Page 28 of Reclaimed Roots

The sound of my name on her lips, spoken in that longing tone, had me instantly pulsing with need. For a heartbeat, I allowed myself to get lost in her eyes, those endless pools of warmth that had haunted my dreams for years.

But then reality came crashing back. This—whatever this charged moment was between us—it was dangerous territory. A minefield littered with emotional shrapnel, and I couldn't face getting ripped apart all over again. I wasn't sure I could put myself back together this time.

I took a step back, putting a sliver of distance between us. Just enough to catch my breath, to regain some semblance of control before I did something stupid. Like pulling her back into my arms and never letting go.

"Nat," I cleared my throat, struggling to find the words. "We can't do this. Not again."

Pain flickered across her features. She opened her mouth, no doubt to protest or plead her case.

But I couldn't let her.

"I'm sorry," I said. It was a half-truth. I could never be sorry about having her in my arms, but I was sorry I had to pull away. "I should go."

Natalie folded her arms and gave a tight nod, vulnerability vanishing behind a mask of composure. With one last lingering look, I descended the steps and headed for my truck, ready to head back to a quiet, empty apartment.

Alone.

Chapter Thirteen

JASPER

It was Saturday—theonly day of the week I allowed myself to sleep in, but I was wide awake. I kept replaying the night before in my head.

The feel of Natalie melting into me and letting her grief pour out.

The vulnerability she had so easily given me, even after seven long years apart.

How much I had wanted to just kiss away her hurt.

I needed to get her out of my head, but the images were still too fresh, and the morning wood wasn't helping.

My cock was aching, straining against my boxer briefs and begging for relief. Not that holding Natalie while she cried her eyes out had been a particularly erotic moment. But thinking back now, remembering the sweet smell of her hair and the feel of her body pressed against mine, was enough to have me gripping myself and tugging.

It had been too damn long since I got laid. That was the only explanation. I kicked off the covers, ripped my briefs down and let my cock spring free.

Squeezing my eyes shut, I willed myself to picture anyone but Natalie. I didn'twantto want her. But there, in the privacy of my own head, I could admit it. Ididwant her. I never stopped.

My brain was grateful to be given permission. It was all too ready to conjure images of what it would look like to be with her again. How it might feel to wake up with her in that bed beside me.

In my fantasy, she was curled up on her side with her long dark hair tied up in a mess on top of her head. Loose strands fluttered with each of my exhales as I lay behind her, arm curled around her waist and palm splayed across her stomach. I rocked my hips, waking her up with my raging erection grinding against her perfect ass. She stirred, pushing back against me even while still half asleep.

Neither of us spoke as I glided my hand up and grabbed one of her perky tits. She moaned softly when I circled a fingertip around her hardened nipple before giving it a pinch. She was full on rubbing herself against me at this point, like she had an itch only I could scratch.

I slid my hand past her navel to the apex of her thighs. She instinctively bent her knee, planting her foot on the bed to give me better access to her pussy. I slid a finger along her slit, and she was fucking soaked for me. My cock jumped at her gasp of surprise and pleasure as I plunged a digit into hercore. She was frantic now, bucking against my hand and jerking my shaft between her ass cheeks. I added a second finger, pumping in and out of her, her wetness coating my knuckles. She moaned and writhed, begging me not to stop, but I wanted her to come on my cock. I withdrew my fingers, and she whimpered at the loss, but I quickly lined the head of my dick at her entrance and pressed in. Her pussy was so warm and wet and tight that I groaned as I seated myself fully inside her.

I braced myself on my elbow and held her by the shoulder while my other hand gripped her hip.

And then I let go.

I fucked her hard.

Thrusting until she was screaming my name and milking my cock with the force of her orgasm.

The fantasy was so vivid, I completely lost myself. My hand moved faster, my strokes becoming jerky. Tension built in my balls, the pressure growing with each passing second.

And then I came with a low, guttural moan, my orgasm hitting like a freight train as I spilled myself onto my stomach. The pleasure was so intense it bordered on pain, but the release brought me no satisfaction.

The fantasy didn't even come close to the real thing.

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