Release!:A Walker Brothers Novel (The Walker Brothers Book 1)(37)

“I’m not sorry you’re here. I wanted you to come to me, Eva. But I have to know why.”

He let me move to his side, but he gathered my body against his, kept me pressed against his side as he added, “Don’t ever leave me.” He buried his face in my hair, his grip on my body tight and possessive.

His voice sounded slightly bewildered and vulnerable. My heart squeezed in my chest as I thought about the fact that Trace had his own vulnerabilities. Everybody in his life that he’d cared about had left him. His father, his mother, and to some extent, his siblings. Dane had withdrawn from life, and Sebastian was still trying to figure out who he was with Trace trying to make him grow up faster than he wanted to. In reality, Trace was just as alone as I was, even though he had the money to do whatever he pleased.

He's not happy.

I’d been able to sense his intensity and his restlessness since the moment we’d met. Maybe because I could relate to how he felt.

“This is supposed to be temporary,” I whispered to myself, quietly enough so he didn’t hear me, even as I drank in Trace’s musky scent and the joy I experienced in his arms.

“I’m not going anywhere,” I told him in a louder voice.

“Good.”

I sighed and let go of the future. Because of Trace, I had things to look forward to, things I never thought I’d have because of my past. I didn’t want to spoil the perfection of “now” to think about a doomsday tomorrow.

I snuggled into him and wallowed in the novelty of feeling safe and protected. I relished the fact that he wanted me with him now. In some ways, he needed me just as much as I needed him.

I swore to myself that before I left, I’d make sure Trace could laugh again, that he could connect with his family. I wanted to make him as happy as he’d made me for the last few weeks. He deserved it, and all I had to give was myself, my heart.

His breathing became relaxed and even, and I knew he was asleep. Tilting my head, I kissed his rough jawline and let myself follow him into a comfortable slumber, our bodies locked together like they’d never come apart again.





Chapter Twelve

Trace





She.

Thump!

Is.

Thump. Thump!

Fucking.

Thump!

Mine.

Thump. Thump. Thump!

I stopped, having beaten the shit out of my bag for over an hour. Unfortunately, it hadn’t help curb the raging possessiveness that had been pounding through me since I’d taken Eva the night before.

I was screwed, completely addicted to her, and I would be damned if she ever left. She was like a light to my dark soul, and I was enjoying the illumination and the heat. I fucking needed her now, and I couldn’t let her go.

I swiped a gloved hand over my forehead. I was sweating like a pig, but I didn’t want to stop venting my frustrations on my pseudo opponent. If I did, I was afraid I’d completely lose it.

“I have to go,” I grumbled irritably, grabbing a towel as I headed for the shower.

Eva and I were due to leave the house shortly. I was already committed to attend the company Christmas party, and it wouldn’t look good if the boss didn’t make an appearance. Honestly, I’d rather stay home and take Eva to bed, fuck her until I came to my senses.

“I can’t.” My voice was graveled and low as I turned on the cool water of the gym shower while talking to myself. Jesus! I was actually talking to myself, carrying on like I was demented.

I entered the cold water without even flinching. I was getting used to it. I’d never needed a cold shower until I’d met her. Now, I was becoming unfamiliar with the feeling of warm water.

Stroking my hard cock, all I wanted was to get myself off, but I already knew it wouldn’t help. The release never lasted for more than a few minutes. All I had to do was see her and I’d be hard all over again, just like I’d never come.

“Fuck!” I scrubbed my body mercilessly, trying to get the scent of her out of my pores. It didn’t work.

It wasn’t that I didn’t like Eva. Hell, I was obsessed with her. But I didn’t like needing anyone, and I sure as hell didn’t want to feel like I needed to be with her in order to take my next breath. It was a damned helpless situation to be in, and I fucking hated that, too.

For the first time in a very long time, my emotions were out of control. I’d tried to stay away from her today, certain I’d be able to get my head together. After doing some work in my office, I’d called Dane and Sebastian to see what time they were getting in. Finally, I’d come down here, the only place I could think of to try to get my mind off Eva.

Finished, I turned off the shower, exited the enclosure, and grabbed a towel. As I was hastily drying my body, I wondered what it was about her that wouldn’t let me have a single thought that didn’t involve both of us naked.