marriage.' He shrugged. 'It didn’t turn out the way I hoped.'
'That is scary.'
'Obsessions always are.' He put his finger on her lower lip. 'As you should know, my love.'
She stiffened.
'Love,' he deliberately repeated. 'Get used to it.”
“I don’t have to get used to anything.'
'No, but you might as well. It will be more comfortable for both of us.' He paused. 'Don’t be afraid to love me,
