Free Surrender by Melody Anne Page B

breaking as she struggled with what to say next.
    “Do you have another possible way of obtaining the funds – possibly a… friend who could loan you the money?”
    Ari’s head whipped around as she recognized that voice. Her startled glance clashed with Rafe Palazzo, who was sitting at the far corner of the table. She’d had no idea he was a part of the hospital board. She should’ve known considering how wealthy he was. The man probably had his hand in just about everything in the city.
    “I don’t know anyone like that,” she answered.
    “Are you sure, Ms. Harlow? You can’t think of anyone who may be willing to help you out, maybe make a trade ?”
    Ari was stunned at his boldness. She knew exactly what he was talking about. She only hoped the other members were clueless of his game. As her gaze collided with his, she thought about it. Could she really turn down the money for her mother’s surgery? Was her integrity worth more than her mother’s life?
    She wanted to tell him that yes , she would do it . But the words just wouldn’t come out. All she could think about beyond the panic and defeat was her mother telling her to not sacrifice herself. If she did this and her mom found out, she’d never forgive Ari.
    She had to breathe deeply through the blackness wanting to overtake her.
    “We’ll meet with you again in a few days, Ms. Harlow to find out if you’ve made any headway in the matter,” Mr. Coolidge said, saving her from having to answer Rafe.
    “Thank you,” Ari mumbled as the members of the board began rising from their seats.
    Ari sat still, knowing her legs weren’t strong enough to hold her yet. She didn’t meet any of their faces as they filed past her and walked from the room. When she was sure they were all gone, she finally looked up and found herself alone with Rafe. She should have fled with the rest of the board. She didn’t want to be alone with him.
    “Well, Ms. Harlow, it seems you have a decision to make,” he said with a confident smile. “Will you be accepting my very generous offer?”
    Ari prayed for the floor to open up and swallow her. She’d rather be anywhere but where she was right then.

Chapter Nine

    Arianna tossed in her bed, restless, unable to get comfortable. Her body was burning up, heat scorching her from the inside out. An ache filled her core – pulsing, swollen, needing something – though she didn’t know what.
    “Shh. You’ll enjoy this,” Rafe whispered.
    His low soothing tone calmed her, though her body temperature rose a few more degrees. An erotic sensation lit her senses as she felt his hands on her stomach, his fingers burning her flesh. They glided up the flat plains of her abdomen and outlined the mounds of her naked breasts. Where had her shirt gone?
    “Trust me,” he whispered, his mouth caressing her ear while his hands slid underneath her arms, his fingers stroking the sensitive skin as he lifted them higher. Clasping her wrists together, he swiftly tied a silk scarf to them.
    Tight.
    Before she had a chance to resist, she was locked firmly to the bed, unable to move her hands, unable to escape his touch. He kissed her wrists with feather soft pressure, his tongue gliding along her beating pulse, then moving down her arms and over the top of her collar bone.
    “Do you like this, Ari? Do you want me to stop?”
    “No… Please…” she pleaded with him. She wanted more. She opened her eyes, but only saw black and felt the gentle presence of a mask over her eyes, impairing her vision. Instead of fear, it only heightened her pleasure as his hands and mouth continued stroking her body.
    His hands cupped her breasts, his slightly callused fingers circling her sensitive peaks, but not touching her where she ached, needed to be touched.
    “What do you want, Ari?”
    “...You …”
    “ Mmm. And where do you want me?”
    “I want your mouth on my… on my nipples,” she cried, embarrassment washing through her, but knowing he