Knox was so happy that Ema was awake, lucid, and able to fight with and tease him, he would’ve done anything she asked—except for not bring her back to his house. He was responsible for her accident and he needed to take care of her. Claire had teased him that there was much more to it than that, but he ignored her. Claire could take a leap.

After the doctor cleared Ema and gave Knox more instructions, Claire arrived with some fitted black leggings and a loose floral shirt and a bag of … other stuff for Ema. They made plans for Claire to go grab the hotel key from Ema’s purse that she’d left in Knox’s office and retrieve her luggage and things from the hotel.

Ema was pleasant and kind of quiet, and for some horrible reason she didn’t seem to be affected at all by the intense moment when she’d had him tie up her hospital gown. Knox couldn’t get that intimacy out of his mind. Who knew a woman’s skin could feel like silk under his fingertips? That even after she’d been in a horrible accident, she could smell like tropical flowers and sunshine and make him want to kiss her more than he’d ever wanted to kiss anyone.

Ema was even quieter on the drive home, alternating between staring out the window of his Hummer and closing her eyes.

“Are you tired?” he asked at one point to break the silence. Usually silence didn’t bother him at all. What was this woman doing to him?

“Yeah,” she’d responded, and nothing more.

They finally pulled up to his gate and he waved to Rudy, then drove on through and up to the house. He parked in the circle drive instead of going around to the garage, jumped out, and hurried around to get her door. He’d been able to help her into the Hummer and looked forward to reversing that process. It seemed his hands were made to touch this woman’s curves. Yikes, that didn’t sound too good.

Ema swung her legs around, and he wrapped his hands around her waist and lifted her out of the Hummer. She’d ridden in a wheelchair down the elevator and to the front entrance of the hospital, where he’d been able to pick her up. Would he be the biggest dork on earth if he tried to carry her into the house and up to the suite Genevieve had had the housekeepers prepare for her? She did have a sprained ankle, after all.

He didn’t release her waist, and they stood facing each other. The bright sun seemed to sparkle off her beautiful face. “Can I carry you up the steps?” he rushed out, too hopeful and like a ten-year-old begging for his first BB gun.

Ema smiled at him, her dark eyes soft. “I think I can walk.”

“Oh, okay.” The disappointment was thick in his voice—he had to be completely transparent. If he didn’t rein this in, she’d think he only insisted she stay here because he was enamored by her, or maybe she’d worry he was going to take advantage of her. Sheesh, this was another reason he didn’t date. Pushing a hand through his hair, he muttered, “I’m sorry. I’m not trying to force myself on you—I mean, I wouldn’t ever force myself on you. You’re safe here, you know?”

Ema’s put a hand on his arm. “No beast is going to come out, eh?”

“No.” He chuckled. “I save that for the football field … and if I feel like someone is going to exploit Shelby.” Would Ema understand that was why he’d been so defensive with her at that bachelor auction and even at the concert? He was paranoid of Shelby’s darling face going out to the world and some creeper trying to hurt her, or someone trying to kidnap her again, or Paris seeing that her daughter and coming back to exploit her, or … he couldn’t even name all his fears, but Shelby’s protection was his lifelong duty. What was he going to do when Shelby fell in love with Ema and Ema left them both?

“Or if some guy tries to hurt me.” Her smile broadened.

He relaxed a little bit. Maybe she did understand. “I definitely will turn into the Beast if anyone tries to hurt you.” It was true. He had too many protective feelings toward this woman. Seeing her be injured and thinking she was dead when she was thrown from the horse … just the memory sent chills racing through him and made his head start to pound. He couldn’t lose someone else he cared for.

“Thanks.” Her dark eyes sparkled mischievously. “I’ll remember to repeat the sun’s going down if you start turning green.”

He laughed at that, grateful she could tease him and pull him out of the dark place he didn’t want to go. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he directed her toward the steps. “I’ll just help you walk if you won’t let me carry you. Since your ankle is hurt and all.”

“I’m okay with that.”

He wanted her in his arms again. He was pretty certain she’d been flirting with him earlier when she asked him to do up her hospital gown and had brought his hands to her bare back. But he was not any kind of expert with women. He’d have to ask Claire if she thought Ema was into him. Claire would have advice for him. She was good at telling him what to do in most circumstances. He smiled.

“What’s that rogue grin for?” Ema asked as they slowly made their way up the concrete steps. No one was around, and it made him wonder if Shelby was asleep or how Genevieve was keeping her distracted.

“Just thinking how Claire is always telling me what to do.”

Ema glanced sharply at him. “Are the two of you … close?”

Knox was startled by the question. Of course they were close, but they weren’t close close, if that was what she was implying. They were like brother and sister. Just like he was with his sister Sarah, and how he’d been with Holly before she’d been killed.

“Daddy!” Shelby burst out the front door and danced down the stairs to them. “You brought the pretty lady back!” She flung herself into his arms. Knox caught her with one arm and kept his other arm around Ema. It wasn’t a conscious choice, but it shocked him. To be honest, it even scared him a little bit. He’d never, ever chosen anyone over Shelby. Not that he’d chosen Ema—he’d just chosen to not disengage from her, and if he did, she might fall, right? It was simple courtesy, not that he cared for her like he did for Shelby.

Whew. This was all getting a little too heavy, as Claire would say. Shelby planted a kiss on his cheek, and as usual his girl made him smile and lit up the world around her. They walked through the door, into the foyer, and stopped next to the staircase. Knox felt like they were a family or something, standing so close in his home.

Genevieve waited by the archway into the great room. She came forward and nodded to Ema with a smile. “Welcome back, Miss Kahue. It’s such a relief that you’re all right.”

“Thank you. Please call me Ema.”

“You can call me Aunt Genny.” Genevieve tilted her head to the side and focused on Knox. “I’ll let you get Ema settled. Do you want me to take Shelby?”

“No, she’s great.”

Genevieve nodded and slipped away.

“I always great,” Shelby said, giving Ema her dimpled grin. “Hi, pretty lady. I Shelby.”

Ema’s returning smile whacked the breath from Knox’s chest. “Hi, adorable girl. I Ema.”

Knox laughed and Shelby giggled. “You so pretty. You hold me?” Shelby launched herself into Ema’s arms, and even with Knox holding on to her, Ema about went down.

“Shelby,” Knox reprimanded, wrapping both arms around Ema and holding her up.

“What, Daddy?” Shelby looked up all innocent and adorable. How could he possibly tell her she’d done something wrong? But then, what if she hurt Ema? There he went again, worrying about Ema as much as he did about his own daughter.

“I’m okay,” Ema reassured him, holding his daughter in her arms.

Knox’s heart thumped quicker. Ema was nestled against his chest and he was bent down, supporting her weight so she didn’t injure her ankle worse. Shelby was cradled against Ema and looked content and perfect. Even though Ema’s beautiful dark coloring was a strong contrast to Shelby’s blonde cuteness, it looked like Ema was her mother or something. Whoa. He should not have gone there, but even the terrifying way his thoughts were spinning didn’t make him loosen his grip on Ema’s trim waist. Cozy. That had been Claire’s word. This was cozy times a thousand.

“I guess I’ll have to carry you both upstairs,” Knox said quietly.

Ema’s eyebrows lifted. “You are a superhero and all.”

Knox chuckled. He kept one hand around Ema’s lower back and waist and squatted down to slide his other arm under the back of her thighs. Gently, he lifted her into the air as she still held Shelby.

“Whoa, Daddy, this is fun,” Shelby squealed as he carried them up the stairs.

Knox concentrated on not tripping up the stairs with the two of them. Ema was actually heavier than he would’ve guessed, but she was a comforting weight against his chest and in his arms. He glowed with a sense of home, loving having both of his girls in his arms. Both of his girls? There he went again. Bringing Ema here might prove to be a bad decision if he couldn’t stop having all these … feelings.

They reached the balcony. “Do you know which room is Ema’s?” he asked Shelby.

She pointed two doors down. “Me and Aunt Genny picked the beach room ’cause she’s Miss Hawaii.”

Knox smiled and started that direction.

Ema glanced sharply at Shelby. “Who told you I was Miss Hawaii?”

Knox stopped in the open doorway. “You were?” He looked over Ema’s beautiful face. Of course she was pretty enough to be Miss USA, but she didn’t seem like the pageant type.

She wouldn’t meet his gaze. “I was.”

“Wow. That’s impressive.”

Ema fidgeted to be out of his arms, obviously embarrassed.

“Wait, please.” Knox carried the two of them to the bed and set them down on top of the covers. His eyes brushed over Ema’s face, lingering on her lips. If he bent down to kiss her, he would never miss and hit her cheek like she had when his eyes were closed in the hospital.

Shelby slid out of Ema’s arms and bounced on the bed. “This is so fun having Miss Hawaii here!” she yelled.

Knox pulled his gaze from Ema’s lips and to his jumping daughter. “It is, love, but we need to be careful. Did Aunt Genny tell you Ema got hurt?”

“Oh yeah!” Shelby plopped down next to Ema and leaned against her side. Ema automatically put her arm around the child. “Daddy, go get us my princess books, and I’ll read them to her and she can take a nap and feel better.”

The sun was low, almost brushing the tops of the trees to the west. Shelby would be going to bed soon and he’d have Ema all to himself. The thought stirred something low in his belly. No. Ema was injured. He needed to stay in firm control of his hormones.

Ema glanced up at him and whispered, “Sun’s getting real low.”

Knox smiled, glad for the distraction. “How’s your head feeling?”

“It’s okay.”

“Do you want some ibuprofen or Tylenol?”

“Maybe later.”

“Books, Daddy,” Shelby demanded.

“Okay, okay.” He straightened and put his hands up. “I’ll be right back.”

He hurried from the room and took the stairs to the third story two at a time. Grabbing a handful of books off Shelby’s shelf, he ran back down to them. He wasn’t worried about leaving the two of them alone; he simply didn’t want to miss out on time with either of them.

He entered the room to find Shelby was running her fingers through Ema’s hair, gently pulling out some tangles from the silky locks. Ema’s eyes were closed. She looked gorgeous, and exhausted.

“Maybe we should let Ema rest,” he whispered.

Ema’s eyes flew open. “What? No. I’m okay. Shelby’s making me pretty.”

“I don’t think Shelby had any hand in how pretty you are.”

A soft smile touched Ema’s lips. “Thank you.”

Shelby scowled up at him. “Go get my brush, Daddy. Ema’s got ouchy hair.”

“Wow, little miss demanding.” Knox grinned. “Where are your manners?”

“Sorry, Daddy.” Her rosebud lips pursed. “Can you pwease get my brush?”

Knox set the storybooks down, and Shelby released Ema’s hair and picked up The Princess and the Pauper. She couldn’t read any of it, but as she opened the first page and started rattling off the story, he realized she’d memorized most of it.

He met Ema’s gaze. The air sparkled between the two of them. She was here, in his home, holding his daughter. The sparkle turned to lightning strikes, zinging into his heart. He wanted her to stay. He’d give up anything but Shelby to have her stay.

Backing up, he tried to think of anything to break the connection before he fell deeper into her trance. He didn’t think she was a Delilah like his mom had warned him about, but she was definitely casting a spell over him.

“Are you hungry?” he blurted out.

“I am,” Shelby said. “Nellie was making me pizza when you came home. You like cheese pizza?” she asked Ema.

“I like any pizza,” Ema said.

Knox made it to the doorway. “I’ll bring some pizza up and we’ll have a picnic on Ema’s bed. How does that sound?”

Shelby nodded vigorously. “Yes! But get the brush first …” She paused and grinned impishly. “Please, Daddy. Us girls likes our hair pretty.”

Knox pressed his lips together so he didn’t tell Shelby that everything about Ema was beautiful. He all but ran from the room. He’d wanted Ema here to make sure she was okay after she got hurt in his care. He hadn’t stopped to think about how it would affect him to see her in his home like this, holding Shelby, and obviously Shelby was already under her enchantment. His life made sense a few days ago. Now his stomach was in turmoil. He had further to fall under Ema’s spell than Shelby did, but he was already crash-landing at her feet. What could he do to get Ema to stay?

Ema fell hard for Shelby from the moment the little girl tried to comb the tangles out of her hair and bossed her beastly father around. The three-year-old was absolutely adorable, angelic, and seemed as drawn to Ema as Ema was to her—and, unwise as it may be, as Ema was to her father. Oh, Knox. He was all man, but he melted like butter in his little girl’s hands. Was the Beast gone, or would he resurface and ruin all this peace and coziness?

They ate their pizza picnic after Shelby “read” Ema five of her princess books. She was a smart little thing, having almost every word memorized. Dinner was pretty quiet, mostly Shelby telling them about the trailer for Maia’s new princess movie and how they all had to go together. When she requested that, Ema couldn’t help but look at Knox. His gaze was on her also. Ema wouldn’t be around when the new movie came out. She couldn’t even remember what state she’d be in two weeks from now, but she definitely wouldn’t be part of this little family.

Genevieve came to retrieve their dishes and Knox reassured the older lady he’d get Shelby into bed. Genevieve had been nothing but kind and had given the three of them all evening alone. Ema wondered what it would be like to live in a big mansion with staff everywhere. Knox liked his privacy, but honestly, she had more privacy than he did in certain aspects.

“We’d better tell Miss Kahue good night,” Knox instructed.

“Miss Kahue?” Shelby giggled. “It’s Miss Hawaii, Daddy. That’s why she has the beach room and looks like Moana.”

Ema loved that Shelby had insisted she stay in this room with bluish-gray walls, white trim and furniture, and huge windows overlooking the backyard and ranch beyond. The decorations were gorgeous landscape art of the ocean and some lacquered seashells on the side tables. It reminded her of home. Why did she feel like Knox’s mansion was home? She shook her head, needing to stop that crazy thinking.

Shelby scrambled across the bed and gave Ema a kiss on the cheek. “Night, Ema.”

“Good night, Shelby.”

“Love you,” Shelby said brightly, then flung herself into Knox’s arms.

Knox’s face froze as he stared at Ema.

Ema had to clear her throat before murmuring, “I love you too.” It was true. Who couldn’t love this little shining star?

Knox looked like he was in shock as he carried his daughter from the room. Shelby peeked over her daddy’s shoulder and waved at Ema.

They disappeared and Ema sank back into the cushions. What was happening to her? Did Knox approve of her interactions with his daughter, or was he going to shut her out again? His main mission in life was to protect Shelby, which Ema admired, but where did that leave him in regards to a relationship with anyone else? Ema shook her head. There she went again, making more of this than was there. She was feeling great, and tomorrow she’d have to bid them goodbye and only remember them in her quiet moments. Now if only her heart wasn’t telling her head it was stupid to not beg Knox to let her stay.

She sat there staring out the windows as the sun set in all its fiery glory. The house was quiet except for a deep rumble coming from up the stairs. Knox singing to Shelby? She wished she could creep upstairs and watch them. Her heart flared with love and desire for him.

Ema gulped and grasped her neck with her hand. Oh goodness, she needed to get out of here. Love? She was a sappy idiot. She had a very busy and successful career. Knox was a superhero. They didn’t fall for mere humans. Look how Jane and Thor didn’t work out. She smiled to herself, but then her mind flashed back to Knox tying the ties of her hospital gown. Warmth flooded through her and she bit at her lip. Why hadn’t she kissed him then and there? Maybe if she kissed him, she could get all of this out of her system and move on with her life and her future. Yet a warning voice in her head said kissing him was not the solution to removing him from her misplaced desires.

She couldn’t stand sitting here any longer, so she wandered into the bathroom; her ankle hardly bothered her when she put pressure on it, and the throbbing in her head faded with every hour. Admiring the brightness of the polished bathroom, Ema found a packaged toothbrush and toothpaste in the drawer. Brushing her teeth felt amazing. She eyed herself critically in the mirror. She was a mess with no lipstick left, her face shiny, and her eyeliner running. There was a bandage on her temple, and even though they’d obviously cleaned her face, there were some stains from the blood. At least Shelby had brushed her hair until it was straight and smooth. She smiled.

Splashing some water on her face and cleaning off the misplaced eyeliner, she walked out of the bathroom, opened the patio door, and soaked in the warmth of the evening. The sun dropped out of sight, and she could hear horses’ neighs and even the running water of the manmade waterfall feeding into Knox’s pool and hot tub. It was peaceful and beautiful.

The doorbell rang and she quietly walked toward the open door of her suite. Women’s voices came from the entryway. Was one of them Claire? Then she heard Knox’s footsteps descend from the third story. She paused and waited until his footsteps stopped in the foyer, down below the second-floor balcony. Edging to her bedroom door, she listened.

“Here’s her suitcase.”

“Thanks, Claire.”

“I live to serve,” she said.

Knox chuckled.

There was a brief silence before Claire spoke again. “You okay?”

“This is awkward, but …” Knox cleared his throat and his voice got quieter. “I wanted to ask you … do you think she’s into me?”

Claire’s throaty laughter lit up the house, but all Ema could hear was Knox’s last question. Did he want her to be “into him”? He had to be talking about Ema, right?

“Yes, you beast. I think if you can be your nice self, she would never be able to leave your side.”

Ema swallowed hard. Claire was wrong. Ema couldn’t stay here. What happened to all of Claire’s encouragement about strong women and being successful?

“That’s not what I meant,” Knox said. “You know I can’t have some relationship with her.”

“Why not, you loser?”

Knox didn’t respond.

“Oh, goodness’ sakes. Buck up, little buddy. You deserve happiness too, you know?”

“No, I don’t know. Thanks for bringing the suitcase.”

“Emotionally closed off,” Claire declared.

“Bye.” Knox’s tone firmly ended the conversation.

Ema deflated against the wall. Why didn’t Knox deserve happiness?

The front door opened and closed and Knox’s footsteps ascended the stairs. Ema listened with her heart pounding faster and faster. She wanted him to come in here, talk to her, hold her, kiss her. This staying in his house was messing with her mind big time.

Knox rapped his knuckles on the open door. “Ema?”

She pushed off from the wall and he was right there, in her doorframe.

“Oh.” His eyes widened. “I thought you’d be in bed.”

“Just walking around.” Did he know she’d listened in to his conversation with Claire? Her face heated up.

“Your ankle’s okay?”

“Yeah. It’s not bad at all.”

“Good.” He hefted the suitcase. “Where do you want this?”

“In the bathroom, please.”

He nodded and strode to the bathroom. She watched every step. His movements were fluid, strong, unbelievably attractive. Why couldn’t he dance when he moved so beautifully?

He came back out of the bathroom and caught her watching him. “How’s your head?” he asked, stopping in the middle of the room.

“It only hurts a little bit.” Truthfully she thought she was fine, but she didn’t really want him to know that. She was only here so he could watch over her. If she didn’t need his help, would he ask her to leave? The very thought had her chest tightening painfully, much more painfully than her head. “I can think of something that would make it feel better, though.”

His dark eyes were hyper-focused on her face. “Really? What’s that? I’ll grab you anything you need.”

“I need my purse.”

“Okay.” He hurried past her, and she could hear him pumping down the stairs to his office where she’d left her purse this morning, then back up. Mere seconds passed before he was back in her room and handing her purse to her. He was close enough she could smell Perry Ellis. She was sending Perry a thank-you card soon.

Knox stayed by her side as she opened her purse and pulled out her phone. “Your phone’s going to help you feel better?” he asked quietly.

She smiled up at him, setting her purse on the side table by the door and clicking on her music app. Knox’s eyes were on her, but he didn’t ask questions as she scrolled through and found “It’s More Than the Rest.” The song started a few seconds later. She pushed the volume all the way up and set the phone on the side table. As she let herself focus on Knox, she was surprised at how out of his element he looked.

“You needed Sloane Kent?” he asked roughly.

“No.” Ema smiled, loving the jealous tone she picked up on. She held out her hands to him. “I needed to dance with Knox Sherman, aka the Beast.”

A true smile crossed his face, but it was there and gone quick. Knox stepped closer to her, and his cologne did funny things to her stomach. “You need me?” His voice was deep and husky.

“You have no idea,” she whispered back.

Knox took his time. His eyes never left hers as he took her hands in his and lifted her hands to his chest and placed them there. Ema was temporarily dumbstruck by all the muscle under her fingertips. His thin T-shirt did nothing to hide it. When had he changed out of the button-down he’d had on this morning? She liked the way his T-shirt clung to his muscular chest and shoulders.

Knox wasn’t done with messing with her mind. He ran the palms of his hands from her fingertips, across her forearms, along her upper arms, and up to her shoulders. She shivered from his sensual touch. His hands kept going, tracing along her upper back and then slowly dipping down, down, until he reached her lower back. It was more tantalizing than when he’d done up the ties on her hospital gown.

Putting pressure on her waist, he pulled her against his body. Ema gasped, not surprised but definitely overwhelmed by the sensations he stirred in her. Her hands slid up around his neck and he bent down closer. She’d never been so grateful to be five-ten than she was at this moment. Knox didn’t have to lean down very far.

“There is one problem,” he whispered.

Ema could think of no problems at the moment as Sloane Kent sang in the background and Knox Sherman’s body encompassed her. “What’s that?”

“I still can’t dance.”

“I don’t really care if you can dance.”

Knox grinned.

Ema swayed her hips and moved her body against his. Knox let out a low groan. Then he was slowly moving with her, and it was sweet yet sexy and so, so perfect. He wasn’t good at it, but he was trying to dance … for her. Knox sort of waltzed with her around the room, and then he backed her up against the wall. He did that slow, languishing move with his hands again that about did her in, running them up her sides and along her neck. Then he framed her face with his palms and leaned in to her.

“Why don’t you care if I can’t dance?” he asked huskily.

Ema tilted her head up. They were so close, she could feel his warm exhalations. “I only care if you can kiss.”

Knox let out a low groan again and his thumbs tenderly traced her cheeks. “What if I’m as bad at kissing as I am at dancing?”

Ema laughed. “Not possible.”

Knox’s perfect smile lit up his handsome face. “Not possible because my dancing is so horrible?”

Ema arched onto tiptoes, their bodies aligned, and she knew his kiss would turn her world upside down. His simple touch had her on fire for him. Knox’s breath shortened as his smile disappeared and his eyes dipped to her lips, then up to meet hers.

“Not possible,” she said, “because I know already how you’ll kiss me.”

He arched an eyebrow. “Really? How’s that?”

Ema moistened her lips. “You’ll kiss me like the beast you are. You’ll take complete control.”

“I thought you didn’t like the Beast.”

“I like you, Knox … all of you.”

His eyes widened and his breath became ragged. Ema had a moment of concern that he really would burst into a hulking beast, but he still held her tenderly, just very, very firmly. “Ema,” he murmured. “When the Beast kisses someone, it isn’t because he’s out of control. When he kisses her, it means something.”

Ema’s heart raced faster and faster. “So you’re saying I mean something to you?”

He nodded solemnly, and some of the raw passion of the moment faded, but it was replaced by something truer, deeper. Knox was telling her that if she didn’t want him, she needed to back out now. His kiss would mark her as his. Somewhere in the back of her mind she remembered that she was a twenty-first-century woman who was strong and career-oriented and driven. In Knox’s arms, all she could see was him and she wanted to be his. She wanted it far more than she wanted a spot on ABC, name recognition, fans, or success.

“I want to mean something to you,” she admitted.

Knox smiled briefly, and then he bent his head and claimed her lips with his. Nothing could have prepared her for the burst of devotion, passion, and commitment that poured from his kiss. He knocked the doubt and fear clean out of her body. Knox would protect her and care for her until his dying day. It wasn’t so much that she was his; it was that he was hers.

Ema arched up into him, returning his kiss with her own and feeling every inch of this powerful man surrounding her. His hands trailed down from her face to encompass her waist. He lifted her off her feet and pressed her up into the wall behind her. The pressure of his kiss increased until she thought she’d burn up. It was a good thing he was holding her in place, because she would’ve fallen to the ground without him.

Knox lowered her to her feet and slowed down the kiss, tenderly tasting her, savoring her. She was weak and strong at the same time in his secure embrace. He brought both hands back up her sides, along her shoulders, and then down each of her arms. Wow, he was good at touching her. Releasing her mouth, he pressed his forehead against hers and whispered, “Better than I dance?”

Ema laughed, but it was shaky. “That’s like comparing a flickering match with a fireworks show.”

He chuckled. Pulling her against his chest, he simply held her close. Ema wanted to talk about all that had just transpired, but it was too new, too fragile. It was like a beautiful butterfly that had landed on her hand, but if she tried to grab it, she’d break its wings.

Knox suddenly swept her off her feet and carried her to the bed. Ema’s heart thudded out of control. He’d just kissed the dickens out of her and she was a guest in his home. Did he think that meant … something different than she’d intended?

Setting her down, he straightened and said, “You’d better get some rest. It’s been a pretty big day for you.”

Ema relaxed against the pillows, relief pouring over her. Knox was an honorable man. “It sure has. I’ve never been kissed like that before.”

Knox smiled. “I meant your head injury. Do you need anything before I go?”

“Don’t go,” Ema begged.

Knox’s eyes widened and he whispered, “Ema, I don’t—”

Ema felt her face flush. “Oh, no, I didn’t mean stay stay. I’m not like that. I’d just like to talk to you, have you close.”

Knox nodded. “I should’ve known Miss Hawaii would be a good moral example to her fans.”

Ema wrinkled her nose. “That’s right. Also, I’m a Christian.” She pulled out the cross she wore on a long chain around her neck.

He studied it. “I like that. I pray, but that’s all.”

“Because you hate people and don’t want to go into a church?”

Knox straightened. “It’s not that I hate people.” He shifted his weight from foot to foot.

Ema scooted back and patted the bed. “Sit and talk to me, Knox.”

He shook his head quickly. “No. Sorry.” He walked away, and her breath caught. He was so abrupt. Now he was leaving her? But instead of making a beeline for the door, he grabbed the chair from a writing desk in the corner and carried it back, propping it up next to her bed.

Ema leaned back against the cushions and was impressed with his preventive measures. As intense as that kiss had been, she didn’t want to test her self-control. “So why don’t you go to church?”

Knox studied her for long enough that she started to feel uncomfortable. “I …” He glanced at the painting above her head. “My mom was really strong in the faith. Really strict. When I went to college, I sort of rebelled and refused to go to church or pray or do anything that she would’ve expected of me. I didn’t party or sleep around, but I just needed a break from all the hellfire and damnation. My excuse was that I was busy with football and West Point is demanding.”

Ema nodded, knowing some churches were like that, and certain West Point being demanding was an understatement.

“But then she and Holly were killed, and a few years later, when I was deployed, Tyler and five other guys in my platoon were killed.” He still didn’t meet her gaze. “My dad turned to alcohol and prescription drugs. My buddy, Beau, turned to women. My sister, Sarah, put all her focus on her little boys. I was blessed with Shelby and I turned to God.”

He finally looked at her then. “He gets me through every day, but I still don’t feel like I’m worthy to set foot in His house. Shelby goes to church with Genevieve and two of my security guys every week. She begs me to come.” He pulled in a breath. “I know that sounds pathetic and twisted.”

Ema reached out and wrapped her hand around his. “It sounds really sad.”

“I’m working with my pastor and a therapist. It helps.” His gaze focused on her. “I have PTSD, Ema. I don’t know that I’ll ever recover from it.”

Ema clung to his fingers. Knox opening up to her was unexpected and touching. “I’d be surprised if you didn’t have PTSD after what you’ve been through.”

He didn’t say anything, but he squeezed her hand.

“Is that why the Beast comes out?”

“It’s as good an excuse as any.” He leaned back against the hard chair and looked over her. “Tell me more about you.”

“Nothing too exciting. I grew up in Kauai, huge family, lots of love. Came to school on the mainland and never wanted to leave.”

“And how did you get into intruding on celebrities’ lives?”

She should’ve been offended, but she laughed instead. “Most people like me coming around.”

“Oh, I like you coming around. I just don’t like the world seeing me.”

“The world would love you if you gave it a chance.”

Knox shook his head quickly. “Have you even seen the Avenger movies? Nobody likes the Hulk.”

“Natasha does.”

He quirked an eyebrow.

“Maybe the Hulk only likes redheads.” It came out too needy, like she was fishing for a compliment.

“No.” Knox’s gaze traveled over her slowly, taking his time to appreciate her. “I’m pretty sure this Beast is partial to brunettes.”

Ema smiled, relieved.

He cleared his throat and looked away. Ema wondered if he’d ever been so intimate with a woman before. “You never said how you got your start.”

“Oh. I had to take a year after college to do the whole Miss Hawaii gig and prepare for Miss America. I made some fabulous contacts during the pageant. Miss Wisconsin has been on Sterling Pennington movies. Miss Georgia is one of the famous Barington sisters. Miss California was engaged to Michael Jamison’s younger brother.”

Knox nodded, acknowledging the famous basketball star.

“My degree is in broadcast journalism and a reality show was the pipe dream, the real reason I did Miss Hawaii. When I came up with the idea for Live Like a Celeb and all the girls were so great about me using them or their connections, I got my first starts. Plus my dad had some famous friends from playing in the NFL and being the mayor of Kauai. So Mike and I started doing the show, editing it together and putting it up on YouTube until Amazon picked it up, then VH1, and it grew from there.”

“That’s great. You’ve worked really hard.”

That was an understatement; she’d given her life to her career, but she loved it. “So have you.” She glanced over his muscular frame, her eyes lingering on his biceps and the tattoos there. She reached up and traced the tattered flag on his right arm. She hadn’t noticed there was also a fleur-de-lis entwined with the flag. “Is this for the Army?”

He nodded. “My whole squad got them.”

She moved her hand to his left arm and pressed her fingers to the names tattooed there. “And these are?”

“My brothers who died.”

Sadness washed over her. Soldiers giving their lives for their country. It had always touched her deeply but never been quite so real as she studied the names on his bicep and then focused on the hollow pain in his deep brown eyes. His olive skin was so smooth and perfect, but there were scars that she could see on his face too.

She trailed her fingers along a ridged scar above his eyebrow. “And the scars?”

He leaned into her hand, closing his eyes. “Too many stories to tell.”

“I want to hear every one.”

Knox’s eyes flew open. “Someday.”

Ema loved that promise. She trailed her fingers down his face and to his collarbone, where another scar decorated the smooth skin and muscle. “How many scars do you have?”

He searched her face for a few beats, then grabbed the bottom of his shirt and ripped it off, tossing it on the floor. Ema drew back in surprise. Knox’s chest heaved with emotion as he pointed to the scars on his chest and shoulders. He was terrifyingly beautiful—so strong and beaten up, yet it was obvious he could take on any threat and come out the victor.

“Too many to count,” he muttered.

“Oh, Knox. You’ve given so much.”

He took both of her hands in his and leaned forward in his chair. “Ema. When I kissed you, it wasn’t some casual thing. Do you understand why?”

Ema’s heart thumped quicker and her throat swelled. “I can’t imagine you do anything casual, Knox.”

“You’re right.” He pushed out a long breath. “I’ve lost so many people I’ve loved. I shut myself off from everyone but Shelby and my family. I know you don’t know me very well, but if I let you in and you …” He released her hands and sprung to his feet, pacing next to her bed. He stopped and looked down at her. “I’m going too fast and I’m not making any sense. I’m sorry.” He shook his head and started for the door.

Ema sprung up out of bed and put too much pressure on her hurt ankle. She cried out in pain.

Knox whipped around and rushed back to her side. He steadied her with his hands on both of her elbows. “Ema. No.” It rushed out in a groan. “Now I’ve hurt you.”

“Knox, stop it. You haven’t hurt me.”

He stared down at her, brooding and concerned.

Ema arched up onto tiptoes and gave him a quick kiss. She lowered back down to her heels and stared at his surprised face. “It’s okay, big guy,” she said, trying to tease him out of his worry.

Knox shook his head, not smiling like he usually did when she attempted to imitate Natasha soothing the Hulk. Swooping her off her feet, he carried her back to the bed. He settled her flat onto her back on the bed, laying down next to her. His chest lowered on top of hers and he kissed her. His mouth took complete control. Ema sucked in a surprised breath, but then she was lost in the depth of his kiss. The only thing she could focus on was Knox as he kissed her and kissed her, desire and fulfillment swirling around them like shooting sparks in some Disney movie.

He pulled back and his chest heaved in and out, but his eyes were not moving at all as he focused on her. Ema rested against the pillows, out of breath and wanting more.

“Can you stay with us, Ema?” he asked in a rough whisper.

Ema’s head shot off the pillow. She scooted out from under him and back against the headboard. Stay with them? Yes! But then no, no, no. “I … Knox, you have to understand how hard I’ve worked to get to where I’m at with my show.”

He studied her, then pushed off the bed and stood, glowering over her. As he jammed a hand through his hair, the muscles in his chest and shoulder flexed, and it was all she could do to resist touching him. He finally muttered, “I’m an idiot.”

“No, Knox—” Ema tried to stand.

He held out a hand as if demanding her not to come after him again. “It’s fine, Ema. It’s all on me. I’m too intense and demanding, and of course you wouldn’t give up your career for someone you’ve known for four days.” He turned and strode from the room, not bothering to shut the door behind him.

Ema wanted to chase after him, but he was right, and the truth of his words immobilized her. No one would give up years of hard work and dreams and sacrifice for someone they’d known for a few days.

She bent over and plucked his shirt off the floor. It was soft and smelled exactly like the man she was falling for. She touched the shirt to her lips, imagining the passion and sweetness of his kiss. Knox was no beast. In fact, he was perfect for her, if only he didn’t demand so much. With anyone else there might be a possibility of focusing on her career and slowly developing a relationship where they saw each other occasionally, texted, talked on the phone. Casual and easy and non-demanding. That would never work with Knox. He definitely didn’t do casual.