Page 79 of Piece By Piece

“Can I stay with you tonight?” I ask warily when we arrive home. I didn’t settle on many clear thoughts in the short ride home, but I do know for sure that I’m craving comfort. I’ve been craving it ever since I stopped sleeping with Sebastian, but tonight, I don’t want to miss it. I lack the strength to deny myself.

Sebastian, though clearly surprised, quickly agrees, “Yes, of course.”

I get ready as quickly as I can, washing my face and inspecting my bruise before meeting him in his bedroom. For one awkward moment, I hesitate in the doorway. Then, he saves the day with his most charming smile as he pats the mattress next to him.

“I promise I won’t bite,” he teases me, and the sentence hovers between us like the ghost of old times.

“Not unless I ask,” I add, finally getting closer.

To my surprise, he shakes his head. “No, Sweetheart. Not tonight. As of tomorrow, when you’re well rested and have a clear head, I’ll do whatever you ask.” He winks at me before reaching for my hand and dragging me down onto the bed. Within seconds, he manages to clumsily settle me next to him.

He holds my gaze as he slowly reaches out to brush his thumb over my bruised lip, a crease marring his forehead.

“It barely hurts anymore,” I assure him.

“I hate that this happened. I hate that I wasn’t there,” he curses softly.

“You’re the first person I called. Just focus on that. I know we have a lot to talk about but for now, forget about this. Just hold me and go to sleep,” I tell him, already turning around so we can settle in our old position.

Sebastian follows suit, his body curving against my back and melting against me with a sigh. “I missed you so fucking much,” he confesses against my shoulder.

“Such a filthy mouth,” I tease him, ever my first instinct to deflect when things become too intimate. But I remind myself that’s not what I want to do with Sebastian. Not anymore. With my heart in my throat, I concede, “I missed you too.”

Chapter 35

Sebastian

Waking up with Aliena in my arms is like coming home after a long day. Like taking the first deep breath in months. I soak it up, breathing her in to reassure myself she’s really here.

The days without her were hell. I was constantly thinking about her, equal parts worry and longing making my chest heavy. There wasn’t a second when I wasn’t thinking about her, and it was only my promise to her that kept me from getting too close against her wishes.

I take advantage of being the first one awake until she stirs, her change in breathing telling me she’s awake. Still, she doesn’t speak up and doesn’t try to change our position. For a few long minutes, we rest together as we wake up.

It’s only when the tease in my bed starts shifting around, backing up with her ass until it’s pressed tightly against my front. Weeks of waking up just like this, her teasing me until I was up and ready to fuck her taught me where this is going. I reluctantly pull away, much to my body’s regret.

Grabbing her wrists, I pin them above her head so she’s lying on her back before moving so I straddle her hips. “What are you doing, little troublemaker?”I wonder.

Her satisfied hum pierces the air. “I love it when you call me that,” she replies, still looking at me suggestively through her lashes.

“Oh now, don’t look at me like that, Sweetheart. We need to talk first,” I insist. The woman beneath me groans, making me smile a little.

“Okay, grandpa. God, responsible people are the worst.”

This time it’s me that groans. “Please, don’t call me that,” I whine.

“What, you don’t like it?” she teases me innocently. “I think it’s sexy, don’t you, grandpa?” she goes on, shaking with laughter when I fake gag.

“You make me want to get off you and move to the other side of the room,” I ensure her.

“And yet you stay, pinning me down and all.”

“Can I trust you to keep your hands to yourself if I let go?” I challenge.

“I don’t know. Try it and find out,” she fires back.

“Aliena,” I chastise.

“Sebastian,” she echoes, drawing out my name exasperatedly. “Yes, I can keep my hands to myself. You’re not that irresistible.”

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