Trace of Fever - Lori Foster [144]
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE TRACE FOLLOWED BEHIND Chris as he led the way from his smaller house down closer to the lake, up to Dare’s much larger home. They’d accomplished only a little, but he now knew that Priss’s ID was authentic, and that she lived in Ohio. “She was seriously ready to blow, Trace. I know pissed when I see it, and that girl was pissed. Big-time.” Dare flattened his mouth, but couldn’t keep quiet. “You say Matt wanted to wax her?” “Yeah.” Chris looked back at them. “I think he thought he was supposed to…you know…style her everywhere.” Trace locked his teeth together. He did not want to have this discussion again. Not with his friends. “I don’t blame her for complaining.” Dare frowned at Trace. “Hell of a thing to ask a girl to do, especially in a private home instead of a salon.” Trace stopped dead in his tracks, fed up, pushed over the edge. “She’s not a girl. She’s a grown woman who put herself in this predicament by plotting against Murray.” Dare and Chris stopped, too, then tu
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN THE KISS LINGERED UNTIL Trace knew he had to end it or else find a room. If he did that, he’d be late getting back to Murray, because a quickie with Priss would never satisfy him. Sure, it’d take the edge off, but what he really wanted was to linger with her, to spend his time sating them both. Soon, he told himself. When the timing was right. Responsibility had never felt so heavy. “You, Priscilla Patterson, are a mighty distraction.” “I never was before.” She put her forehead to his sternum. “But I’m glad I am now. Truth is, I need the distraction as much as you apparently do.” “Worried?” He smoothed her hair again. He couldn’t wait to feel it on his bare skin. They were moving at the speed of light, and the circumstances weren’t exactly conducive to seduction, but that didn’t seem to matter. The chemistry was there, taking over, driving them both, and he felt defenseless against it. Against her. “Just wondering about something.” She levered back. “Murray doesn’t trace th
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN TRACE CONCENTRATED on the traffic, on the surrounding area and on not responding to Priss’s astute guess. After a minute of silence from him, she retreated back to her own seat. The second she stopped touching him, he felt her withdrawal, both physical and emotional, and he hated it. Tension built inside him. “Priss…” With little interest, she said, “Hmm?” Damn it. Why he felt so drawn to her, so…entwined with her, Trace couldn’t say. But he didn’t want a barrier between them, not now. “I do have a sister.” “I know.” She sounded even more remote. “I heard you say so.” Loyalties divided, Trace sought a response that would pacify her. “Alani’s life…her issues…they’re private. Hers to share, not mine.” At least he had her attention again. Priss watched him, still guarded but also sympathetic. Finally she sighed. “I can understand that.” She turned her head to look out the window at the passing scenery. “That’s exactly how I feel about my life and my issues.” Trace was quick
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE “I WANT TO TALK TO her myself.” Murray tangled his hand in Helene’s hair—and pulled. “Who are we talking about, sweet?” She winced, but didn’t fight him. Her lip curled. “Priscilla.” “Ah.” Murray loved how Helene always simmered near the boiling point, no matter the circumstances, no matter his mood or how rough or gentle he might me. “Jealous, much?” Heat flared in her light blue eyes. “Jealous, not at all!” “You’re a liar. I can see it.” He cuddled her big, firm breast. “You’re vibrating with hatred.” Her lips parted as he found her nipple. “Hatred, yes. She’s trying to use you. I know it. I don’t trust her.” Very softly, he asked, “You don’t trust me?” He applied more pressure to her nipple, tugged. “Ah—God, I do, Murray. Of course I do.” She panted. “Always.” “Then trust me to know what to do with little Priscilla Patterson.” Releasing her, Murray pushed her back and fumbled with his slacks. Submission always