Page 70 of Resisting His Charm
“Well, when you say it like that, it sounds bad. She’s not a bad person, Poppy.”
“She kills people for money,” Poppy repeats.
“She has only ever taken on hits that align with her morals. She doesn’t kill innocent people.”
“Oh, so people like my mother? People who just happen to get caught in the crosshairs of cartel deals, right?” I don’t know why we’re even having this conversation. “You know what? It doesn’t matter. I don’t want you looking into my mother’s murder. I don’t want you here. I don’t want you, Sammie.” My voice gets louder and louder with each word.
The asshole doesn’t even flinch. Not a single muscle on his stupidly-sexy body moves. No, he continues smiling at me like a damn insane person. Then again, heisan insane person, and I’m even more insane, because I’m standing here trying my best to hate him and not let the tingles in my vagina lead to shitty decision making.
“You want me here,” he says with a confidence I want to slap right off his face.
“No, I don’t.”
“Then why are your cheeks flushed?” He takes a single step towards me. “Why is your chest rising and falling faster? Your heart beating quicker?” Another step. “Why are your nipples pebbled beneath that flimsy cotton shirt?” Another step.
“Don’t flatter yourself. It’s cold,” I tell him.
“It’s California, babe. It’s never cold here.” Sammie keeps walking until his arm snakes around my back.
He drags my body flush with his, and that need between my legs intensifies. He’s right. It’s not cold in here. It’s so freakinghot with Sammie’s naked chest pressed up against my hands, which was my lame attempt to put distance between us. All it’s done is make me want him more.
My hands have a mind of their own as they travel down over his pecs, heading south towards that eight-pack I’ve enjoyed licking. Maybe one or two more rides on this roller coaster aren’t such a bad idea. I mean, I’m capable of having an orgasm and walking away. I’ve done it before.
Sammie’s hands move downwards, gripping my ass. He lifts, and then I’m placed on the counter. My legs open and he steps between them. “Admit it. You want me.”
“I want your body. I don’t want you,” I tell him.
The corner of his mouth tips upwards. “I’m okay with you using me for my body, babe.”
“Okay, so meaningless sex and then you leave?” I ask him.
Sammie stills. The hands that were pulling the hem of my shirt stop. His chest heaves as he inhales. Then he lets go of me completely and takes a step backwards. “Nothing about us is ever going to be meaningless, Poppy. And I’m not fucking leaving you. Ever.”
“Everyone leaves, Sammie. It’s easy. All you have to do is walk right out that door…” I gesture an arm behind us. “…and keep walking.”
“Easy?” Sammie takes another step backwards, returning to where he was leaning against my counter. One leg crossed in front of the other and his arms folded over his chest.
“Yeah,easy. The door is right there.” I point to the front door.
“Leaving you is anything but easy, Poppy. Don’t you think if I could let you go, I would have? I know how fucking selfish I’m being dragging you down to my level, into my fucked-up life. But I need you. I want you, and I know you want this too.”
“We’ve known each other for a couple of weeks, Sammie. You’re making this into a bigger deal than it needs to be.”
He doesn’t say anything. His right hand reaches up, and his fingers drag across his jawline as he continues to stare at me. It’s unnerving.
“What the hell are you staring at?”
“Oh, me?” He points to the center of his chest. “I’m just waiting for you to cut the bullshit and stop lying to yourself and me. I’ve never lied to you, Poppy. I’d appreciate the same kind of respect.”
I blink.Well, that is not what I was expecting.“You want the truth?”
“I would love the truth,” he says.
“Fine.” I throw my hands in the air. “I like you, Sammie. I like you a whole damn lot. I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anyone. I haven’t been able to sleep for the past week without you. I think about you more than I am ever going to admit, and I think I’m falling in love with you. Wait! I don’t think… Iamfalling in love with you. And that makes me a shitty fucking person. What kind of daughter falls in love with someone whose family was responsible for their mother’s murder? I’m an awful person.”
“Poppy, you are the furthest thing from an awful person. And I would know. I’ve dealt with awful fucking people in my line of work.” He doesn’t move, just stays by the counter, which is good. I don’t need him touching me and making me more confused than I already am. “And you’re right. We haven’t known each other long. But I know you, Poppy, and you know me. Also, do you really think your mom or dad would want you to not be happy?”
“My mom would want me to be happy. My dad didn’t care enough about me,” I admit. “Parents who care about their kids don’t kill themselves and leave them orphans.”
