Reflected in You(114)

"I've got time on my hands," I shot back, just as breathless, "since I dumped my asshat boyfriend."


He growled, fiercely passionate, his hand in my hair pulling so tightly it pained me.


"You can't make this up with a kiss or a f*ck, Gideon.


Not this time."


It was so hard to let him go; nearly impossible after the weeks I'd been denied the right and opportunity to touch him.


I needed him.


His forehead pressed to mine.


"You have to trust me."


I put my hands on his chest and shoved him back.


He let me, his gaze searching my face.


"Not when you don't talk to me."


I reached over, pulled the key from the control panel, and held it out to him.


The car began its descent.


"You put me through hell.


On purpose.


Made me suffer.


And there's no end in sight.


I don't know what the f*ck you're doing, ace, but this Dr.


Jekyll and Mr.


Hyde shit ain't cutting it with me."


His hand went into his pocket, his movements leisurely and controlled, which was when he was at his most dangerous.


"You're completely unmanageable."


"When I've got clothes on.


Get used to it."


The car doors opened and I stepped out.


His hand went to the small of my back, and a shiver moved through me.


That innocuous touch, through layers of material, had been inciting lust in me from the very first.


"You put your hand on Corinne's back like this again, and I'm breaking your fingers."


"You know I don't want anyone else," he murmured.


"I can't.


I'm consumed with wanting you."


Both the Bentley and the Mercedes were waiting at the curb.


The sky had darkened while I'd been inside, as if it were brooding along with the man beside me.


There was a weighted expectation in the air, an early sign of a gathering summer storm.


I stopped beneath the entrance overhang and looked at Gideon.


"Make them ride together.


You and I need to talk."


"That was the plan."


Angus touched the brim of his hat and slid behind the wheel.


The other driver walked up to Gideon and handed him a set of keys.


"Miss Tramell," he said, by way of greeting.


"Eva, this is Raul."


"We meet again," I said.


"Did you pass on my message last time?" Gideon's fingers flexed against my back.


"He did."


I beamed.


"Thank you, Raul."


Raul went around to the front passenger side of the Bentley, while Gideon escorted me to the Mercedes and opened the door for me.


I felt a little thrill as he got behind the wheel and adjusted the seat to accommodate his long legs.


He started the engine and merged into traffic, expertly and confidently navigating the powerful car through the craziness of New York city streets.


"Watching you drive makes me want you," I told him, noting how his easy grip on the wheel tightened.


"Christ."


He glanced at me.


"You have a transportation fetish."


"I have a Gideon fetish."


My voice lowered.


"It's been weeks."


"And I hate every second of it.


This is torment for me, Eva.


I can't focus.


I can't sleep.


I lose my temper at the slightest irritants.


I'm in hell without you."


I never wanted him to suffer, but I'd be lying if I said it didn't make my own misery better knowing he was missing me as much as I was missing him.I twisted in my seat to face him.


"Why are you doing this to us?" "I had an opportunity and I took it."


His jaw firmed.


"This separation is the price.


It won't last forever.


I need you to be patient."


I shook my head.


"No, Gideon.


I can't.


Not anymore."


"You're not leaving me.


I won't let you."


"I've already left.


Don't you see that? I'm living my life and you're not in it."


"I'm in it every way I can be right now."


"By having Angus following me around? Come on.


That's not a relationship."


I leaned my cheek against the seat.


"Not one I want anyway."


"Eva."


He exhaled harshly.


"My silence is the lesser of two evils.