THE PERFECT TEN (Boxed Set)

meant to check on her, but she grabbed his hand before he could turn away.
    “Zane, stay with me.”
    He stood still, as if he were unsure, then said, “Honey, I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere.”  He gave her fingers a squeeze and tried to let go.
    She pulled the covers back and tugged on his hand. “Please. I don’t want to sleep alone.” 
    Had she not shivered at that moment, she thought he might have refused. When her hand twitched from the movement of her shaking he slid down next to her. The bed gave with his weight.
    Not sure what to do next, she lay perfectly still on her side facing him. Not that she could hide her nervousness, but she was breathing as if she’d just run a sprint.
    He stared at her, desire burning through his gaze. He did want her. What was holding him back?
    She shook with another chill.
    He reached for her, pulling her into his arms. She melted into his heat and teased his neck with her lips. She kissed his skin, tasting him, and inched her hand up the curved muscles covering his chest.
    When she wiggled closer, he shuddered against her. But still he wasn’t taking what she offered.
    She had no question that he was interested when the thick bulge in his shorts hardened and prodded her stomach. Any left over exhaustion evaporated as her body went on full alert.
    He muttered, “If you don’t go to sleep soon this isn’t going to work. I’m not a saint.”
    His fingers kneaded gently along her shoulders. He kissed the top of her head and breathed out a ragged sigh.
    She moved her hand down his chest, sliding her nails lightly up and down across the contour of his abs. He sucked in a sharp breath. His hand stopped massaging her shoulders.
    “Angel.”  Her name sounded forced through clenched teeth. “Go. To. Sleep,” he said, each word a clear warning.
    She’d never felt so safe in her life. Being alone with Zane brought out a side of her she’d been afraid to expose to any man before.
    She wanted this man, all of him, tonight.
    One more touch should convince him she wasn’t the least bit sleepy. Her hand drifted lower to the rim of his shorts. She slid a finger under the elastic waistband and ran a sensuous trail south.
    She was flipped over on her back and covered with his body before she could blink. He had her arms pinned above her head, but his weight rested on his elbows.
    “Look,” Zane warned again, but this time in a tight voice. “I’m not made of stone.”
    She looked down between them. “Liar.”
    Growling, he said, “You’re about ten seconds from pushing me past the point of no return.”
    “Then take me with you. I want you, Zane.”
    ~*~
    Zane stared at Angel, not believing his ears. What blood hadn’t squeezed into his aching arousal found its way there now. He was harder than the foundation under their hotel.
    He couldn’t take advantage of Angel. This wasn’t like last night in his apartment. She’d been in shock for hours. She’d regret the decision tomorrow and he’d feel lower than pond scum.
    But, dammit, he wanted her.
    Digging deep, he edged past his raging libido and uttered the words that would surely qualify him for sainthood.
    “Honey, you don’t know what you’re saying. It’s the stress you’ve been through. We can’t do this.”
    “I do know what I’m saying. I may not live through this.”
    “Don’t say that,” he ordered. Nothing was going to happen to her. He wouldn’t allow it.
    More than wanting her right now, he needed her.
    “Whether we want to face it or not,” she whispered. “I may not survive. I’ve only been with one person, a boy in high school and that wasn’t very special. I want a special night with you. Don’t you want me?”
    His head drooped.
    Hell, he’d never wanted to be a saint.
    “Baby,” he whispered, “I’ve wanted you so bad, I can’t think.”  He released her hands, rubbing her palms with his thumbs.
    “Then love me tonight,” she pleaded.
    Neither moved for a long second, then he lowered his head to gently kiss her brow and cheeks.
    He paused and released an exasperated deep breath. “We can’t.”  His voice was loaded with regret. “I don’t have any condoms here. I won’t put you at risk of getting pregnant. You may not think you’re going to live, but I intend to make damn sure you do.” 
    Zane wanted to assure her everything would be okay, but he wouldn’t lie to her. He could tell her she wouldn’t face the world alone no matter how determined