Page 80 of Living on the Edge

“Fuck!” I can’t help but yell as I continue grinding into her, until finally, I collapse. My cock twitches a few more times, making her pussy flutter in response.

She lets out a tiny little sigh that I can only describe as one of satisfaction and I release her hands. She immediately loops them around me, holding me tightly.

Like she’s afraid I’m going to leave again.

Fuck.

That isn’t the memory I want this glorious creature to have when she thinks about me. When she’s back home and I’m in a different city every night. No, I want her to smile when she thinks about the things we’ve shared.

“I’m not going anywhere,” I murmur against her hair.

“You left a mark,” she says simply. As if that explains everything. “I warned you there would be consequences for that.”

I can’t help but smile.

“You did.”

“When Kirsten inevitably asks me where I got the hickey, you know what I’m going to tell her?” Her eyes gleam with mischief.

I chuckle. “Probably. But tell me anyway.”

“Angus Jeffries fucked me so hard we almost broke the bed.”

I throw back my head and laugh. “Totally fair.”

I slowly pull out and turn onto my back. She immediately curls into my chest and we lie there like that for a while. For the first time in years, I’m content to just lie here, enjoying the moment. The intimacy. A woman who truly doesn’t want anything from me. The scope of her job doesn’t bother me—she’s got a lot to draw on from the whole band—and I feel like I can be myself with her.

She knows who I am.

And she doesn’t care.

I honestly don’t believe she’s interested in my money. She’s incredibly independent, and I respect the hell out of her for it. I wish she’d let me help her with health insurance or something but know she won’t.

“Should we shower?” she asks softly. “If we’re getting up early, we’re not going to want to do it then.”

“We can shower,” I say, sitting up. I get to my feet and hold out my hands.

She gives me an impish grin. “I’m probably too weak to walk,” she says. “I might need help.”

“Is that right?” I grin back before leaning down and scooping her up.

She fits perfectly in my arms and feels so damn good.

I like being able to take care of her, and I’m not just talking about sex.

It bothered me to know she was sick enough to rupture her eardrum but didn’t feel comfortable enough to ask for help. We collectively failed her, especially me. I’d like to blame Kirsten but she couldn’t do anything if she didn’t know, and Ryleigh is as stubborn as she is independent.

Kind of like me.

I should have trusted my band with my identity, but it felt like I’d be bringing drama to the band. I’ve essentially done that anyway so it was all a big waste of time and heartache. Just like Ryleigh’s eardrum wouldn’t have ruptured had she come to us.

After the way we left things the last time we had sex, I can’t blame her for not coming to me—but there’s no reason she couldn’t go to Kirsten.

My feelings are getting complicated.

I want to protect her.

Lose myself in her.

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