His Every Need
Page 31
If he didn’t want her to go away, why hadn’t he asked her to stay? Why hadn’t he called? “Keep your money.”
He shrugged. “No. Give it away if you like. Start a home for wayward mistresses.”
“I’m giving it back to you.”
“I’ll just give it back to you.”
“God, you are so infuriating.” She jumped up from the bench.
“You think I gave you that money as some kind of payoff?”
“I have no idea,” she said. “I have no idea why you do anything, Trevor. You never tell me anything, you just dictate. And then you deposit money into my account, like I’m still your little fuck toy.”
He stood too, his face cold and blank. “That’s not why I gave it to you. I want you to have a life. I want you to be free to follow your dreams. You’ve sacrificed everything for your family, you deserve to have whatever you want.”
She only wanted him. “I don’t want your money, Trevor.”
“What the fuck do you want, Allison? Because I can’t figure it out. What else do I have to offer you? You say you love me and then leave—”
“I didn’t leave. You told me to stop interfering and then took pleasure in reminding me that I sold myself to you. You practically kicked me out the door.”
He quirked a brow and looked down his aristocratic nose at her. “Is that right? Things become difficult and you run?”
“You’re crazy, you know that? You told me you didn’t love me. You told me that you wouldn’t change.” She rubbed her forehead and watched small waves drift across the pond. “You don’t want a family. Marriage terrifies you. What the hell was I supposed to stay for? So you could continue to punish me? Push me until I snapped?” She dropped her hand and met his gaze. “What, Trevor? What was I supposed to stay for?”
His breath was choppy and his chest rose and fell as the muscles in his jaw jumped.
She waited. Waited for him to say something, anything to make her stay. Ask me to stay. But he remained silent and his expression told her nothing.
“I’m giving the money back, Trevor. Please just keep it.” She turned and walked to the stone path that led to the house.
“Uruguay.”
Her heart faltered, and she froze, her back to him.
“Uruguay,” he repeated.
Biting her lip, she spun around. “I’m not trying to hurt you.”
“Don’t leave me, Allison.” He almost whispered the words.
She knew this was huge for him. But still, she wanted more, needed it. “Why should I stay?”
“My world is empty without you. I want you home. With me.”
“I want the whole package, Trevor. Love, kids, a dog.”
He swallowed and nodded. “I want that with you too. But you’ll have to show me how it’s supposed to work, because I’m fucking clueless. And I draw the line at cats.” He strode toward her and, when he reached her, swooped down and claimed her mouth with his own. His hands moved over her cheeks, caressing them. When he broke off the kiss, his thumbs teased her jaw. “I have trouble with the words, Allison, but the feelings are there. So listen carefully. I am less than nothing without you. I’m a better man when you’re here. I love you. Do you understand me? I adore everything that you are.”
She caressed his forearms. “I love you so much.”
“Never leave me again. I forbid it.” He paused. “Please.”
She grinned. “Okay. But I’m going to call you out on your bossy bullshit.”
“Naturally.” He dropped his hands from her face and wrapped an arm around her waist. “You know, I thought you’d be here three weeks ago, when I first put the money into your account. What took you so long?”
“I haven’t looked at my bank statement.”
He shook his head as they walked toward the house. “I have so much to teach you about business. Rule number one, always read your bank statement.” He stopped and peered down at her. “And if it’s all right with you, I’d like to start a cancer foundation in your mother’s name.”
With tears in her eyes, she nodded. “You’d do that for me?”
He smiled. One of his rare, genuine smiles. “There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you, Allison Campbell.”
Epilogue
Two years later
The bride wore white and carried pale pink roses. The blooming flowers gave the conservatory a mixed floral scent. The fountain tinkled gently as the couple recited their vows.
It was a tiny ceremony, just family and friends.
Allie squeezed Trevor’s hand and watched her dad and Karen kiss as man and wife for the first time. Brynn was the maid of honor.
After she and Trevor eloped two years ago, and the weeklong lovefest that followed, Allie invited her family, Karen, Mags, and Nigel for a celebratory dinner. Sparks flew between her dad and Karen, and with Brynn’s blessing, they began dating again.
Monica stood to one side with her friend, Evan, an English major she’d met on campus. He was preppy and funny. Allie liked him very much and hoped they’d become more than friends someday. But Monica’s eyes kept straying to Cal Hughes. Pixie’s son was in town for the weekend. With long hair and wild eyes, he was full-on bad boy—and he had the motorcycle and tats to prove it.
Mags and Nigel stood to one side, clapping for the new couple. They were living “without the benefit of clergy,” as Mags put it. They seemed happier unmarried. And they’d bought a home not far from the mansion. It had taken some time, but Trevor’s attitude had mellowed a bit. He wasn’t as resentful, and he even played a round of golf with Nigel every once in a while.
“Our wedding was better,” Trevor whispered in her ear.
“Ever regret it?” Allie asked, glancing up at him.
He looked at her with serious eyes. “Not for a second. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”
“I love you too, English.”
Acknowledgments
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the people who helped make this book happen.
My crit pals and beta readers: Thank you for your time and support. It means so much. I heart you all.
My friends, who love me even on my crazy days: Sara, Shannon, Kathy, Alta, and Sherry. Without you guys, I’d have a lot more of them than I already do.
Leah Hultenschmidt: Thanks for loving Trevor as much as I do.
Cat Clyne: Your cheerfulness was delightful and your patience appreciated.
The team at Sourcebooks: You’ve helped make my dream a reality and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all your hard work.
Courtney Miller-Callihan: Thanks for taking a chance on me.
About the Author
As a girl, Terri L. Austin thought she’d outgrow dreaming up stories and creating imaginary friends. Instead, she’s made a career of it. She met her own Prince Charming and together they live in Missouri. She loves to hear from readers. Visit her at www.terrilaustin.com.
Against the Ropes
Sarah Castille
He scared me. He thrilled me. And after one touch, all I could think about was getting more…
Makayla never thought she’d set foot in an elite mixed martial arts club. But if anyone needs a medic on hand, it’s these guys. Then again, at her first sight of the club’s owner, she’s the one feeling breathless.
The man they call Torment is all sleek muscle and restrained power. Whether it’s in the ring or in the bedroom, he knows exactly when a soft touch is required and when to launch a full-on assault. He always knows just how far he can push. And he’s about to tempt Makayla in ways she never imagined…
Praise for Against the Ropes:
“Smart, sharp, sizzling, and deliciously sexy.” —Alison Kent, bestselling author of Unbreakable
For more Sarah Castille books, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
In Your Corner
Sarah Castille
A high-powered lawyer, Amanda never had any problem getting what she wanted. Until Jake. She was a no-strings-attached kind of girl. He wanted more. Two years after their breakup, she still hasn’t found anyone nearly as thrilling in bed. And then he shows up in her boardroom…
Jake is used to fighting his battles in a mixed martial arts ring, not in court. He needs Amanda’s expertise. And whether she knows it or not, she needs him to help her find true happiness.
For more Sarah Castille books, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
Wicked Beat
Sinners on Tour
Olivia Cunning
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
How far out are your fantasies?
When Rebeka Blake becomes the Sinners’ new soundboard operator, she has no idea that red-hot drummer Eric Sticks is the only man who can give her everything her dirty mind desires…
Praise for Double Time:
“Olivia Cunning delivers the perfect blend of steamy sex, heartwarming romance, and a wicked sense of humor.” —Nocturne Romance Reads
“Snappy dialogue, dizzying romance, scorching hot sex, and realistic observations about life on tour make this a winner.” —Publishers Weekly
“It just doesn’t get any hotter or any better. On- and offstage.” —Open Book Society
“Smoking hot sex and romance that pulls at your heartstrings.” —Romance Reviews
For more Olivia Cunning books, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
Double Time
Sinners on Tour
Olivia Cunning
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
He craves her music and passion
On the rebound from the tumult of his bisexual lifestyle, notoriously sexy rock guitarist Trey Mills falls for sizzling new female guitar sensation Regan Elliott and is swept into the hot, heady romance he never dreamed possible.
She can’t get enough of his body
Ecstatic to be on tour learning the ropes with Trey’s band, The Sinners, Regan finds she craves Trey as much as she craves being in the spotlight.
They both need more…
When Regan’s ex, Ethan Conner, enters the scene, Trey’s secret desires come back to haunt him, and pleasure and passion are taken to a whole new level of dangerous desire.
Praise for Rock Hard:
“Sizzling sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll… Absolutely perfect!” —Fresh Fiction
“Scorching love scenes…readers will love the characters.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 stars
For more Olivia Cunning books, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
Out of Bounds
Dawn Ryder
He’s used to dominating…
Tarak Nektosha is a self-made man, against all odds. He accomplished that by making sure he’s the one in charge, both in the boardroom and in the bedroom.
She’s taking her power back…
Sabra Donovan has ambition to spare and energy to burn. So what if her last lover was a disappointment? She’s never going to be anyone’s plaything ever again.
Sabra’s outstanding performance at a corporate photo op immediately attracts Tarak’s attention, and the lines begin to blur. What happens when the one on top surrenders and the one used to obeying begins to call the shots?
Praise for Dawn Ryder:
“Deeply romantic, scintillating, and absolutely delicious.” —Sylvia Day, New York Times #1 bestselling author
“Not to be missed.” —Lora Leigh, New York Times #1 bestselling author
For more Dawn Ryder books, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
Awakening
Elene Sallinger
He will open her eyes to the ultimate pleasure…
The minute Claire walked into his shop, she aroused every protective instinct Evan ever had. She looked so fragile, so lost. He ached to be the one to show her a world she’d never dreamed of, to awaken within her the passion she was so ripe to share. It only takes one touch for him to see how open and responsive she is to his dominant side. But the true test will be whether he can let go at last and finally open his heart…
Festival of Romance Award Winner
What readers are saying:
“If Fifty Shades of Grey intrigued you, Awakening will take you to a whole new level of desire, submission, and unforgettable romance.” —Judge, Festival of Romance contest
“One of the absolute best BDSM novels I have read. (And I’ve read quite a few.) This one is absolutely amazing!” —Autumn Jean
“Finally! A well-told story that shows the characters’ vulnerabilities and how they learned to trust and love again.” —A. Hirsch
For more Xcite Books, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
Restless Spirit
Sommer Marsden
Three men want her. Only one can truly claim her.
When Tuesday Cane inherits a cozy lake house, she’s not expecting to find love as part of her legacy. But how can she choose between Aiden, the loyal and über-sexy handyman she’s known for years; the charming and wealthy Reed Green, a former TV star; and the mysterious Shepherd Moore, an ex cage fighter.
The only way to know for sure is to try them all… Surrounded by so many interesting men and erotic temptations, Tuesday has no intention of committing. But deep down she longs for that special, soul-deep connection. Only, which man can entice this restless spirit into finally settling down?
What readers are saying:
“An intense emotional and sexual journey that is quite compelling.” —Kathy
“One of the best adult/erotica books I have ever read. The characters are real and believable, and the sex scenes are absolutely scorching hot.” —Rebecca
“Themes of domination and submission are fantastically well varied throughout the story… Realistic and relatable characters with steamy encounters at every turn.” —Michelle
For more Xcite Books, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
The Initiation of Ms. Holly
K. D. Grace
The stranger on the train
He came to her in the dark. She couldn’t see him, but she could feel every inch of his body against hers in the most erotic encounter Rita Holly ever had. And now he’s promising more…if she’ll just follow him to an exclusive club where opulence and sex rule. She can have anything she’s ever dreamed of—and more—but first she’ll have to pass the club’s initiation…
What readers are saying:
“After reading Fifty Shades of Grey, I didn’t think I would find another book as well written, but then I read The Initiation of Ms. Holly, and I was immediately taken in. This book is sexy, erotic, and explosive. I didn’t want to put it down.” —Dani
“Very, very erotic and sizzling!!! Wow, I could not put it down.” —Theresa
“Everything you want in a romantic, erotic, sexual novel.” —Jean
“For a fast-paced read with enough twists and turns to keep the story fresh and entertaining, you couldn’t ask for a better book.” —Christine
For more Xcite Books, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
Control
Charlotte Stein
Will she choose control or just let go?
When Madison Morris wanted to hire a shop assistant for her naughty little bookstore, she never dreamed she’d have two handsome men vying for the position—and a whole lot more. Does she choose dark and dangerous Andy with his sexy tattoos? Or quiet, serious Gabrie
l, whose lean physique and gentle touch tempt her more than she thought possible?
She loves the way Andy takes charge when it comes to sex. But the turmoil in Gabe’s eyes hints at a deep well of complicated emotions locked inside. When the fun and games are over, only one man can have control of her heart.
What readers are saying:
“Forget Fify Shades of Grey...take a look at this and see how long you can stay in control!”
“This is honest to god, hands down, the best erotic fiction I’ve ever read.”
“Highly addictive!”
For more Xcite Books, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com