Page 48 of Theirs to Corrupt
“I’ll roll with you,” Torin says to Pax.
His reply is clipped. “I’ll be faster alone. On my bike.”
“You don’t know what’s out there,” Torin replies.
In the end, Pax agrees to go with Mira in the SUV while Torin stays with us.
“Call Inamorata for more backup,” he tells Torin. Then he indicates his head toward the driveway. “Let’s go.”
Torin and Mira exchange glances, and a thousand unspoken words pass between them.
Judging by the concern in Torin’s eyes, I wonder if there’s something more than a professional partnership between the two.
Suddenly me and Link are alone with Torin, and once the sound of the vehicle fades into the distance, the house seems to echo with silence. A chill slides down my spine.
“Nothing we haven’t dealt with a thousand times before,” Torin reassures me with a half smile.
Mobsters? Abductions?My virginity being sold?
Not comforted, I rub my arms, trying to warm up.
Link shows Torin to the security room. Then, when he’s back, he says, “Come here.”
I’m so exhausted, overwrought, that I barely register what he says.
But then he crosses to me, wrapping me in a strong embrace and easing me against his broad chest.
The emotional dam I’ve built since the night I found out Axel’s plans bursts. With gasping sobs, I finally cry.
Even though I’m soaking his crisp white shirt, he doesn’t let me go.
His heart thumps steadily beneath my ear, a reassuring rhythm. One of his hands strokes my back in soothing circles while the other cradles the back of my head.
“Lean on me,” he encourages, his breath warm against my hair.
I’ve spent a long time relying only on myself. And the idea of counting on someone else—especially someone like Link—is terrifying. And yet…
Despite my intentions, I melt against him, drawing strength from his solid presence.
I breathe in deeply, inhaling his scent—a mixture of confidence and pure masculine power. Though it shouldn’t be, the combination is comforting.
As my tears subside, I slowly pull back, looking up at him. The way he studies me makes my breath catch. “I’m sorry,” I whisper, suddenly embarrassed by my breakdown. “Your shirt…”
He shakes his head, cutting off my apology. “Not necessary.” His voice is gruff but soft.
Slowly he brings up a hand to brush a strand of hair from my face.
His touch sends tingles across my skin, and I look up to meet his blue eyes. There’s emotion in their depths that I’ve never seen before.Admiration?Desire?
Surely I’m imagining things.
“Don’t apologize, Tessa. You’re the strongest, most resourceful woman I’ve ever met. What’s happened in the last twenty-four hours would destroy a lesser person.”
With his thumb, he traces my cheekbone, wiping away the last of my tears. My heart races as he leans in slightly, and his gaze drops to my lips.
Are you going to kiss me?
Will I let you?