Free Edible by Ella Frank Page B

lay there while I show you exactly who you belong to,” he growled. He held her shoulders and pinned her down, leaving her utterly helpless.
    “Get the fuck off me, Ben!”
    She bucked her hips up just as he raised his right hand, and he slapped her hard across the cheek. Closing her eyes to the pain that blasted up the left side of her face, she felt the tears sting her eyes as they escaped down her cheeks. As the weight on her shifted, she turned her head, hoping to block out some of what she knew would follow.
    Preparing herself for a second blow, she was shocked when she felt fingers lightly graze her stinging face, wiping away her tears. A strong grip took hold of her chin, pulling her face back, as a voice filtered through her throbbing head.
    “I know I shouldn’t touch you, Rachel, but I wanted to.”
    Her eyes fluttered open and met with heated hazel.
    Naked from the waist up, Cole straddled her hips as she realized her hands were suddenly free and clasped together above her head of her own volition. Her core clenched while she stared up at exactly what she wanted.
    His mouth pulled into a tight smile as he reached forward with a large hand. Automatically, Rachel flinched, but it didn’t deter him. He gently pushed a piece of her hair behind her ear as he lowered himself down until his lips were against hers.
    “Keep your hands right there above your head for me.”
    After nipping her bottom lip, he shifted and brushed a kiss against her cheek. “I won’t touch you again until you ask.”
    Rachel felt her mouth part as he moved away from her. She was about to ask. She could feel it. And that was when…
    She woke up.

    Three meetings later, Cole glanced at his watch as he stood, stretching his neck. Finally, he could head out. It was a shame he had to go out of town. He wouldn’t have minded a follow-up visit with one Rachel Langley, but this was something he couldn’t put off.
    Moving to the coatrack, he fastened his suit jacket, pulled on his thick coat, and draped his scarf loosely around his neck.
    “Heading out for the weekend, sir?”
    “Yes, Jane ,” he told her, stressing her name, as he walked over to her desk.
    “Well, you drive safely.”
    Cole shook his head with a small smile as he turned and walked to the elevators. He pressed the button and then faced his paralegal. “I have been driving for years. I’m sure I will be okay.”
    Jane looked at him with a serious expression, and he was surprised at the frown that creased her brow. That look was usually reserved for him.
    “Yes, but you are preoccupied. Try not to worry. Check out the situation before you fly off the handle.”
    A loud ding sounded behind him, signaling an elevator’s arrival.
    Nodding once, Cole told her sincerely, “I will endeavor not to lose my temper unless it is warranted. How’s that?”
    “Very good, Mr. Madison.”
    Cole turned, stepped onto the elevator, and pressed the parking garage button. Just as the doors started to close, he called out, “Go home early, Mrs. Markham!”
    He chuckled as “Yes, sir,” met his ears.

    The drive to Lake Forest took approximately forty-five minutes to an hour, and as Cole finally drove down the main road, he tried not to feel annoyed at himself. He hated leaving her here, but it seemed like the best solution.
    Heading off the main road and making his way through several streets, he finally saw the sign for him to turn up ahead. Making a right, he drove past two entrances and turned at the third. Pulling his black Peugeot 907 into one of the parking spaces, he climbed out and shrugged into his coat. He didn’t bother to button it as he made his way briskly across the parking lot to the front door. Taking a deep breath, he raised his hand and opened the front door to Tranquil Lakes , the retirement home he had been visiting every Sunday for the past three years.
    “Good evening, Mr. Madison.”
    Cole moved to the front desk. Resting his arms on it, he clasped his hands