Free Harris Channing by In Sarah's Shadow Page B

heartbreakingly pale with her
pain and suffering. "Yes really." He couldn't stop himself. No. He
bent forward, kissing her, savoring the salty sweetness of her lips.
    When she sighed, he deepened the
kiss, the need in him so strong that he increased the pressure. God help him,
he hadn't wanted a woman like this in eons, but more than that, when she
yielded, Sarah was the furthest thing from his mind.
    He slipped his tongue into the
warmth of her precious mouth, and when her arms slipped around his neck, he
savored the delicious feel of her complete submission. Oh, how he wanted to
give and take comfort. Oh, how he needed to find the ultimate release.
    Sickening guilt collided with his
passion and he ceased his kiss. "David," she whispered against his
lips. "You are such a wonderful man."
    He pulled away, shame washing over
him. What sort of man would take advantage of someone so completely vulnerable?
He was not wonderful, he was a randy beast, undeserving of the compliment.
"If you knew what I was contemplating, you would know that I'm not
wonderful. Dear lady, you arouse me to the point of selfishness."
    He pulled away from the tangle of
her arms, feeling every bit the villain. "Where are you going?" she
cried out. "I need you, David."
    Yet instead of looking into her
face, he averted his eyes, too ashamed. "I'm sorry," he said and
stood, presenting her with his back. He had to get away, needed to compose
himself. His anger surged, what had come over him and what made him think
making love to her would help anyone but him?
    He marched toward the door,
determined to put more distance between them.
    "I like it when you kiss me. I
want to feel something other than sadness and for a moment I did, "she
said, her words coming out on a quiver.
    Remorse added another layer of
self-loathing to the already insurmountable pile and the heaviness in his soul
weighed on him like a blacksmith's anvil.
    "I enjoy it too," he
admitted. "Too much."
    "But--"
    "I'm going to get
Alfred," he interrupted, realizing a change in subject was what this very
uncomfortable moment called for. "Poor fellow took one look at Crocker and
ran into the stable." He grunted and set his hand on the door handle.
"Don't suppose he likes it out there much. Besides, Ned may need some
water that's not frozen."
    "You're leaving? Now? When all
this has happened and I need a friend?"
    He bit back his frustration. Didn't
she understand he had to get away from her? "Bobbie, I can't do this…I am
not the man you want."
    "But you are." He glanced
back at her. She sat up in the bed, her hair hanging across her shoulders, her
large gray eyes glistening in the midday light and her jaw bouncing with
emotion.
    "Why? I'm irreparably damaged.
My heart is cut off from everything in this world…and that includes you. You
must understand, I will see to your food, shelter and warmth. Everything else
has to be off limits."
    "I have enough love for both
of us," she replied, her hand flying to her mouth as if her declaration
horrified her.
    A wistful smile touched his lips
even though his stomach spiraled into the black abyss of despair. "Then
share that precious gift with someone more deserving."
    "More deserving than
you?" She clutched the blanket to her breast. "I-I can think of no
one else."
    "That will change once I
introduce you to my family in Tennessee. You will have no shortage of
suitors." Despite his assertion, the thought of any man touching her had
him clenching his jaw.
    "Marry me off? Is that truly
your plan?"
    Damnation he'd said the wrong
thing. But didn't he always when fighting with a woman? He'd never, ever know
how to deal with their shrill outbursts and nonsensical thoughts. "Yes.
Safe, happy, loved and cared for. Isn't that what all women want?"
    "Well then, what of Reg
Crocker? Wouldn't he be more convenient?"
    His gaze narrowed, his passions
surging, his hatred for the man damn near overpowering. "If he is what you want, I can see to that
as well. He wants you,