One Night with a Tempting Playboy: From Playboy to Papa! / The Legendary Playboy Surgeon / Unwrapping the Playboy. Marie Ferrarella

wealthy enough to send me to the best schools. I received health care and education.”

      “You were also abused. You didn’t deserve that.”

      “I have to keep reminding myself of that fact.”

      “I’ll remind you,” he said, moving closer to her, taking her into his arms.

      Nicole slumped against him, inhaling his strength. She gave in to the urge to lift her hands to his hair and savored the sensation of his crisp hair in her fingers.

      “This isn’t wise,” she said, but couldn’t stop herself from leaning against him.

      “I disagree,” he said. “It feels right,” he said and dipped his head, taking her mouth with his.

      Nicole clung to him, wishing she could inhale all of him, all of his strength so that she would never feel weak or vulnerable again.

      “I want to stay with you tonight,” he muttered against her throat.

      He heart quickened. “Rafe,” she said, torn in different directions.

      “Tell me you don’t want me to stay,” he whispered. “Tell me you don’t want me.”

      “I do,” she said, but forced herself to step away from him. She didn’t want to confuse Joel if—when Rafe lost interest in her. “But being with you is just going to make things more complicated. We can’t do this.”