I WANT YOU

CHAPTER 12

Anna came awake to find Arthur sitting in a comfortable looking chair by the fireplace, a glass of his favorite amber liquid clutched in his hand.

The older man was staring intently into the fire, lost in thought. Anna was laying there, gazing at the beautiful and powerful man. The conversation she’d overheard came rushing back, and Anna had to bite her lip to stop the sob from escaping.

It felt as if her heart was being torn out of her chest, leaving a gaping hole behind.

The fire crackled as Arthur lifted the glass to his lips and took a sip. He lowered the glass, then he turned his head, and their eyes locked.

“You’re awake.” The man’s voice was as deep as rumbling thunder and as smooth as the silk sheets Anna was lying under. “You had us all worried.”

Anna sat up, the sheets pooling in her lap, and realized that she was still naked. She yanked the sheet up to hide her almost flat chest.

“I didn’t mean to worry anyone. I’m sorry if I’m such a bother.” she couldn’t help the bitterness in her voice.

Images of the older man making love to another person set Anna’s teeth on edge. It would probably be a beautiful and sexy woman who filled the man’s bed, but Anna liked to think that he likes her too.

Arthur's gaze intensified as he set his glass aside. “If I felt that you were a bother, then you wouldn’t be here.”

No. Anna didn’t see him capitulating to anyone.

Slipping back down, Anna settled herself under the sheets.

“Tell me why you were eavesdropping outside my study,” Arthur said.

Anna felt her pulse quickening as her stomach knotted. There was no way she was going tell the older man that she had sought Arthur out in hopes of gaining a kiss.

Shee’d been humiliated enough for one night. “I was looking for Cristina.”

Arthur stood and walked over to the side of the bed, staring down at Anna. His eyes burning. “I will not tolerate lies from you.”

Anna’s throat grew dry as her fingers strangled the edge of the sheets. She stared into those gorgeous amber eyes and knew her time at Frost Manor was quickly coming to an end.

When Arthur found out how much Anna adored him, how much she craved for the older man's touches, he'll probably toss her out of his home as soon as possible. “The truth?”

Arthur gave one stiff nod. “That’s all I ever want from you.”

Anna’s attention wandered over Arthur's large and powerful body. From the man’s broad chest to his thick waist and down his sculpted thighs his gaze traveled until Anna’s eyes fixated on his groin.

Why the hell he's so damn hot?!

“Why do you call me pup?” Anna asked. She prayed like hell that he didn’t say anything about being needy, yappy, or cute. Anna was already devastated enough.

“It’s an endearment,” Arthur answered. “Nothing derogatory.”

“Do you—” She couldn’t bring herself to ask Arthur if the guy viewed her in a feminine way. It would shatter Anna’s heart if the man said yes.

Arthur sat on the edge of the bed. “Do I what?”

Anna shook her head and felt her cheeks flaming with heat. This was all so embarrassing and awkward. The older man was looking for the truth, and if Anna gave it to him, she feared that Arthur would laugh.

Arthur brushed his knuckles over Anna’s cheek, and she leaned into the touch. For a second Anna swore he saw that amber glow again.

“You should not be embarrassed to tell me anything,” Arthur said, his brows furrowing slightly. “What is it?”

“You’re my best friend’s father,” Anna replied. “Of course I’m embarrassed to tell you anything.”

Arthur's hand fell away as his jaw worked from side to side. His eyes searched Anna’s face before he said, “Stop avoiding the question.”

Anna’s heart slammed behind her ribs, and she knew that there was no way to get out of this. She was going to lose the only family she truly cared about.

Anna would give anything to go back in time and stop herself from eavesdropping. In doing so, she had sealed her fate. “If I tell you, I’ll lose the only family that I ever cared about,” Anna confessed sadly. “Please don’t make me tell you.”

Arthur's eyes softened as he began to run his fingers through Anna’s hair. “I don’t think there is anything that you can confess to me that would make me turn my back on you. I would hope you thought higher of me.”

“I do!” Anna couldn’t believe she was having this conversation. Arthur had always treated her kindly, but he had never taken such close interest to her like this before.

Over the years, the older man had visited Anna in the hospital every time she’d gotten sick and paid all of her medical bills.

He always sent his car to pick Anna up when she was in foster care so that Cristina and Anna could hang out together. Arthur paid for Anna’s college tuition and the apartment that she currently rented.

Anna spent every holiday with the Knight family. She had even gone on vacation with them. But although Arthur was always caring toward Anna, this intense interest was a new development.

Anna dropped her head and fiddled with the sheets.

He smoothed his hand over Anna’s face and then gripped her chin, tilting it upward. “Tell me.”

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