Page 79 of The Sound of Silence

“Thanks, beautiful. I’ll make it quick, then cook us some breakfast.”

After he disappeared into the bathroom, I sat on the edge of the bed and ran a comb through my cropped hair. I fingered the short ends and wondered if I’d ever have the long tresses again. My hair had been dyed dark brown and cut short for so many months now, I wondered if I’d recognize my old look—or if I even wanted to.

True to his word, Derek was out of the shower ten minutes later. I was sitting on the edge of the bed when he returned to the bedroom wearing nothing but a towel around his trim waist. Droplets of water rained down from his head, glistening on his shoulders and chest. He was a magnificent sight, and I sighed inwardly.

“God, you’re perfect,” I said, my words barely a whisper.

“What did you say?”

“You. You’re perfect.”

He flashed me a crooked grin and reached for the pants and shirt he’d been wearing the night before.

“I try,” he teased. After he pulled on his shirt, he turned his back to me and unabashedly dropped his towel. I nearly groaned at the sight of his hard, tight ass as he stepped into his jeans.

Regaining my focus, I stood and went over to him.

“No, I’m serious. I don’t think you realize what last night meant to me. The way you treated me was…” I trailed off, unable to formulate the words that would do the experience justice. “Look, I wish I could erase those years of my life, but I can’t.”

“Why would you want to erase them?” he asked and cocked his head to one side. Reaching up, he pushed a wet strand of hair from my forehead. “They taught you so much. You’re stronger because of it—stronger than anyone I know. You picked yourself up off the ground and began anew. That takes more strength than you’re giving yourself credit for. I said as much last night but I’ll say it again now. You’re the face of a true survivor.”

Emotion choked me.

“Derek, I…I want to try again.”

He stilled and looked at me with cautious eyes.

“What do you mean?”

“A part of me may always be broken, I’ve accepted that, but I also know there’s life after Ethan, and I believe you’ll be a part of that life. Everything is so messed up, and there are so many unknowns, but if there’s one thing I can be sure of, it’s you. I want to be with you. I can do this. I just need you to remember my limitations—not from behind and no hands near my throat, okay?”

He reached for me and pulled me against his body. His hold was steadfast, pinning me to his torso, eyes never once wavering from mine. My cheeks flushed crimson, and his striking hazel eyes darkened. I felt my heart rate accelerate even faster as I returned his gaze. I couldn’t think beyond this mesmerizing moment. He was so close, his broad, wide palm pressed against the small of my back while the other cupped my chin. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed deeply.

“Sparky, I need to make sure I understand you correctly. Are you saying you want to try having sex again?” His words were slow and deliberate.

“Yes,” I whispered and brought my hands up to his chest. His shoulders were solid beneath the thin cotton of his t-shirt and I longed to touch his flesh.

“You don’t need to prove anything to me. I can wait. Are you absolutely sure you want to do this?”

I smiled softly. He was almost too perfect—a boy scout in every sense of the word—always more concerned with my well-being than anything else.

“I’m sure.”

I tucked my head down and stepped back, hiding from the scorching heat of his gaze. Without another word, I began to open the towel.

“Wait,” Derek said, stopping me by placing his hands over mine. “Hold that thought.”

Moving faster than I’d ever seen him move, he ran to the side of the bed to where Maisie was still chewing on her toy, scooped her up, and left the room. I heard the sound of a zipper and I could only assume he had put her in her crate in the living room. When he returned, I started laughing.

“Don’t want an audience?” I teased.

“Not particularly. Now… where were we?”

His eyes were dark and full of promise. My heart pummeled me from the inside, rattling against my ribs. Bringing my hands back to the edges of the towel, I didn’t hesitate as I let it slip from my body. The morning sunlight, filtered by the curtains that were drawn closed, suddenly seemed brighter than it had a moment before. The light made me feel exposed in ways I hadn’t considered the previous night. In this light, he’d be able to see the imperfections on my body—the scars marking the evidence of former injuries, each one telling a story of where I’d been.

“Derek, let me—” I began, feeling the need to explain the marks.

“You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on,” he interrupted as his eyes traveled down every inch of me. His large hands reached out to splay over my hips and wrap around to my lower back. His touch was reverent as he pulled me close and allowed me to take the lead. Stepping backward, I guided us to the bed. The fabric of jeans brushed against the bare skin of my thighs as we lowered to the mattress. Propped up on one elbow, he used one hand to cup my face while the other journeyed south to grab my thigh and loop my leg around his hips.

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