Runaway Heiress Page 5

  The pain in his voice ripped Bree apart. He was fighting to keep it inside, but even decades later, the wound was only a scratch away, just underneath his skin that she had thought was so thick. She couldn’t even comprehend going through what he had.

  Tears streamed down her cheeks as she listened to him talk about his sister’s last moments. What an imaginable thing for him to witness. Why was he telling her about it? What could she do to make the pain end?

  “Apparently there was a pole that came loose. She leaned on it, and fell through. She grabbed another bar, but before anyone could help, she slipped. If I’d been next to her, she’d still be alive today. My mom showed up at her funeral, even managed to force a few tears. She ate up the sympathy from strangers. There was a huge article in the paper and crowds of people flooded the service. I hated them, every single one of them. What right did they have to be there! I was supposed to watch her. The guilt tore me in two. My mom got a huge settlement from the city and took off in the middle of the night. She never looked back and I’ve never tried to seek her out. After she left, Ray couldn’t handle me. I was angry and holding onto so much guilt that I was striking out at him – on everyone.”

  Bree scooted closer and wrapped her arm around Chad’s trembling form. He was in another place at that moment, but he seemed to draw comfort from what she was doing so she stayed pressed against him.

  “Ray finally dropped me off at a human services office and I went into foster care. I was tossed from home to home. Nobody wanted to deal with a messed up kid like me. Finally, I ended up in the juvenile courts. That’s where I met Mark and Joseph. They saved my life. I was on a path to destroy myself, but they wouldn’t let me. They were doing volunteer work and took me under their wing. Mark and I became best friends, and Joseph helped me realize Jackie’s death wasn’t my fault. I still, to this day, feel responsible, but I know I didn’t cause her death. I just never ever want to lose someone again who I’m supposed to watch. Your family feels the same way, Bree. They love you, and if something were to happen to you, it would destroy them,” he finished.

  His words made Bree feel about two inches tall. She was so blessed, with a family who loved her enough to go out of their way for her, and she was being stubborn. She still needed to prove her independence but she’d accept having her own personal bodyguard without complaining about it.

  “I’m sorry,” she finally said, feeling the words were inadequate. She knew they couldn’t take away the pain, but she felt helpless to do anything more. What did you say to someone when they opened up to you the way he had?

  “It was a long time ago. I just wanted you to understand how much your family loves you – and also understand why I can’t let anything happen to you. They’d never forgive themselves if those threats against you were real and they did nothing to stop the man. I can’t sit back and not give this my all – I’ve committed to guarding you, and isn’t it better to be over-protective than not protective enough. It’s all done for the right reasons.”

  Both of them were silent for a few minutes and Chad finally realized that Bree was practically wrapped around him. The heat of her body was more effective in healing his wounded soul than any amount of therapy he’d gone to, insisted upon by Joseph.

  As he closed his eyes and felt the tender touch of her hand caressing his arm, and the press of her rounded breast pushing against his chest, he felt the sorrow always present, ease and instead his body came to life.

  He suddenly needed her with a vengeance. He knew she could take away the pain. The touch of her small hands, the feel of her silky skin, the sway of her body. Without thinking it through, he leaned down and his mouth connected with hers.

  The kiss wasn’t gentle. It was filled with despair and need. He was trying to push away his demons and quench his thirst. Bree paused for only a moment before she was kissing him back with her own hungry need.

  Chad’s body instantly hardened. He pulled her onto his lap and his hands explored her back, moving along the slender slope of her spine. She moaned into his kiss, igniting fire inside him. He moved his hands below the hem of her shirt and broke the kiss only long enough to pull her shirt off. Then, before either of them could come to their senses, his mouth connected with hers again.

  His tongue pushed against the barrier of her lips and slid inside the warm recesses of her mouth. He greedily took all he could from her, but she wasn’t a victim. She clawed at his head, tugging him closer to her, groaning into his mouth. He unclasped her bra and tossed it aside, needing to feel her untethered breasts pressed against him.

  He pulled back to shed his own shirt, then pulled her body tightly against his. The feel of her bare breasts pushing against his chest intensified the ache in his groin. Her nipples were hard as they pressed against his skin – sending a shudder straight through him.

  He laid her back on the bed and took a moment to gaze down at her beautiful body. She was stunning, her skin flushed with arousal, her breasts rising and falling with the deep breaths she took. Her blue eyes were shining with excitement. Moving his head down her neck, he tasted a slight hint of coconut on her skin.

  “Chad,” she cried out when he circled his tongue around the top of her full breasts. He cupped their perfect weight in his hands and ran his thumbs across her tight pink buds. Her back arched off the bed, begging him to take her in his mouth. He gently nipped the skin around the peaks, but didn’t give her what she so desperately wanted.

  She pushed her hips up, grinding her pelvis against his straining erection. He groaned as the movement caused sweat to break out across his overheated body. Finally, he took one of her peaks into his mouth and she cried out in pleasure as he gently sucked her deep within his mouth, then moved back and gently raked his teeth across the sensitive nipple.

  She gripped his head in her hands, pulling him closer. He moved from one peak to the other, giving them equal attention, while his hands moved down her body and undid her pants. When he moved his mouth down the gentle slope of her stomach, nipping the skin, then gently soothing the pink bites with his tongue, she arched into him.

  She tasted like heaven.

  He reached her lower stomach and inhaled her sweet scent, loving the feel of her quivering body. She was soft and smooth and had the most succulent curves. Her hips fit perfectly in his large hands. It took all his power not to strip her and sink deep inside her heated folds. He couldn’t ever remember wanting a woman so badly it made him ache.

  He slowly pulled down her shorts, sliding them past her feet and onto the floor. With his masterful tongue trailing along the inside of her thighs, she continued to groan beneath him, her legs opening in invitation. He looked up at the red satin covering her from his view and his pulsing manhood jumped inside his pants, causing him to cry out. He stood and removed the denim and his boxers in one swift movement.

  He nearly lost it again at the sight of lust in her eyes as she took in his naked body. There was no hiding her reaction from him – desire was evident in her eyes and trembling form. He dropped back to the bed and ran his tongue up her thighs, pausing at the juncture of her thighs.

  “Please, Chad,” she pled, reaching her hands down, trying to pull him to her.

  He ripped her panties off, then leaned forward and swiped his tongue along her silken folds. The first taste of her made his head spin. He nearly came before he ever got the chance to sink inside her.

  Chad inserted two fingers into her soft lips and groaned when he felt how ready she was for him. He took her pulsing skin into his mouth and flicked his tongue around the swollen nub while moving his fingers in and out of her. Her body began shuddering, then she tensed and cried out as she gripped him tightly. He swiped his tongue across her a couple more times, wanting to draw out her pleasure.

  “Please, too much,” she cried, and he finally lifted his head. Damn, she was beautiful, with her half closed eyes, flushed skin and satisfied smile. He had to join them together.

  He quickly crawled up h
er body and brought his mouth back to hers. She tried to turn her head, exhausted from their lovemaking, but he knew he could bring her more pleasure.

  He gripped both her hands with his and held them above her head while he trailed his lips across her own, then down her throat to her breasts, where he lavished attention on her swollen nipples. Her hips began to gently grind against him and then intensify, signaling she was ready for him to take her.

  He moved his body above hers, his swollen head pressed against her opening. Her eyes widened as he started pushing inside. She was so wet and tight, he had to pause half-way inside, or risk their love-making ending before she could be satisfied.

  “More,” she demanded, which brought a small smile to his face. Then she moved her hips and all humor fled.

  Chad thrust deep inside her in one quick motion and her body stiffened as the full length of him stretched her. Afraid he was hurting her, he tried to pull back, but as her body adjusted, she relaxed and clamped her legs around his back. She pushed her hips up, not wanting to release him and he couldn’t hold back any longer.

  Chad let go of her hands and moved his arms down so he could grip her hips. He held her soft flesh as he started moving in and out of her tight body. She groaned as the pressure began building again, and he felt her grip him even more. His entire body was covered with sweat, making them slide together beautifully.

  He pushed his upper body up, pressing their hips tighter together so she could move her lips down the column of his throat, swirling her tongue around his pounding pulse, then further, until she took his nipple into her mouth and gently bit down.

  He completely lost it and quickly thrust in and out of her. She eagerly met him, pushing up, their hips colliding. He felt her stiffen in his arms seconds before she let out a cry of pleasure, then she started pulsing around him. He thrust inside her – in and out, then collapsed as he spilled his seed deep inside her wet folds.

  Neither of them spoke as they gained control of their breathing again. He was burning up inside and out, and trying to find the energy to move, when she slowly moved her hips beneath him. He was still buried deep inside and he felt himself stir at her movement. His eyes opened in amazement. He couldn’t understand how he could possibly feel any passion after the earth shattering orgasm he’d just had.

  “Mercy – I’m begging you,” he pled as he finally pulled from her sheath and turned them so they were on their sides facing each other. Her face turned scarlet as she looked at him.

  “I… I… wasn’t…” she tried to say.

  “Thank you,” he said as he gently kissed her. He felt utter exhaustion overtake him as he lay next to her. She tensed for a moment, but he wasn’t letting her retreat. They could fight when the morning came. Right then, he felt better than he ever had before and he just wanted to hold her.

  He wouldn’t let the guilt wash through him, or think of the job he was supposed to be doing. He would fall asleep with her in his arms, and when morning came, they could deal with the world. He reached out and flipped off her light, then pulled her against his body, and fell asleep with a smile still on his face.

  Chapter Five

  Chad woke up with Bree pressed tightly against him. He took a few moments to gaze at her face – so innocent in sleep. She looked young and carefree in the early morning hours. With reluctance, he untangled himself from her arms and legs, almost changing his mind when she grumbled in her sleep.

  He sat on the edge of the bed while she twisted around, reaching out her arm. She finally found the pillow and pulled it against her chest, then sighed as her deep breathing resumed.

  Chad quickly used the shower and dressed, then peeked in the door at her still sleeping form. He smiled, hoping she didn’t wake before he was finished with his surprise. She’d been through a lot in the last twenty-four hours and she deserved to wake up to something positive.

  He searched her fridge, grateful to find all he would need, and then he got to work. Within a half hour he was ready and found a makeshift tray that he loaded and carried to her room. She started to stir when he sat down on her mattress. The smell of fresh coffee must have woken her.

  “Mmm,” she groaned as her eyes slowly opened and she looked around.

  “Good morning,” Chad said as he leaned down and kissed her soft lips. She tensed as her eyes opened fully.

  “What… What time is it?” she stuttered, unsure of how to act the morning after.

  “You have plenty of time to get to work, it’s only six-thirty,” he answered.

  She looked from his face to the tray on her night stand. He’d made her his specialty dish, the one and only thing he knew how to cook to perfection, a Denver Omelet with crispy bacon, hash browns and toast on the side.

  “Sit up and I’ll hand you the tray. I thought after the day you had yesterday, breakfast in bed would be just what the doctor ordered.”

  Bree slowly rose and Chad placed the tray on her lap. She looked down as she fought to keep her tears from falling. No man had ever done something so sweet for her and she was having a difficult time maintaining her composure.

  “Thank you,” she finally murmured as she picked up the coffee and took a sip. It was perfect.

  She lifted the fork and took a bite of the omelet and once again her eyes widened as the fluffy masterpiece practically melted in her mouth.

  “This is delicious,” she exclaimed before shoving another bite in. Before she knew it, her plate was clean and she gave him a sheepish smile.

  “I never get to eat so well. I’m usually running late and lucky to have time for a piece of toast. That’s one thing I miss from home. Dad has the best cook in the world,” Bree said. She polished off the rest of her coffee, then knew she had to get up and ready for her busy day.

  “I’m glad you liked it,” Chad said, feeling pleased with himself.

  “Thank you,” Bree said. “I don’t want to be rude, but I have to get ready for work…” she hedged. She didn’t want to climb from her bed naked, and she was currently sitting there, wrapped in nothing but a thin cotton sheet.

  “Before you get ready, I have a gift for you,” Chad said with a smile.

  Bree looked at him to the small box in his hand. Her eyes rounded in excitement mingled with fear.

  “Don’t worry, it’s nothing too extreme,” he said as he set the box in front of her.

  She reached out tentatively as if the small package would somehow strike her if she moved too quickly. Chad gave her an encouraging smile.

  She untied the bow and opened the box.

  “Oh, Chad, it’s beautiful,” she gasped as she pulled out the necklace. It was a small locket on a thin gold chain. “Help me put it on,” she demanded as she exposed the slender column of her throat.

  With almost trembling hands, Chad held the dainty chain and clasped it around her neck. The slight feel of her satin skin sent awareness zipping through him. He had to leave now.

  “I’ll take these,” Chad said as his eyes drifted to the swells of her breasts, where the sheet had slipped. She tightened it back up while he grabbed the tray and exited the room.

  Bree leaned her head against the wall and groaned. Oh, the man should come with a warning label. He was drop-dead-gorgeous, made love like a god, and could cook, too. She’d never survive if he hung around her night and day. Right then she decided to take it a day at a time.

  ***

  The days started drifting, one into the other and before Bree realized it, an entire month passed. She and Chad had found an easy rhythm, comfortable in each other’s presence, but he didn’t try to take her to bed again. She almost wished he would. She couldn’t make the first move, but she also wouldn’t resist if he did.

  They watched movies together, laughed, yelled and had some pretty intense standoffs. He was still too over-the-top most of the time, but she also got to see a side of him she was sure he didn’t show too many people.

  He held doors open for her and pulled out chairs. He insisted on p
aying when they went to eat, though she would point out it wasn’t a date, he’d mutter about stubborn women and hand over his credit card.

  The thing that scared Bree the most was how dependent she was becoming on him. She was asked out by her co-workers often on Friday nights, but she refused. She knew Chad would trail along, staying in the background, but she found she didn’t want to go out with anyone other than him.

  What had happened to her desire to be alone?

  She continued to go to work, he followed. She left work and he was right there. No more threats came in – everything seemed to be back to normal so she didn’t see any reason for him to stay, though she wanted him to. The thought of making him leave tugged at her gut. She had to firm her resolve and tell him his services were no longer required, because he was creating havoc with her body, which didn’t want to listen to her mind. What she really wanted to do was rip every last piece of his clothing away and climb on top of him.

  The last few days she’d managed to stop talking to him all together, which seemed to make her die a bit inside.

  “Don’t you think the cold shoulder is getting a little old?” Bree nearly jumped out of her skin when Chad startled her from her self pep-talk.

  “I think it’s time for you to admit I don’t need a bodyguard. No more letters have come in. No prowlers are lurking around corners. I’ve called my father and told him, and even he seems to think he may have overreacted.”

  “That’s not what he said to me. He doesn’t feel you’re safe on your own. If you go back home, you can be rid of me,” he said with a mocking smile.