Free My Best Friend's Brother (A Bashir Family Romance Book 1) by Unknown Page A

again. “And, not to brag, I’m pretty damn good at it. But sometimes I worry I’ll lose myself in my ambition.”
    He paused, weighing his next words. “I guess that’s why I liked talking to you, Scarlett. You’re so sensitive and idealistic. I feel…grounded to real things when I hear your voice. I’ve missed our nightly discussions.”
    I stroked the book like it was precious baby. He did care for me.
    “I’m sorry my phone was broken,” I offered.
    “Is it fixed now?” He asked, looking deeply into my eyes. I realized he wasn’t talking about the phone.
    “Yes, it’s fixed.”
    “Good.”
    I stood up and set the book on the mantle over the fireplace.
    “Dev, you didn’t always feel that way about me,” I corrected him. “You really disliked me…before.”
    He moved over to me, so closely I leaned up against the white marble side of the fireplace. It was cool against my back.
    “I’ve never disliked you. Quite the contrary.”
    “Then why were you so… mean ?”
    We both knew what I was referring to. White trash.
    He stared into my eyes with uncensored intensity.
    “I’ll be honest with you, but please understand how hard it is for me to say this.” He almost looked embarrassed. “I’ve had a crush on you since…the day Annika brought you home. I was… cold to you because I was scared of you. I’ll regret forever how I hurt you, Scarlett, but I was desperate to maintain control around you. I didn’t know how else to do it. I guess I deserve the Idiot of the Year Award, don’t I?”
    “More like the Idiot of the Decade Award…if you want to be accurate.”
    We smiled at each other, then his gaze turned serious.
    He cradled his right hand around my face and delicately caressed his thumb over my cheek, like assessing a fine silk. It was the touch that confirmed everything I hoped would be true.
    “What changed your mind?” I asked.
    He thought for a moment. “That day…when Rhett was here…it changed me. It gave me courage to reach out to you. To let you know me. The real me.”
    I turned my face up to his, wanting more than anything in my life to be kissed by those lips.
    He gave me what I desired and leaned into me, pulling my face to his. His kiss was slow and soft, and then his lips parted and forced mine to yield to him. We tasted each other…coffee, blueberries, mint…and I drank in his scent, so clean and masculine.
    When he pulled away slowly, it was as if I were drunk. I steadied myself against his chest. He wrapped me up in his strong embrace and I moved my arms around his neck. This time, I kissed him. I had never kissed anyone before and I thought there would be more science to it, but I soon realized that instinct was the best guide.
    I tugged at his lower lip, playfully, treating it as if it belonged to me. He let me explore, perhaps realizing I was new to this activity. And when he couldn’t bear my teasing touch any longer, he moved his mouth against mine, hard, penetrating…lustfully. I could feel my body responding to his, and in places I had no control over.
    He pulled away from my lips and searched my eyes for confirmation that I was enjoying this as much as he. I couldn’t hide my desire if I tried. He kissed my neck tenderly, his breath warm and moist against my skin. At that moment, I understood the women in stories who fell in love with vampires.
    He could bite me if he wanted.
    Drink my lifeblood is he desired.
    I knew that every touch from him—no matter the pain—was pleasure under his spell.
    “Scarlett,” he whispered near my ear in between tender kisses. “You haven’t said anything. I’m guessing by your response you feel the same way?” He pulled back, a smile spread across his face.
    I blushed, feeling my cheeks burn. I searched for my wits.
    “I have to say, this is much nicer than being ignored and scowled at— constantly .”
    He pressed his lips against my forehead, his strong arms wrapped around me, cradling me in the curve of my