Free Kiss of Fire (St. James Family) by Lavender Parker Page B

bit.
    However, he was drunk. She wouldn't take advantage of the situation. No. That would be wrong. She could ignore the ache in between her legs. She could ignore how her body responded to his. She adjusted her bra and pulled down her shirt, willing herself to relax. Telling herself she was just going to check on him and make sure he didn't pass out and hit his head on something hard, she followed him down the hallway. A lamp flicked on in the bedroom as she entered it. “You can't take a hint?” O'Donovan said, from next to the bed.
    Toni bit her lip when she saw his jeans were unbuttoned. In the light she could see every muscle, every tattoo, every scar on his chest. Her fingers itched to explore his skin again. But it was not to be. Not tonight, anyway. She took a breath, and tore her eyes away from him. She took in the room instead. It was sparsely furnished, taken up mostly by a big king-sized bed covered in light blue sheets. The only thing hanging on the wall was a small brass crucifix. She ran her hand across the cool cotton of the top sheet. The sheets were high thread count, and smooth to the touch. He liked some luxury, it seemed. A breeze blew in through the open window, and Toni felt goosebumps prickle on her arms.
    “ I just want to make sure...” Toni trailed off.
    “ I'm a big boy, I can take care of myself,” he said. She turned away, needing a moment. Her hand found the doorknob to the closet.  She opened it, and glanced inside, not looking for anything in particular, just needing something else to focus on. His work shirts hung in a row. His boots lined the floor. “Toni,” he said, his voice harsh. “Why did you come here?”
    “ I don't know.” She shrugged, touching the sleeve of one of his shirts.
    “ Why won't you leave me alone?” he said, his voice low and dangerous.
    “ Because I can't,” she said, dropping her hand to her side. She heard the rustle of his jeans hitting the floor, and Toni let out the breath she was holding. How had things gotten so out of control? She wanted him, but not like this.
    “ Look at me,” he said, his voice leaving no room for disagreement. She turned to face him and felt her eyes widen in their sockets. He was naked, very naked, his cock long and hard between his legs. He certainly was a big boy. She also noticed he had a large bandage on his thigh. She wondered vaguely if he was in pain? “I don't need any more friends, Toni.”
    “ Sure you do,” Toni said, forcing herself to look him in the face. His body was too tempting. Her panties were soaked, and the ache between her legs was like a siren call.
    “ You don't owe me anything. I was doing my job.” He ran his hand over his stubbled chin. “Leave me in peace, Toni.”
    “ But I want...” she trailed off. What did she want, other than to fuck his brains out? All she knew was that she felt an irresistible draw to him. And she was tired of being lonely. And that, maybe, he needed her too, somehow.
    “ If you don't get the hell out of here right now, I'm going to fuck you,” he said, matter-of-factly, and she appreciated his ability to cut the shit.
    “ O'Donovan—” she began, but she didn't get to finish.  In a flash, she found herself on her back on the bed. He held himself over her, on all fours. She was struck silent, every thought in her head fleeing.
    “ I need a good fuck and a good night's sleep,” he growled. “And your good girl act is getting real old.” Toni's heart thundered in her chest, but she shoved herself up on her elbows, and looked him right in the eye.
    “ There you go, assuming you know me again. I never said I was a good girl.” She smoothed her hand up his neck and dragged her fingers through his hair. He moaned, his eyes rolling back into his head as she massaged his scalp. Then she grabbed a clump of his hair in her fist, forcing his head back. “But you're drunk,” she said, her tone hard. “It's not right,” she said. “So let me up.” With a