Page 68 of Her Nightshade

I was finally in the kitchen and rested my palms against the black marble countertop, bracing myself as I heard Jake’s footsteps approaching behind me.

He circled around me, moving to the counter to pour two glasses. His movements were smooth, confident, the smirk I used to love tugging at his lips as he slid a glass towards me. I took a large sip, the wine burning slightly as it went down, and carefully set the glass back on the counter.

“So,” I said, keeping my tone calm, even though I felt anything but. “Now what? You’ve got me here. What’s the plan?”

“Straight to the point, as always.” Jake took a small sip of his wine, studying me with that infuriating smirk. “Now, we reconnect. Catch up. I’ve missed you, Ana.” His voice was soft, almost tender, as if this were some kind of romantic reunion.

I let out a bitter laugh. “And we just ignore the fact that you’ve blackmailed and threatened people I love to bring me here?”

His expression darkened briefly before he regained his composure. “You just needed a little push. I couldn’t let twenty years go down the drain because of one mistake.”

“One mistake?” My voice rose, my anger bubbling instantly. “That’s what you’re calling it? Sleeping with Sarah—someone who put Callan through hell, who youknewwas unstable? You risked everything. For what?”

Jake’s jaw tightened as he gripped the edge of the counter. “You don’t need to keep reminding me,” he said sharply. “I’ve paid the price. I lost Sloane. I lost you. But I’m trying to make things right.”

I scoffed, my laugh bitter. “Right? You’re doing a great job of that, Jake. Threatening people? Manipulating? Who even are you anymore?”

His eyes flashed with anger and he stepped closer. “Don’t act like you’re some saint, Ana. Letting that narcissist parade you around like a trophy. You used to be strong, independent. Now you’re just his…toy.”

The words struck like a slap, but I recovered quickly, glaring at him. “You have no idea what our relationship is like. Charlie loves me, and he’s not afraid to show it. You never did that, Jake. You never fought for me the way he does.”

Jake’s anger flared and he closed the distance between us in one swift movement. His hands gripped my hips, pulling me against him. “You want passion? You want me desperate and reckless? Well, you’ve got it, Ana,” he growled, his face inches from mine.

I tried to push him away, my fists weakly pressing against his chest. “Stop,” I whispered, the guilt and fear swirling in my chest.

But Jake didn’t stop. His grip tightened and his voice dropped to a low, menacing whisper. “You missed me. You missedthis.” He pressed his erection into my stomach. “Say it, Ana.”

My voice trembled as I whispered, “I missed you.”

His smirk returned, wicked and triumphant. He believed he won. That was exactly what I needed him to think.

He turned me around, pressing my body firmly against the counter. He pulled my jeans down in one quick motion, sliding his fingers between my thighs, feeling the inevitable heat.

“See?” he whispered into my neck. “So wet for papa, just like always. Like the fucking whore you’ve always been, just for me,” he continued, sticking a finger deep into me while another rubbed my clit.

“Stop, Jake. Wait,” I whispered, using every last ounce of my pride to reluctantly protest, tears stinging my eyes as the guilt gnawed deep within me.

“I’m not waiting any longer, Ana,” he groaned into my ear, then as he swiftly removed his fingers, his cock thrust deep into me, making my wince and shudder, the pleasure and guilt hitting me like a block to my chest.

His nails dug into my hips as he held onto me, thrusting wildly against me, his grunts loud and erratic.

“I’m taking back what’s mine, Ana,” he said between breaths. “This pussy. This body. It’s always been mine,” he growled.

I gripped the counter, pushing against him, coaxing reactions I desperately tried to suppress, the pleasure igniting in my core like a wildfire.

“No,” I protested under my breath, as if that could dim the guilt that clawed at my chest.

Jake didn’t hear me, or if he did, he ignored it.

“Come on, Ana. Come on my cock like a good girl,” he said breathlessly, his fingers finding their way back to my clit.

My pussy instantly seized and I let out a sob, the guilt overwhelming me. Jake grunted loudly, his hips slapping hard against mine, spilling himself into me.

Charlie, I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.

26

Charlie

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