Page 17 of The Bad Man
“You have no idea what you’ve done to me,” he says through kisses.
“I promise the feeling is mutual,” I reassure him.
“I miss you so damn much.” He pulls me into his lap, and I can’t help but think that my controlling and dominant man is turning into a marshmallow for me.
While I might have been unsure of all my overwhelming feelings that made me doubt him, I think he might have had a few of his own. The man he truly is only comes out through control and dominance. I suppose spending a giant part of your life here would do that to anyone. My defense mechanism is to push people away and run.
“I miss you too.” I rest my head on his shoulder and listen to the sound of his rapid heartbeat slowly coming back to normal. “This is so hard having to sneak around. I don’t like not being together.”
“I know.” His fingers slide up my back.
“Can we run away?” I blurt out.
His body stiffens, and I feel his hold on me tighten. “You’d do that?”
I lift my head because I need to stare into his eyes. When we first met, they were so cold, but now when they land on me, all I see is warmth.
“Yes. I know it sounds like a bad idea.”
“Then it’s perfect for this place.” He gives me a lopsided smile that makes him appear younger. This place is supposed to heal people, but all it’s done is take from him.
“We could be together.” I reach up and cup his face.
“What about your nursing degree?” Is he trying to talk me out of it?
“I went to college to help build a life for myself. Now I want a life with you.” That degree brought me to him. If it means getting to be with him forever, then I’d gladly give it all up.
“I can’t ask you to do that.”
“That’s because you never ask me to do anything. You’re ordering me.” I say it with a smile. He leans forward, brushing a soft kiss on my lips.
“It wouldn't be easy to run. Not with my father out there.”
“This is about the room downstairs?” I worry my bottom lip between my teeth, but Jamison tugs on my chin, forcing me to release it.
“I’m the only one that gets to bite you.” His whole body goes solid for a second, and he's lifting me up. “Get dressed.”
I quickly throw my clothes back on while my heart beats faster. What happens if someone walks in on us? I’ll get banned from here.
“Smack me,” Jamison orders right before his mouth crashes down onto mine.
I hear the door open and then someone gasp so I push Jamison back and strike the side of his face exactly like he told me to.
“Jamison!” Olivia hisses at him.
“It’s fine, really.” I’m quick to defend him because I can’t help myself.
“What has gotten into you?” Olivia scolds him.
“I’m kinda in love with her.” He shrugs a shoulder and gives a sheepish expression that I almost buy. I watch as Olivia actually softens. “Sorry?”
“Did you just apologize?” Olivia's brows lift almost to her hairline.
"Really, it’s fine,” I say, trying my best to play it off like it was nothing. I don’t want Jamison to get into trouble.
“I should write this up,” Olivia says, but she looks between us once more. “But I’ll let it slide. Dr. Crane is in a terrible mood already.” Relief floods me as she holds the door open for him. “Get back to your room, Jamison.”
To my surprise, he actually does as he’s told, but not before glancing back to wink at me.