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shrugging this off.
    “You know what she’s been through. The last thing she needs is a domineering jerk like me controlling her in the bedroom.”
    Raven laughed. “Oh, is that all. I thought this was something serious.”
    “Raven.”
    “No, you listen to me. You are big, intimidating, and possessive.”
    “You’re not making things better.”
    “And you are protective, loving, and caring. She couldn’t hope for a better man. She knows … we all know … that you will take care of her. And protect her.” She jabbed him in the chest with a fingertip. “Even from you.”
    He didn’t share her confidence.
    “If I start to dominate her—”
    “What, you’ll scare her? That girl doesn’t scare easily.”
    “But what if I go too far? What if I hurt her?”
    Her face softened with a smile. “You would never do that. You’ve been dominating women for a long time. You can sense what they want and what they don’t want.” Her eyebrow quirked up. “And she can speak up, you know. She’s not just going to lie there and let you hurt her. If you get out of line, I’m sure she’ll call you on it.” She tipped her head. “Have you ever gone too far with a woman?”
    “Of course not.”
    “Okay.”
    “But she was abused.”
    “And so she’s definitely going to push back. I’ve gotten to know Laurie and she’s not going to let anyone treat her the way that rat-bastard did again.”
    She patted his hand. “Well, think about it.”
    Then she stood up and strolled to the door. She opened it and glanced over her shoulder. “Have a good night.”
    Steele turned out the light and lay in the darkness thinking about what Raven had said. Could he make this thing work between him and Laurie?
    Fuck, he wanted to so badly he could taste it.
    *
    Laurie lay in the bed beside Wild Card. When he’d volunteered to help her with this plan to win Steele back, he’d offered to give her the bed while he slept on a sleeping bag on the floor, but she’d insisted he share the bed with her.
    In his sleep, Wild Card had rolled over and slid his arm around her, then drew her close. Now she was tight against his hot, hard body and she could feel his cock swelling against her thigh.
    Clearly, she hadn’t really thought it through.
    He murmured softly then nuzzled her ear. His hand started to wander from her waist upward.
    “Wild Card,” she whispered.
    “Mmm. Yeah, baby.” His hand cupped her breast. She knew he wasn’t really awake and was just responding to a woman in his bed.
    The feel of his big, warm hand on her was comforting … and stimulating.
    But all she could think of was Steele.
    He stroked her breast, then slid to the other, his lips caressing her neck now.
    She turned her head to face him. “Wild Card?”
    His eyelids opened, and he blinked. Then he slid his hand away. “Aw, sorry, Laurie. I didn’t mean to—”
    “I know.”
    Wild Card started to turn away, but she grasped his muscular bicep.
    “Don’t go.” She gazed at him with wide eyes, not quite sure what she was asking for. She just knew she wanted him close. She needed to feel wanted right now.
    He slid his arm around her waist again. “Whatever you want, you’ve got it.” He smiled. “You’re just a little confused right now, but don’t worry. I’m sure Steele will come around.”
    She gazed into his hazel eyes, so filled with warmth and understanding. She rested her hand on his raspy cheek, then stroked it. “Thank you.”
    She felt so close to him right now. She cupped his face between her hands, insecurity and need building in her. She leaned toward him and brushed her lips on his, then deepened the kiss.
    She could almost imagine he was Steele. Even though she knew it was wrong, she wanted … no, needed … this closeness. She slid her tongue into his mouth and sighed softly.
    Wild Card drew back and gazed into her eyes. “I know you think you want this right now, but we both know that you’re Steele’s woman.”
    “You’re