Page 95 of Captured Love

He sighs. “I know. And I'm still so sorry for that. The truth is, I was scared. Scared because I could see where this was going. Scared of getting hurt again after what happened with Tessa. So I pushed you away, thinking it would be easier than risking my heart.”

“Are you trying to say?—”

“I love you, Selene. And I will do everything I can to protect you and cherish what we have.”

I swear I stop breathing. “Knox, I...” I start, but the words get stuck in my throat. My mind is racing, not even sure how to respond to his words.

He reaches out and takes my hand, his thumb gently caressing my knuckles. “You don't have to say it back, Selene. I know I've put you through hell with my hot-and-cold bullshit. But I need you to know that my feelings for you are real. I was just too much of a coward to admit it.”

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes. “I love you too.”

A grin spreads across Knox's face, his eyes crinkling at the corners. He leans in and captures my lips in a kiss that gives me no room to think about anything else.

Including Tessa.

35

KNOX

“Fucking finally,” I say as I slam my bedroom door behind me and quickly lock it so we will not be disturbed.

I’d been waiting for the moment that I could get her alone. It’s been days since we’ve seen each other and said I love you for the first time. The sound of my door meeting the doorframe means that our time alone can begin. Selene lets out a breathless laugh as I press her against the wall. I take a moment to stare at her, shook by the fact that she’s here putting up with my shit. Her fingers make their way to my hair and pull me out of my short daydream just before our lips crash together.

My hand lands on the back of her neck to make sure that her lips are anchored to mine. Selene parts her lips, inviting me to explore her mouth with my tongue. I groan into the kiss as my free hand lands on the doorframe, trapping her with my body.

Our tongues play with one another as the kiss deepens. It’s then that I feel Selene's hands slide under my shirt and her nails grazing my abs in a way that absolutely feels incredible. I break the kiss just long enough to reach back and snatch my shirt overmy head and toss it aside. Her green eyes darken with lust as they roam over my bare chest.

“I don’t… I can’t ever get over looking at you,” she says, and I’m not sure she realizes she said it aloud.

“The feeling is mutual, picosita,” I mutter as move my hand so that I can grind my hips into hers.

She feels how hard I already am for her, and I can’t help but smirk. When she moans, she lifts her leg a little, and I take the opportunity to hook that leg around my hip. She immediately pulls me closer to her. I move her away from the wall slightly so that my hands can make their way down to her ass, and I can’t help but give it a big squeeze.

“Knox, I need?—”

“I know what you need. Hold on to my shoulders.”

She does so without saying another word and I put my hands under her thighs and then pick her up. Selene lets out a small yelp before she giggles. Spinning us around, I walk us toward my bed and toss her down gently. I can’t lie and say that I didn’t enjoy watching the way her breasts moved, but I don’t take much time to think about it because my body covers hers as I settle between her legs.

My lips descend on hers once more before making their way to her neck. When she doesn’t give as much access as I want, I grab her hair, enjoying the way those pretty red strands look in my fist and pulling her head to the side lightly so I can get to the spot that I know she loves. Her moan echoes through the room as I suck at her pulse point, no doubt leaving a mark. I don't care. I want everyone to know she's mine.

My free hand slides under her shirt, fingers grazing the smooth skin of her stomach before cupping her breast through the fabric of her bra. She arches into my touch, and I enjoy the whimper that escapes her lips.

“Knox,” she pants. “Please...”

I nip at her pulse point again before soothing it with my tongue. “Please what, baby? Tell me what you want.”

“I want—” She stops talking for a moment as if she’s trying to regain her composure. “I want you to fuck me.”

Hearing the words come from her lips is enough to send me over the edge, but I need to exercise restraint. “All in due time, baby.”

I release her hair and slide my hands down her body, gripping the hem of her shirt. She sits up just enough for me to pull it over her head and toss it aside. I take a moment to appreciate the sight of her in that dark purple bra. The contrast against her creamy skin makes my mouth water.

“I didn’t realize how much I loved the color purple until now,” I say. I run my fingers over the lacy edge of her bra, lightly teasing the exposed skin above it. Selene shivers under my touch and when I look up, our eyes immediately lock. Her pupils are blown wide with desire and the look she’s giving me is like she’s pleading for more.

Good.

I dip my head and press open-mouthed kisses on the tops of her breasts before running my hands up her back. She quickly realizes where my destination is and moves her body so that I can slide my hand around to unclasp her bra. The garment falls away and I sit back on my heels to drink in the sight of her, bare and beautiful beneath me.

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