A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 204

Rowan’s hand slid lower along her waist, fingertips brushing against the telltale warmth between her thighs. The girl in his arms bolted upright, shoving him away with sudden force.

“No!” she said, breathless.

Though Elissa had tried to prepare herself for this moment—knowing, inevitably, that it would come—now that it was here, she realized she simply couldn’t go through with it.

At her core, she was still a traditional soul.

Even if they were lovers, she wanted her first time to be somewhere safe, somewhere private.

Not here, where anyone might burst through the door at any moment.

Her voice trembled. Rowan withdrew his hand, his tone rough and gravelly. “Not here?”

She nodded, reaching for the cool brass doorknob. “I’m going back to the lounge.”

Before Rowan could respond, Elissa slipped out, nearly running down the hall. She ducked into the restroom, fixed her lipstick, and hurried back to the private room.

Her heart was still pounding hard when she opened the door.

If she’d known Rowan had such a taste for risky encounters, she might have thought twice about getting involved—might even have looked for another way to help Tanya Foster.

She’d assumed it would be simple: Rowan wanted her, she’d spend the night, and that would be that.

After all, Rowan was handsome. It wasn’t much of a loss.

But she hadn’t expected this—being pulled aside at any moment, pressed up against a wall, kissed breathless in public places.

His hands never seemed to behave.

Every encounter left her jumpy, nerves frayed.

Back in the hallway, Rowan stood before the closed lounge door, his eyes dark, thumb absently brushing his fingertips. The corner of his mouth curled into a faint, unreadable smile.

He knew Elissa was worried Frank might suspect something, so he waited a moment before leaving.

He’d barely taken two steps when Lorraine called out.

“You—”

That only made Lorraine want him more, made her long for the impossible—like reaching for the moon.

She’d always wondered: if Rowan ever fell for someone, how devoted could he be? She’d spent countless nights dreaming of being that woman.

But she’d never imagined this untouchable man would end up with Elissa.

He’d kissed Elissa until her lips were red and swollen.

It was obvious just how far things had gone in the lounge.

Rowan didn’t so much as blink. “Why should I have to explain myself to you?” he replied, his voice flat, almost bored.

He acted as if there was nothing inappropriate about his relationship with Elissa.

But it was exactly this careless, untouchable quality that Lorraine found irresistible.

She hesitated, then spoke with forced calm. “She’s your adoptive sister, Rowan. If people find out, it could ruin your reputation.”