Fever (Breathless #2)(56)

She carried it back over to where he stood but she wouldn’t meet his gaze. She held it out to him, her hand shaking so badly that he caught her hand in his to stop the trembling. When she tried to pull back, he tightened his grip and held on, fearing that if he let her go he’d never get her back.

“I used a hundred dollars,” she whispered. “I’m sorry. I took a cab downtown. I thought it would be quicker. I didn’t want to be gone long because I knew you’d worry. So I took a cab there and back. I tipped. Maybe I shouldn’t have. But I know what it’s like to need money and taxi drivers don’t always get good tips.”

She was babbling and it hurt him to hear the pain in her voice that was caused by his misjudgment.

“Baby,” he whispered.

He pulled her to him and she was rigid against his body.

“Baby,” he said again. “Tell me why you went. Tell me why you couldn’t discuss this with me.”

Even as he spoke, he walked backward, pulling her with him. He dropped onto the couch and tugged until she perched on his lap. He wrapped both arms around her so she couldn’t flee, and judging by her expression, he still had a long way to go before she willingly stayed.

“I had to tell him to be careful,” she whispered. “I didn’t want those men to hurt him and I knew he couldn’t pay them back. And I had to tell him about . . . us. He’d worry when he didn’t see me. I basically disappeared and I didn’t want him to think I was dead or that I’d just moved on and left him.”

Jace knew the matter had been taken care of but Bethany didn’t. And now he was curious—genuinely curious—why she’d left the cash he’d given her here. There was enough in that envelope to have paid Jack’s debt and yet she’d left it behind.

“There was enough cash in that envelope to pay Jack’s debt,” Jace said quietly.

Her voice was barely a whisper. “Yes, I know.”

“Why didn’t you take it to him?”

She tensed against him but when he said nothing else, her shoulders slumped and she looked at him, disappointment burning in her eyes.

“I’d never do that,” she said softly. “It wasn’t my money. I wouldn’t take it from you to pay Jack’s debt. Jack got himself into that situation. If I had the money, I’d give it. No reservations. What’s mine is his. But that money wasn’t mine. I’d never take advantage of you that way. You’ve been so good to me, Jace. I don’t want to repay that kindness with deceit, even if what I did today is just that.”

Jace sighed. “Jack’s debt is paid off. The men are no longer interested in you or Jack. They have their money and that’s all they cared about. That’s why I told Kaden and Trevor that I wasn’t sure I’d need them tomorrow. Not because I’m kicking you out.”

Her gaze became troubled and her lips turned down into an unhappy frown.

“What did you do, Jace?” she whispered.

“I took care of the matter.”

She shook her head. “No. It wasn’t your problem. I don’t want you involved.”

Tears were shiny in her eyes and his heart squeezed as she fought them.

“You are most definitely my concern,” he said gruffly. “I did it because those sons of bitches came after you for the money. That I won’t allow. I’ll do anything in this world to keep you out of harm’s way. There’s absolutely nothing you can say to change my mind on that score, so save your breath.”

He slid his fingers along her jaw and then feathered the tip of one over her full lips.

“Now that we have that out of the way, there’s more we need to discuss. But I want to have this particular conversation with you naked. In the bedroom. You focused solely on me and me on you.”

Her eyes widened and her cheeks remained pale and she stared intently up at him.

“Do you trust me enough to do what I’m asking, Bethany?”

It was a test. Not because he was being an ass**le. But he needed to know he had her trust. He was about to take a huge step forward in what would be a very demanding relationship. He had to know she could handle that. He couldn’t hold back much longer.

She licked her lips and dipped her chin, but he wouldn’t allow her to look away. He wanted to see every thought that flickered through her eyes. Every reaction. Every doubt and every question.

“Are you still angry with me?” she asked softly.

Her eyes were troubled and she looked worried.

“I’m angry, yes. Not at you. I’m frustrated. Again, not at you. Our relationship is what’s frustrating me at present. I’m holding so much back, Bethany, and it’s killing me.”

She cocked her head, her eyes narrowing in confusion. “Why are you holding back?”

He groaned. “Because I don’t want to scare you away, baby. It’s going to be intense. Overwhelming, even. I’m trying my damnedest to take things slow because I want to take care of you. Make sure you’re with me every step of the way.”

“I’m with you,” she said quietly.

“No, baby, you aren’t. Not yet.”

“Then tell me. Show me. How can I know what it is you need from me if you don’t show me? You’ve given, Jace, but you aren’t taking. And I need to be able to give you something. I have nothing that you lack. There’s nothing I can give you except me, and you don’t want it yet.”