that rippled underneath his linen shirt would by comparison to his arms
securing her in an embrace so wonderful that a strong need rose within
her. One that had been suppressed so long that she barely realized the
feeling of wanting to be connected to someone. Thanks to her family, Joy
was desensitized to any real emotion. Starting from the time she’d been
forced to leave home at twelve to find a safe place to live.
* * *
Ali welcomed the idea that this event did not have gray areas.
Everyone played by the same set of rules. “Maybe” would be voiced as a
“No.” The word “no” was met with a comforting phrase, “Thank you for
taking care of yourself.” No quipping, no explanations, no arguments, no
persuasion—a simple “No” and the participant moved on.
True power lay in the person that respected the other’s boundaries.
One look at Joy and he became aware that boundaries and walls were
relative.
“I’m not sure what to expect …” He’d heard her say. Neither did he,
but the possibilities had become intriguing. Joy had an exotic beauty, and
elegance even with the pain that was so clearly etched in her eyes. He felt
an overwhelming urge to see her smile.
Ali moved forward, keeping her hand securely in his.
Wounded. Betrayed. Strong. So many vibrations swirling about the
woman across the room, but he zeroed in to the two that mattered most.
Survivor. Resilient.
He guided her to the empty space she’d vacated on the sofa. All around
them people claimed spaces on chairs, loveseats, mattresses draped in
crisp sheets, comfy-looking pallets on the floor, and some indulging the
tempting treats spread out on the dining room table. The atmosphere
was relaxed, but still rife with anticipation.
Ali moved closer to Joy. “May I hold you?”
“Yes, you may.”
Ali shifted so that Joy was now curled into him. He relished the feel
of her lush, sensuous body relaxed in mild supplication as though the
art of seduction had seeped from her pores. The timbre of her voice
had softened when he introduced himself. That vibration of acceptance
resonating all over her body as she said the word he’d longed to hear drip
from her lips—Yes.
Ali knew then and there—Joy would be his. Completely.
“Why are you here?” she whispered.
Ali locked gazes with Joy as he confessed, “I came … for you.”
Naleighna Kai is the national
bestselling author of several
controversial novels. She’s the
founder of the NK Tribe Called
Success, NK Literary Cafe
Magazine, and the Cavalcade
of Authors Literary Tour. She
is an agent, developmental
editor, literary consultant and
marketing and promotion
specialist.
www.naleighnakai.com