“Sure, Cade.” There was no mistaking the anger in her tone now. “I wanted to go swimming anyway. Sorry I put you out.”
“Marly.” He stopped her before she could turn away.
Turning slowly, breathing harshly, he fought to explain.
“I didn’t mean—” he didn’t know what the hell to say. “I’ve been without a
woman—” he shook his head. Dammit.
“You’re just horny and I was just here. Right?” She nearly snarled the answer for him. “I’m the same as your niece, and please don’t read any more into it than that.” Her voice was mocking and cold. “Save it, Cade. Because it’s not something I want to hear.
She turned and stalked from the room as he finally raised his gaze. Good thing she didn’t want to hear it, he thought morosely, because it sure as hell wasn’t what he wanted to say. As she stalked from the room, he had a perfect view of her round buttocks and lithe, jean-clad legs as she left the room. He closed his eyes tightly, fighting for control, fighting to halt the visions rolling through his head. If he didn’t do something soon, the steel hard erection in his jeans would take control for him.
His father’s accusations haunted him now. The old bastard had known how much Cade wanted her, had seen it when no one else had. Seen it, and tormented him with it.
Cade felt bitter fury churn in his stomach. God, he couldn’t be as demented, as depraved as that old bastard. He wouldn’t allow it. The past had almost destroyed him once before, he wouldn’t let it finish the job now.
Chapter Five
Marly laid a hand to her trembling stomach, the imprint of Cade’s arousal still burning her flesh. And he had been aroused; there had been no mistaking it. She felt alternately giddy and furious that he had pushed her away at the exact moment she felt it. As though it were dirty, she thought with a frown, her fingers running lightly over the flesh of her stomach. She trembled, remembering his fingers on her back, his calloused flesh running warmly over her skin. His fingers playing with the chain as though he couldn’t help himself. She shivered again.
It was the first time he had touched her in any way other than a child. The first time his own breathing had been harsh, his heart thudding roughly beneath her cheek. She had wanted so desperately to turn her face up to him, to tempt him to lower his head, to touch his lips to hers, but she knew he wouldn’t, and she hadn’t wanted it to end. It had ended much too quickly the way it was.
“Hey Marly, are you okay?” Greg knocked at her door again, his voice softly questioning.
Walking over to the door, Marly pulled it open. Looking past Greg she checked the hallway quickly, then stood back for him to enter.
“Get in here.” She gripped his arm and pulled him into the room.
Greg’s eyes widened in surprise as he moved past her.
“Are you okay?” His gaze went over her face quizzically, as though he expected bruises.
Marly rolled her eyes as she closed her door quickly.
“I’m fine. Cade has never laid a hand on me and he never would.” Well, at least not to hurt her, she thought with a shiver.
“Then what’s up?” Greg shook his head as he sat down in the large chair by her bed. “He was really pissed, Marly. You shouldn’t play with him like that.”
Greg’s earnest face matched his warning tone. Marly breathed out roughly.
“I can handle, Cade.” She shook her head, almost laughing at herself. Yeah. Right. She could sure handle him. She had him right where she wanted him and she ran.
“I’m glad one of us can.” Greg rubbed the back of his neck with a grimace. “I’m still thinking I should go home.”
“No. You can’t leave.” Marly spoke before stemming the desperation that bled into her tone.
Greg glanced up at her, his eyes narrowed speculatively on her face.
“What are you up to, Marly?” He asked her slowly, his gaze suspicious.
“I’m not up to anything.” But something had been up on Cade. Marly knew she was going to burn herself alive just thinking about it.
“You’re not convincing me,” Greg sighed roughly. “Marly, you aren’t going to try to use me to make Cade jealous, are you?”
Marly blinked at him. She hadn’t thought about that.
“Uh oh, your mind’s working.” Greg shook his head, fear shadowing his eyes. “Stop Marly, you know how that always scares me.”