Page 82 of Corrupt Me

Propped on my elbow, I watch him sleep. He’s so beautiful that my heart twitches, twists, bends, and swells simultaneously.Why did it have to be you, Hunter?No one will ever compare to you.For a heart that longs like mine, you’re something I could never call mine.

A tear slips free. I thought I’d overcome the sadness. That I would be above that by now. Yet, it’s more than that; it’s as if I am nostalgic for something we could have but never will.

Everything is limited with him: his time, his feelings, his body. And it has to happen on his terms. I’ve always believed that if people tell you what they can offer, believe them. That fight seldom ends with winning something, but you can lose everything.

I already did. I lost my heart to him, to this man who would protect me physically from everything when he’s the biggest threat to my happiness.

My fingers itch to thread through his shiny, black hair, trace that sculpted jaw and elegant straight nose, those thick and curly eyelashes, those high cheekbones, and defined mouth. But it’s what’s on the inside that has me protective of him. He’s good—so good. I’d treasure his heart and guard it with everything in me.

Another tear slips free, and I let it roll down my cheek, tasting the saltiness and all the unfulfilled wishes. Done with my pity party, I swipe at the corners of my eyes, dabbing the wetness away. Thinking back, all the glares, the fighting, and the silent treatment were foreplay.

“My little stalker,” he says in a husky, sleepy voice, his wide grin clutching my heart in an unyielding grip.

“Who says I was looking at you?”

His silver eyes pop open, giving me an entirely too conceited look. Just like that, my sour mood vanishes.

“Then what got your attention?” he asks, brows furrowed, being so adorable.

“No one. Ugh, you were right. I was looking at you, just at you.”

I reassure him, sensing he needs it. While he boasts a confident persona, behind that is a scared, unsure man. I would like to hug his vulnerable side and assure him he’s safe with me.

“I know, Bailey. I just love it when you say it.”

He rolls me over and nuzzles his mouth against my neck. “We only have a week.”

“Mm-hmm,” I say, not wanting him to catch on to my wayward emotions.

“Are you sore?”

Instinctively, my thighs clench together. I am a bit, but I want him more. That is the perfect summary of what I feel for him. I’ll take the pain because the pleasure is worth it.

He kisses my neck, awakening my desire with every sensual nibble. Just then, a sharp rap of knuckles echoes from the front door.

He snaps his head toward the sound and shouts, “Fuck off. We’re busy.”

I don’t know if the air carried his message downstairs, but another set of knocks follows, this one more urgent.

“Fucking shit. Don’t move from the bed, I’m not done with you,” he says, and that command is so damn sexy. He pulls on sweatpants and stomps downstairs. I am too jittery, so I pull on his T-shirt and follow him.

Celine and Mia are on the other side of the door. We keep blinking at each other until Mia’s cheeks turn beet red, and heat rushes to mine.

“That was fast,” Celine clears her throat, looking at me as if asking if I am all right. I offer a small nod.

“I won’t be the one telling Abi you’re deviating from her plan,” Mia says, thankfully changing the topic.

“I’ll deal with Barbie,” Hunter sighs. But maybe it will be good for me to follow Abi’s itinerary. If I stay wrapped up in him for the week, the withdrawal will be too hard to survive.

“We’ll be there in five,” I tell them.

The intent look he casts my way has my belly flipping. His dark gaze promises salacious things I can’t wait to experience. I tilt my head, letting him know I am up for the challenge.

He mumbles as he pulls on his black snowboarding suit with silver stripes. He looks too damn good in it, fitting his mouthwatering body perfectly. I bite down my amusement at his grumbled words. “Shitty friends. Cockblockers. I’ll show you what happens when you deny me.” The last part has wetness pooling between my legs.

I laugh under my breath. I like him a bit riled up. He’s an expert at doing that to me, and I advocate for fairness. My grin stretches wide, enjoying that I can affect him a tad too much.

After putting on thermal underwear, I dress in a white jacket and red pants, checking myself in the mirror. Hunter gets behind me and wraps his arms around me. He brushes his nose along my neck while slowly zipping my jacket. Even this gesture is sexual to me. I am on a direct path to becoming a sex addict.

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