Jude's Salvation: This Love Series by Nicole Smith

restaurant, at the patrons sitting near us. They all seem as though they belong here, no one stands out. Mostly couples I think. I bring my eyes back to Jude's. He’s watching me closely.
    "Tell me Eden, tell me what you're thinking," he asks sweetly but I know he’s ordering me to be honest with him.
    "It’s just that when I'm with you I feel safe and protected. That must sound crazy," I say, feeling embarrassed for even bringing it up. He looks surprised at first then a slow smile crosses his face.
    "What?" I ask, feeling confused by his smile.
    "Eden, I like that I make you feel safe and protected, you have no idea what that means to me but why do you ever feel unsafe and unprotected?" he questions, watching me carefully again, like he knows my answer even though I don’t. I am not going to go into my nightmares and paranoia with him, at least not here, not now. I smile at him and he knows I won't answer him truthfully.
    We place our order and nibble at appetizers. He manages to keep the conversation off him and he somehow had me talking about myself during the entire meal. He has skills and secrets that will take some determination to unearth. Throughout the evening he's touched me in someway, our knees grazing, one of his hands on my arm, my leg or holding my hand. His fingers even grazed my wrist at one point, causing me to stop mid sentence, my heart racing and my body aching for more.
    "Why don't you tell me a secret about you, something a little dark maybe," I ask, taking the heat off me. He grins and sits back. I love his grin, it shows me that he's playful and not so intense.
    "Are you sure you want me to answer that, I do have a few dark secrets my beautiful Eden," he said, even in the dim lighting I can see a glint in his eyes. His expression turns serious, his jaw stern and he looks unbelievably sexy but also threatening at the same time. I don't know if I want to reach across the table and kiss him or run for the door. My body decides for me, I lean in closer to him and he does the same, his lips are so close to mine I can almost feel them. He keeps his warm eyes on me. He watches me with his head held straight, not condescending or intimidating, he seems focused only on me and my answer. I shouldn’t be intrigued but I am. I want him to tell me anything. I want to know everything about him including his dark secrets.
    "Tell me something," I whisper. He doesn't take his eyes from mine and I shiver under his gaze.
    "Sometimes when I look at you, I picture you posed in a particular position lying naked, your wrists securely tied to my bed with soft leather tethers, those beautiful eyes blindfolded, your body writhing and a building moan escaping your lips from the intense pleasure I am giving you," he tells me, his voice deliciously deep and I can't move. I can't look away from him either. Is he teasing me or is he serious? I'm not sure which I want it to be. He watches my emotions, looking to read me and I think he knows my answer before I do. I want that.
    "That's kinda dark," I gulp, sitting back while the waitress decides to come at that moment to refresh our wine and clear the table. I take that time to control my breath but I know he's watching me. The entire evening has been almost too intense but now, after his sinful words I feel ready to combust.
    Once the waitress leaves us he leans over the table and kisses my forehead. I smile, blush even as I catch an older couple smiling at us. If they only knew we just met and the words he just said to me they might not be so approving.
    “ You are even more beautiful when you’re embarrassed,” he whispers, smiling as though he has me exactly where he wants me. The predator with his prey within reach.
    “ I’m not embarrassed, flustered maybe and a bit excited. It’s nice to have a handsome man lavish affection on me in public. I’m flattered I think,” I rattle on, looking back over at him. He seems serious suddenly, his smile gone.
    “ I’m sorry,