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.Kirk does have a history of violence anddrug use. That.is exactly, what I mean, he said quietly. I m sorry.I kept my fingers crossed that Kirk would get busy and forget about me.What flamed his butt was Trace.I knew he hated Caucasian men, as he oftenspoke of harming them.Right now, I really needed to come clean with Trace.It was clear I had feelings for him.Although Trace was well-trained, disciplined, and a martial arts expert,there was no way I wanted him to face Kirk.If my suspicions were correct,Kirk would be in for quite a battle.Perhaps we would be in the treatmentroom when he returned.33Taboo Empress LaBlaQueChapter TenTurns out my ribs were only bruised.I didn t regret having them checkedout.After careful deliberation, I confessed my immediate past to Trace.Heexplained that he was serious about us.Any luggage I had was relevant to ourrelationship, as well as our safety.As we drove home, our conversation grewdeep.While I talked, Trace was quiet and listened carefully.My senses toldme he was angry; it turns out I was mistaken. Now that you knoweverything, are you still upset with me? Nandi, let me explain. He watched the road as he drove.His voicerumbled deep in his throat. I moved to this town three months ago.You velived here all your life.You have a lifetime of relationships. Yes, and. If you were on my territory, things would be the same.In the last town Ilived in, I dated several women.If you were new on my turf, I promise Iwouldn t leave you in the dark.It s too dangerous.Some women formattachments.Especially the ones with low self-esteem.I hadn t thought about that.Trace was right.Some women and guys werehard to shake, even if you told them to get lost.Because I didn t want anyonetreating Trace badly, I agreed that I d make him aware of dangeroussituations.Soon, Trace delivered me safely to my apartment.While I washed awaythe essence of the beach, Trace unpacked the truck.When I stepped out ofthe shower, I had washed my hair.The delicate scent of clean femaleencompassed my body.While standing in a bath towel and turban, I noticedthat Trace seemed haggard.After a long day at the beach, he still movedabout briskly.I felt selfish when I saw how hard he was working. Why don tyou take a shower, too? You have clean clothes in the duffel bag.There was no doubt, Trace needed a bath.He walked over and gave me alight hug.After inhaling my perfumed skin, he placed his bristly low growthagainst my face. You smell so fresh.I just might take you up on that offer. Fine, I remarked, moving from his stinky grasp. I ll get a towel andsome shampoo. Please, he sighed, observing his empty arms. I d love a shower. Hewalked toward the kitchen and turned. When I get out, I want you in bedresting. Resting. I tossed him a sidelong glance, then opened the closet door.Trace pointed his finger. I mean it, Nandi, he warned. First, I m goingto take that fermented stench to the trash dumpster. Walking toward theoverflowing trash in the kitchen, he finished his sentence. Then, I m going34Taboo Empress LaBlaQueto take a nice, hot shower.When I walk through that door, he pointedtoward the bathroom,  I want you in bed and resting.A take-charge man was always important to me, especially if my welfarecame first. Okay, I said, holding a bottle of shampoo. You win.I ll rest.Snatching up the cumbersome trash bags, Trace walked toward the door.He winked his eye and puckered his lips into a kiss. I ll be right back.After Trace s shower, we cuddled in bed and watched television.Thoughhe was wearing shorts, my eyes enjoyed the view of his freshly showeredbody.He toyed with the silky strands of my hair.While watching the strandsfalling back into place, Trace started to talk. I know you feel thisrelationship is going to be one-sided, but it isn t.Using the remote, I was trying to find a good movie but stopped. Whatmakes you think I feel that way?Trace tilted his head to one side. The conversation we had in therestaurant. Oh, I raised a brow. Listen. Trace raised my blouse and surveyed my bruise. I care aboutyou.I want to learn all about you. He pointed to himself. Trace Wynnwants to know what makes you happy.Although I m a good judge ofcharacter, I don t want to pretend I know everything. Trace paused. Tellme. He folded his darkly tanned arms. What would Nandi like to do onour next date?My mouth flew open. Oh, wow, that s so sweet. I reached out toembrace him. I m proud you feel that way.There is someplace I d like to go. And where is that? He drummed his fingers against his arm. Although I love my family, they do get on my nerves.Next weekendwe re having our family reunion.Would you like to go as my date, ofcourse? Sure. Trace s eyes widened with genuine concern. Where? Trace. I narrowed my eyes and searched the brightness in his. Are yousure you want to do this? Some of my family members are pretty unsavory.Trace smiled broadly. Kitten, I work with unpleasant individuals everyday.I understand them pretty well.Placing the remote on the bed, I demanded,  Don t be a glutton forpunishment.My Uncle Willie has this thing about white men.Think you canhandle that? This time, I folded my arms. We shall see, he shrugged.Reaching out, I tenderly stroked his freshly shaven face. I m nervousabout this.Maybe we shouldn t go.35Taboo Empress LaBlaQueTrace placed his hand on mine. Let s do go.Your family could becomemy family.In a fit of frustration, I kicked a pillow from the bed. Damn!Observing the pillow on the floor, Trace asked,  Is there a problem? I just don t want you to wear your feelings on your sleeve.I ve got somepretty raunchy cousins, too. Let me handle that. Trace shook his head. I m not worried.Now, putthose gorgeous lips on mine.36Taboo Empress LaBlaQueChapter ElevenWhen Saturday arrived, I was on pins and needles.After a few drinks,Uncle Willie could start a race riot, and I knew it [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]