Page 43 of Possessing Paisley

I reach out to brush her hair away from her face, then run the back of my fingers down her cheek. She has no idea how special she is or how easy it’s been to fall for her. I’m going to change that. One day, she won’t doubt herself. “Because no one in this world has ever made me feel the things you make me feel.”

We sit in silence, our hands softly exploring each other. I want to know what she’s thinking, but I also want to give her time to sort her thoughts. It’s okay because I need a moment to sort mine, too.

Her parents and brother are now sitting on death row. Right along with her ex, Jeremy.

Finally, when I can’t stand it anymore, I sigh. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”

She traces the lines of my tattoos, something I’ve noticed she likes to do. Maybe it’s calming for her. I love it because it soothes me, too.

“I’m thinking that I’m scared. That I could actually fall for you, and you might be the person who could truly destroy my heart.”

She has the very same power over me. My ex hurt me, but Paisley could fucking end me. It’s one of the scariest things about this. I’m putting my life in her hands, hoping she’ll be able to love me one day.

Cupping her face, I stare deep into her eyes. “Never. You’re mine, Paisley, and I protect what belongs to me. You might not always like how I take care of you, especially when I’m turning your ass red, but I would never harm you or allow anyone else to.”

She studies me and smiles softly. “I’m not going to make it easy on you, big guy.”

I chuckle. “Oh, I’m counting on it, baby.”

“But,” she says more seriously, “I promise I’ll never treat you like she did.”

Closing my eyes, I take a shaky breath, my heart constricting. I already know Paisley would never be like my ex, but hearing her say it is a gentle reassurance I didn’t realize I needed. “Thank you, baby girl.”

16

PAISLEY

Where are they? How is this happening? IknowI prepared the documents the Callahans requested. We’re supposed to meet first thing tomorrow morning for them to sign everything for the final transfer of their assets to Boldt Financial.

I flip through the ream for the hundredth time, knowing they’re not in there but hoping for a miracle. It wouldn’t be such a huge deal if we weren’t having IT issues in the office. I haven’t been able to access any of my files all day, so I’ve been working primarily by hand.

Slumping back in my office chair, I pinch the bridge of my nose and squeeze my eyes shut.

“Everything okay, Paisley?”

Not really. But instead of saying that, I plaster on a smile for Chuck. He’s leaning against my door. “Everything’s great. Just have a bit of a headache, is all.”

He nods and looks around, sliding his pudgy hands into his pockets as he rocks back and forth. “Got the final meeting with the Callahans tomorrow, eh? Want Adam to sit in on it withyou? He’s available. He’d be a great asset. You two would be the dream team of Boldt Financial.”

Narrowing my eyes, I stand and straighten my spine. “No. I don’t want or need Adam to sit in on the meeting. The Callahans and I work together fantastically without anyone else butting in. Like I told you before, I’m not sharing this account. If you keep pressing me, I will take the issue to HR.”

For just a second, surprise flashes in his eyes but is quickly replaced with anger as he glares down at me. “Careful who you’re speaking to, Paisley. That’s fine if you don’t want Adam to be part of it with you, but if you screw up this account, you’re fired.”

He storms off down the hall, leaving me shocked and freaking out. If this were any other account, I’d laugh in his face, but with a billion-dollar portfolio, John Boldt would probably agree with Chuck. Which means I’m going to be working late to replace those documents.

I pull up my phone, find Kieran’s name, and then freeze. Why is my first reaction to staying at work late to let him know? I’ve never answered to anyone before, but it happened so naturally. Shoot. Am I getting too comfortable? We had a deep discussion on Saturday night. I told him my darkest secrets. He said we were a serious thing. I believe he meant it. Kieran would never say anything he didn’t mean. But just because he felt that way at the time doesn’t mean it’s forever.

He could change his mind about me. After what he went through with his horrible ex, he might because he doesn’t want to risk getting hurt again. When he told me about that woman using him and cheating on him, his eyes gave away just how badly it affected him. It broke a piece of me for him. It also ignited a fire of hatred for her. Kieran is a good man. He’s a lot of things, and he’s done a lot of bad shit, but in his core, he’s pure.

Am I in love with him? Oh my God. I’m in love with him. Shit. This is what I was worried about. I’m already addicted to the beast. I need to talk to Chloe. She’ll know what I should do. I quickly switch to her name in my phone.

“Hey, girl!”

I pace my office. As much as I can anyway. Eight steps in one direction, eight back. I need more space. Outside. It’s a nice day, I can walk and talk out my panic at the same time.

“I’m in love with your brother,” I blurt as I make my way toward the exit.

Chloe goes silent. Then, she starts laughing while I head for the private path.