Read Online Eve by Iris Johansen - Free Book Online Page A

nights?”
    She didn’t answer.
    “I had them, too.” He got up from the stool, and said curtly, “And it’s time you brought this to an end. I’ll be waiting outside every night until you decide to either call the cops on me or give me my shot at convincing you that I’m not going to do anything to hurt you.”
    He walked out the door.
    And he would do exactly what he said, she realized. She had already gotten a taste of that patience. He was right. She would have to settle this in some other way because he wouldn’t be avoided.
    And she wouldn’t run away from him again.
    *   *   *
    “LET’S GO.” SHE OPENED THE passenger door and got into John’s Chevy. “I’m tired of the people I’m working with thinking I’m being stalked.”
    “I guess you could say they’re right. Except stalking implies violence, and there’s no way I’d be violent with you.” As he started the car, he said, “Unless you wanted it. You don’t have the experience, and I’d shy away from it. But we could try it if you—”
    “Shut up.” That heat was rising within her again. She only had to be near him, and it started. “I don’t want to try it. I don’t want to try anything.” She moistened her lips. “You said we had to put an end to this. That’s why I’m here. You helped me twice in some really bad situations, and I’m grateful. But now I want you to go away. You make me feel … I don’t like to feel like this.”
    “Yes, you do. Or you would, if you’d let yourself. It’s the sport that makes the world go round. You’re feeling what I’m feeling, and there’s nothing more exciting. You’re just scared of the consequences. There wouldn’t be consequences, Eve. I’d take care of you.”
    “And you think I’d trust you?”
    “I think we’re going to have to trust each other. We need it too much to do anything else.”
    “I don’t … need it.”
    “The hell you don’t.” He drew a deep breath. “And I can’t talk right now, or I’ll end up wrecking this car. Give me a few minutes to get you home.”
    He didn’t speak again until they were parked across the street from the housing development. His hands were clenched on the steering wheel, and he was looking straight ahead. “You may not need me, but you want me.” He turned and slid across the seat until he was touching her thigh-to-thigh. “Do you think I can’t feel it? I know damn well you can feel me. We’re both sending out signals that are basic as hell.”
    She couldn’t breathe. Her hand reached out for the door handle.
    “No, stay.” His hand was suddenly covering hers. “Let me show you just a little of what we’d have. I’ll stop whenever you say.” His hand moved slowly up her wrist to her upper arm. “You feel so good … Silky, and yet every muscle tense and ready.” His hand moved up to cup her throat. “And your heartbeat…”
    Her heart was jumping out of her chest. The instant he’d touched her, she’d felt as if every nerve in her body had been electrified. She could feel the crispness of his shirt against her body and breathed in the scent of him. Spice or something else that was making her dizzy.
    No, it was Gallo who was making her dizzy. His mouth was on hers, his tongue probing, playing.
    She made a sound deep in her throat and moved closer.
    “Yes.” His hands had slid down to undo the buttons of her shirt. “That’s right. Give me your tongue. I want the taste of you…”
    She arched with a cry as his hands cupped her breasts. They were swelling, the nipples hardening, peaking.
    Then they were free; he’d unfastened her bra, and his fingers were pressing, pinching, squeezing.
    His mouth was on her breast, his tongue … his teeth …
    Heat. Tingling between her thighs as his hand reached down to cup, rub. She shuddered as the tingling became a burning hunger.
    “Not here. Let me take you someplace,” he said hoarsely. “I’ll make it good…”
    She didn’t want to go anywhere.