Page 21 of Black Flag

“Come over here,honey.” I motioned for her to sit between my legs.

“Are you sure that’s agood idea? You look like you’re in pain.” Her hand reached up to graze over thepurplish bruises forming from the ribs I was positive were broken again.

I gave a halfheartedsmile. “Iamin pain. I hurt you again.”

Believe me, I was inexcruciating fucking pain from my ribs but nothing compared to the heartache Iwas feeling having caused her to cry today.

“It’s okay. Iunderstand how bad that must have looked since I sent Mike over there.”

“Why did you?” Youcouldn’t miss the curiosity in my voice.

“Justin asked if I knewof any other drivers. I said I knew Mike Tanner. I had no idea that he wasasking if I knew of any other drivers to raceyourcar. I would haveneversuggested him.”

“That makes me feelbetter.”

“He’s nothing comparedto you behind the wheel, that’s for sure.”

“Really?What else am I betterat?”

“Everything...not that you need your ego stroked,”

“Stroking is good.”

“You’re the best I’veever had.” She cooed, her eyes holding mine. Her expression changed. “I’mcurious now though. Am I really the only one that’s ever...” her eyes drifted south.

“Yes.” I assured herwith a chuckle. “I was a virgin to that.”

“Why?” Her questioningeyes melted into mine.

“I’ve always thoughtoral sex was intimate. I just never wanted something like that from anyone Ididn’t trust completely. Women tried don’t get me wrong. They went for it but Ialways pulled them away.”

“So you let me because...”

“I don’t think youunderstand the power you have over me.” I smiled weakly. “Even though I don’tdeserve you, I trust you more than anyone else in this world. You own me, myheart, my soul; it’s yours, all of it. So yes you are the only one that I sharethose personal experiences with and I don’t talk about them withanyone.”I hinted.

“I don’t tell people, Ipromise.”

“I know. I just...we need to be careful about ourrelationship and the personal details we tell others. They will do anything touse it against us.”

She sighed contentlyand snuggled against my arm. I reached down further and placed my hand againsther stomach.

“I love you.” Iwhispered into her damp hair. Her hand slipped into my hand, our fingersintertwined together. “I want to take you some place tomorrow.”

Sway bent forward toadd more hot water to our cooling bath.“Where?”

“Ourhouse.”

Sway looked confusedfor a moment and then motioned to the room around us. “We are in your house.Did you bump your head today?” her fingertips grazed over the bruise formingover my left eyebrow from the hallway brawl, then touched softly to my fat lip.

“No, not this house,” Ismiled. “Ourhouse...the one I’m havingbuilt.”

“What do you meanourhouse? That’syourhouse?”

“No it’s not.” My voicesoftened. “Sway, me, you andthisbaby...we’re a family now.” I laughed softly. “I know I haven’tasked you to marry me yet but I still consider us a family. That house isours.”

Sway started cryingagain. “I...you...I...areyou...sure?” she hiccupped.

“I’ve never been moresure honey.”

---