Page 73 of Shattered By the Currents
“No?” Her brows shot up. God, why did he have to be so tall and brooding and dominant? It made standing her ground really hard. “I’m asking you to leave. That should be enough.”
“I’m not leaving you in a motel that has drug dealers right outside, and a door that doesn’t have so much as a safety chain.”
“You don’t?—”
“I do.”
“Did you ever think that maybe it’s not just me I’m protecting?”
“You think you’re protectingme?”
“I know I am.”
He was across the space between them in two long strides. Before he could touch her, she held up a hand. He walked rightinto it, his heated chest pressing into her palm. “Raven…you don’t need to do that.”
“You’re not listening to me.”
“I am. I’ve heard every word you’ve said. I don’t agree.” He curled his fingers around her hand, lifted it, and kissed the inside of her wrist. “I don’t need your protection. I needyou. All of you. Not just some fragmented pieces.” Another kiss, this time closer to her elbow.
A shudder rolled down her spine.
“I want to know the best things.” He kissed her again. “And the worst.”
“You don’t know what you’re asking,” she whispered, a little of the fight draining out of her.
“I’m asking for this.” He set a palm on her chest, right over her heart.
A heart that pounded big, fear-driven thumps.
She was close to giving in. So close that an entire waterfall of truths threatened to spill from her mouth.
A loud banging sounded on the door.
She jumped back.
Connor’s hand fell, his narrowed gaze shifting to the door. Without hesitation, he pulled the gun from his holster with one hand and took her hand in the other, pulling her behind him as he moved to the door.
His brows drew together when he looked through the peephole. “Who’s there?”
“I’m the motel manager. I’m checking on the lady. Some guests said you broke into her room.”
Connor cursed. “She’s fine.”
“I’m gonna need to hear that from the lady.”
Raven cleared her throat. “I’m fine.”
“You sure? I got a good shoulder and a gun. Give the word and?—”
“No,” Raven interrupted. “I’m really fine. Thank you.”
“You got it.”
Connor looked through the peephole one more time before muttering something under his breath.
“It’s time for you to go, Connor.”
He shook his head. “I told you, I’m not leaving.”
