Eve Vaughn (9 page)

Here was the moment of truth. Holly knew she should say something but it was difficult to get the words out. He’d just spilled his heart out to her so the least she could do was give him an answer. Despite what she wanted to say, she was terrified.

His dark eyes gleamed with anxiety. Holly couldn’t believe this big strong hunk could want her.

“Holly?” Chase prompted.

In the past few days she’d come to rely on this man so much. The fact that he’d risked his life for her over and over again should have told her that he truly was in love with her as he claimed. The least she could do was share with him what was in her heart.

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“I love you too!” She blurted the words out before she lost her nerve.

“Oh, sweetheart,” he groaned and pulled her into his arms.

When he would have bent his head to give her a kiss, she pressed her hands against the broad expanse of his hard chest. “But I have to get something off my chest before we go any further.”

“What’s there to say, darling? I love you and you love me. I can’t put it more simply than that.”

“One would think so right? But I fear for our future.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m frightened this thing we have together will eventually fizzle out. Maybe it will disappear as quickly as it appeared.”

“No,” he said with absolute certainty. “When I saw you I knew it was forever.”

“I wish I could be as sure as you. But I’ve never been in love with anyone before.

I thought I was, but nothing I’ve ever felt for anyone has come close to what I feel for you. After our first encounter I was so angry and hurt, and I couldn’t figure out why at first. I knew why after I saw you again, even though I didn’t want to admit it to myself.

I had feelings for you even then, but I wondered if it was because you were the most exciting man I’d ever met and there was a little hero worship on my part or if it was the real thing. After spending the last few days with you, I know my feelings for you come from my heart. I love you, Chase. I’m just scared you’ll grow tired of me. I’m not skinny and gorgeous and I do have a tendency to be bossy and unfortunately I’ve been told I snore.”

Chase chuckled. “Tell me about it.”

She smacked him on the chest. “I’m trying to be serious here.” He grinned, and leaned forward to brush his lips against hers. “Let’s settle a few things. If I wanted someone who was skin and bones, I’d be with her. And I for one think you are gorgeous. Why else can’t I stop staring at you? And I already know you’re a little bossy but I also realize it stems from the fact that you care. As for the snoring, I’d be a shallow son of a bitch if I let something as trivial as that stand in the

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way of our happiness. How about you stop making excuses and let what’s happening between us happen? We love each other and that’s the most important thing.” It felt so good to be loved and have that love returned. Her heart felt as if it would overflow with all the overwhelming sensations coursing through her. Despite everything going on with the Cyrellians and the fact there’d be dangerous times ahead, she knew everything would be fine as long as Chase was there by her side.

“You’re right.”

He chuckled. “I usually am.”

Holly rolled her eyes. “Don’t get a swelled head.”

“The only head that’s swelling is the one between my legs.” She giggled, wondering if it would be wise to make love out here in the woods.

When Chase began to nibble on her neck, Holly no longer cared if it was or not.

has enjoyed creating characters and making up stories from an early age. As a child she was always getting into mischief, so when she lost her television privileges (which was often), writing was her outlet. Her stories have gotten quite a bit spicier since then! Eve likes to read, bake, make crafts, travel, and spend time with her family. She lives in the Philadelphia area with her husband and pet turtle. She loves to hear from her fans, so feel free to contact her at [email protected], join her yahoo group at [email protected] and visit her website at http://www.evevaughn.com/.