Free A Jar of Hearts by Clarissa Cartharn Page A

crazy. You had my heart at my knees when I first saw you and you have it in your hands right now. I can’t tell you how insane you make me when you’re in my life and how much more when you’re not in it.”
    “James…”
    But he had already brushed his lips against her cheeks and he didn’t know if he could hold himself back anymore.
     
     
     
    Goosebumps prickled her skin. Heat ran up her spine as his lips touched her flesh. She wanted him just as much as he did.
    She wrapped her arms around his neck as he trailed his kisses down the side of her face, tingling her. His strong hands gathered her waist and tugged her into him. She felt him mold into her curves and she let out a moan of pleasure. She hadn’t felt so alive in such a long time. Especially not since…since Eric.
    Her mouth went dry. Guilt crawled up her and she went rigid.
    “Anne?” he asked, feeling her stiffness immediately.
    “James, I can’t. I’m not ready,” she said with a shiver.
    He held her against him and kissed her brow. “It’s okay… it’s okay,” he repeated with a sigh.

CHAPTER 15

     
     
     
     
     
    They drove back home in silence. James glanced over at Anne. She was quiet, having descended into her own world again. At least she didn’t pull away from him now.
    He thinned his lips in thought as he maneuvered the car though the dark, quiet streets. He was the cause of her pain and he would do everything he could to help her heal.
    He looked at her hands balled in her lap and he had a tremendous urge to hold them. To feel her palm against his, to let her know he would protect her. He let out a breath to simmer himself down.
    He turned the car around the corner and towards their homes. He immediately caught sight of the men hovering on the path before his house and he tensed. He straightened up, recognizing the license plate of one of the two cars parked. What was Juan doing here? If there was business, he would always call him over to his own house. That was the base, that’s where business took place.
    He frowned, wondering how he should keep Anne away from the gangster. He pulled the car to a stop a reasonable distance away and turned to her. “Stay in the car. I’ll help you out.”
    “I don’t need help to get out of the car,” she began to protest.
    “Stay in the car, Anne.” His voice was firm and it made her tense.
    “Is something wrong?”
    “There are some men outside waiting for me.”
    “Are you going to be alright? Do you want me to call the cops?” she asked worriedly.
    He caressed her hand. “I will be fine. But stay here until I come and get you, okay?”
    He leaned over her and locked her car door. His lips brushed her cheeks and for a brief moment, he savored her taste. Juan , he reminded himself.
    He pressed down his own door lock as slickly as he could and then stepped out into the street. He didn’t want Juan to think he was taking precautions against him.
    “What’s up, Juan?” he asked casually.
    “Hey man,” Juan replied, nodding his head at him. “I didn’t know you were out with a woman.” He narrowed his eyes to have a better look at Anne. “Who is she? She’s looks fine.”
    “She’s no one,” he said quickly, moving to block Juan’s view of Anne. “Why are you here? I thought we’d agree to always meet at the base.”
    “Yeah, well, something important came up.” He scratched his chin as he glanced back at James’ car. “Perhaps we should talk about it when you are free. Come by tomorrow.”
    “Yeah, sure.”
    Juan lifted his brow. “Maybe you could introduce me next time. She is a beautiful woman.”
    “I probably won’t see her again,” James replied carelessly. “She’s not from here.”
    “Oh well, in that case I should say hi.”
    James stepped into his way. “Juan, she isn’t an easy catch. I’ve got hopes for a hot night. I don’t want her running off thinking I’m setting her up for a gangbang.”
    “Ahh right,” Juan chuckled, throwing up