The word was unexpected but not unwanted. After a brief hesitation, she snuggled against his side. Though it wasn’t even close to the first time they’d slept together, this felt far more intimate than it ever had before.
Because she’d made it through his front door? Because he hadn’t rushed off as soon as the sheets were cool?
She didn’t know, but whatever it was, she enjoyed the change.
Darian ran his fingers up and down her bare arm. Beneath her ear she heard the steady hammer of his heartbeat. After the emotional upheaval of the day, curling around his warm body made her feel safe in a way she hadn’t experienced before.
Like she’d finally found where she belonged.
Don’t go down that path, her brain warned. It only led to pain. Though she might have faced her own feelings, she wasn’t naïve enough to think they changed anything.
“All our days should end like this,” he murmured.
She tilted her face up toward his. “That sounds pretty relationship-y coming from someone who doesn’t believe in them.”
“Relationships are a trap,” he said. “What we have doesn’t need to be confined in such a way.”
She crossed her arms over his chest, resting her chin on her hands. “Why do you fight so hard against the idea of commitment?”
He tensed under her.
“Wouldn’t it be nice to belong to someone?” She pressed a kiss to his chest. Belong to me?
“No,” he said. “I don’t ever want to be tied to someone permanently.”
“Jenny is a permanent fixture in your life.”
“And worrying about her is more than enough.”
“Ah,” she breathed. So that was it. She knew his parents had died when he was young. Barely more than a child himself, he’d had his family stripped away.
And he didn’t want it to happen again.
“Not everyone dies,” she said.
His gaze burned into hers. “That’s not a promise you can make.” His fingers threaded through her curls, working out the tangles they had just put into them. “Isn’t what we have enough? We enjoy each other’s company, and when that changes, we part without any regrets.”
Did he really believe that was possible? Maybe he could walk away from her without glancing back, but she knew she couldn’t.
“It’s a sad life you’re living,” she said.
Gripping her waist, he rolled her over until he hung above her. “Sad?” he purred, pressing his hips against hers. “Not in the slightest. I work hard and play harder. There’s something to be said for the hedonistic lifestyle.” He pressed his mouth to her throat. “Won’t you play with me, Ali?”
Closing her eyes, she gave herself up to his touch.
But despite his light words, Allison wondered if she hadn’t uncovered yet another piece of the Darian King puzzle.
Too bad it was one that might damn any dreams she had of a future with him.
Chapter Fourteen
“She’s not going to like this,” Darian warned.
His sister’s sigh rose from the speaker phone. “I’ve got to ask. I’m really out of options here.”
A knock sounded at his door.
“She’s here, just a second.” Shifting his attention away from his sister he called, “Come in.”
Allison entered the room, a welcoming smile on her lips.
“You called?” she said as she walked across the room.
Had she always had that sexy swagger to her steps? Was he the only one who saw her buttoned up shirts and tightly pinned hair and wanted nothing more than to kiss the professionalism out of her?
“What can I do for you?” she nearly purred when she reached his desk.
A thousand suggestions rose to the tip of his tongue. None of which he cared to repeat in front of his sister.
“Allison?” Jenny’s voice rose into the air between them.
His assistant blinked, glancing down at the phone. The flirtation in her eyes drained away as she turned back into the business woman he knew would move mountains to accomplish a task.
“Jenny,” she said, her voice polite if controlled. “How are you doing?”
“Not so good, I’m afraid,” she said. “We’ve been delayed in Paris. Matt’s band got this great chance and, long story short, we need to stay here a few more nights to fit in his last gigs. I’ll be there the Monday before the wedding.”
“Okay.” Allison arched a questioning brow at Darian.
Wait for it, he mouthed back.
“I’m sorry you’re delayed but I’m sure a week is enough time to get everything done. The rehearsal dinner is Friday, so you should have a few days to handle the jet lag.”