Page 77 of Waiting for Redemption

“Show me it’s okay to enjoy it. That you’ll make me feel good and keep me safe.”

“Are you sure?” She nods in agreement, but when I raise a brow at her, she verbalizes her answer.

“Yes. I’m sure.” I kiss her lips soft and sweet before laying her back down on the bed.

“Keep your eyes on me, baby, and I’ll remind you that you’re safe.” I lean down, bringing my lips to the cusp of her ear. “I promise I’ll only ever make you feel good, Honey. So good you’ll feel me for days after.” I feel her nipples harden against my chest and my cock throbs, demanding to be inside her again.

Being with Ruby, making herminein every sense of the word is an experience that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I know I promised her a fresh start tomorrow, but I don’t know how I could ever go backward with her when we’ve reachedthispoint in our relationship. I’m so fucking in love with her but I have no idea how orwhento tell her.

I slide back into her, loving the whimpers she releases as I fill her completely, and wrap my hand around her throat again, keeping just enough pressure there to help her relax without taking her out of her safe space. When she begins rubbing her own clit the sight has me on the verge of release.

“Tank,” she moans.

“That’s my good girl. You know I’m gonna take care of you don’t you?” She nods, as I replace her hand with my own.

“You know I’m gonna make you feel good and keep you safe?” She nods again. “Come for me, baby. Come all over my cock and show me what a good little wife you are.” As if we just needed one last bit of connection to finish, her eyes flick up to mine and we find our release together.

I lean down to kiss her before letting go of her neck.

“Nothing but you.” Her smile is one of appreciation, as she rubs the pad of her thumb along my cheek.

“Us,baby. Nothing butus.” I correct her, before pulling out and gathering her in my arms.

“What are you doing?” She squeals.

“Taking care of my wife.”

CHAPTER27

RUBY

From the momentI saw Tank in his dress blues at the courtyard something told me he was taking this more seriously than I realized. He got a haircut, had his beard freshly trimmed, and looked so handsome it took my breath away. It was hard not to get caught up in thewhat ifsof it being real.

What ifhe really wanted to marry me?

What ifwe hadn’t lost so much time?

What ifthis was the ending we were always supposed to have?

But my heart couldn’t take me thinking that way if in the end none of it were true, so I had to turn it off. I was basically on auto-pilot during the whole ceremony, but when he changed his vows it sparked something in me that made me wonder if mywhat ifsweren’t so far-fetched after all.

Not even death shall part us.

I wanted to stop the ceremony immediately and ask him what it meant, but I refrained.

Getting back to the hotel room was awkward at best, when I saw all the rose petals on the bed I thought for sure my best friends had lost their minds. But when Tank told me he had done it and gave me the letter I never read, I started questioning everything. I thought I wanted a fresh start with Tank, to pick up where we left off six months ago and take it from there, but after tonight I’m not so sure.

When he told me he wanted to make mehis,there was only one part of me that had reservations. But I thought what could it hurt to take a chance? We could take things slow and just see where it would go. But from the moment he touched me, I knew I was screwed. Because everything about beingTanks—the way he looks at me, touches me, takes care of me—it alljust feelsright.

I knew when he told me tolose the dresswhat would happen. I knew he would see the scar, I knew he would be angry, and I knew the reaction that followed would tell me everything I needed to know.

He didn’t go on a manhunt—which wouldn’t have surprised me in the slightest—he didn’t demand answers, or make me feel damaged.

He stayed.

He stayed and kept his promise to make me his, and made me feel pleasure and safety I’ve never experienced before. He stopped and listened when I used my safe words without ever making me feel like I was crazy or putting a damper on the mood. He loved me in a way I’ve only ever read about, and surely never thoughtIwould have. I knew that it was okay to show that part of myself to him—the part no one else in my life has ever seen—because as much as I am his, he’s mine too. Only I still don’t know where he stands on starting fresh tomorrow after the way tonight went.

As we’re standing in the shower together, I realize how desperately I want this to last. Him washing my hair and planting kisses on my shoulders and my neck, while I memorize his every touch. I remember the first time I met Tank and couldn’t get over how insanely hot he was at first glance. Then the few times I saw him without a shirt on it took every bit of my self-control not to gawk at him. But tonight, seeing him completely naked for the first time, I haven’t been able to look away. And I haven’thadto.

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