Page 50 of Second Goal

I’d believed that my past made me unredeemable.

I’m not so sure about that anymore.

Maybe there’s still a way for me to have a real future. Not one that’s bound by the things I’ve done.

Because of Blake.

I’ve never had anyone believe in me. No one that’s ever fought for me.

Until him.

And that nagging feeling that was always my companion, the sense that my world is about to be ripped apart, it’s not as strong as it used to be. My fear is muted by hope.

“I love you.” The words slip out before I realize I’m saying them.

Blake draws back. Just slightly, but it’s enough to make me realize I made a big mistake. But then his lips are on mine, his kiss swallowing the words that linger between us.

Flames spread through my body, even as my heart sinks in my chest.

Tell me you love me back, I want to shout.

His hands are on me, stripping me until I’m fully exposed. Body, heart, and soul. I’ve given him everything, and even though I know in this moment that it’s only one way, I don’t regret telling him the truth.

I love him.

A shiver races through me, because I know it’s going to destroy me when this ends. And it will end. I saw the truth in his eyes. His need to protect me dueling with his need to protect his own heart. I was a fool to think someone like him would ever truly love someone like me.

Bullshit, a voice born of the hope he’s given me cries out.You deserve to be loved.

“Blake.” I place my hand on his bare chest, hard, heavy muscles flexing beneath my palm. “I promise, no more secrets.”

He nods, but his brows draw down, and a small frown tugs at his lips, like he doesn’t believe me.

“We tell each other the truth,” I say.

He nods.

I ask the question that’s been lingering in my mind. The one that keeps nagging at me, even though I’m not sure I want to know the answer. “How did you know where I was yesterday?”

“I tracked your phone,” he says unapologetically. “I put an app on it so I can see where you are. I should have told you, but I’m not sorry. If I hadn’t followed you—”

“You didn’t trust me.” That’s the brutal truth.

He winces. “No. I didn’t. But I’m trying to, Kiley.”

I know I don’t deserve his trust. Not after everything I’ve done. But I also know that there’s no hope for us if he can’t trust me. I hesitate before asking, “What’s going to happen with...us?”

His right eye twitches. “I don’t know. But I promise I’ll protect you in all of this. I won’t hurt you. And I won’t let anyone else hurt you. I know that’s not the answer you want right now, but—”

“I asked for honesty.” Even if it’s a truth I don’t want to face - a future without him. I always knew that was how this would end. But thinking about it now causes a cold shiver to rush down my spine.

“Come here.” He pulls me closer, his kiss shattering my defenses. His lips possess mine, tongue stroking, teeth nipping until my fears are forgotten.

He lifts me up, carrying me to his bedroom, then lowering me to the mattress. His touch numbs my insecurities. He strips completely, and my throat constricts when I take him in. Muscles flex as he kneels between my legs, his head lowering until his mouth brushes over my collarbone, his tongue licking a path across my flesh.

His kisses draw a whimper from my lips, and I arch toward him as his mouth covers my nipple. The bud throbs in pleasure as he sucks and licks, making my pussy ache. Calloused fingers stroke over my belly, across my hips, then spread my thighs wider, giving his expert fingers access to my entrance.

As his fingers slip inside me, one, two, three, exquisite pleasure begins to rock through me, rapture building quickly. I lift my hips, needing more, my clit aching with an intense demand.

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