Page 101 of Beautifully Broken Control

He nodded as he wiped away a single tear that had escaped. “I missed you so fucking much, Twinkle Toes.”

“I missed you, too.” I looked up at Cain with what I knew was a watery smile. “I’ve got my family now.”

Cain’s returning smile was gentle. “Now, and always.”

“Can you get me a piece of paper and a pen?”

Cain nodded. “Sure. Why?”

“I want to write down exactly how this feels right now. How grateful I am.” It was maybe the most important slip of paper that would ever go into my gratitude jar. The thing I had always hoped for. A family who loved me just as I was.

* * *

TWO WEEKS LATER

“If you don’t let me off this couch, I’m going to bean you with my bottle of Perrier.”

Cain snickered and didn’t look the least bit scared. Apparently, my sense of gratitude for my newfound family had been short-lived. Because they were all hovering like crazy. Sarah brought over food what seemed like every other day. Walker had personally taken my statement at the lake house so I wouldn’t have to venture into the police station. When Tessa and Liam had returned from the most recent leg of his tour, she had brought Liam over to play me my own personal concert because she had read that music was helpful to those recovering from brain injuries.

The girls had taken pity on me last night and came over with spa supplies in tow. They painted my nails, and we did face masks. It almost felt normal, except that Cain appeared every twenty minutesjust to check on me. Jensen had finally threatened that the next time he came into the living room, she’d put a mask on his face and glitter polish on his toes.

I loved them all. But they were driving me batty. My doctor had given me the go-ahead for moderate activity, and Cain was still trying to keep me couch-bound for twenty hours a day. I let out a growl that only had Cain laughing harder. “Come on, Kenz. I haven’t seen thisMurder, She Wroteepisode yet, and I think I’ve got the killer figured out.”

They were going to need to figure out who killed Cain in a minute. I scowled at the screen. I’d even hit my Angela Lansbury limit, which was saying something. I glanced over at Cain, who was refocused on the screen. His dark blue eyes shone in the afternoon light. The stubble he often wore now, dotted his jaw. He was so damn handsome, it stole my breath.

My lips twitched. Slowly, so he wouldn’t notice, I slipped off the boxers I was wearing under the blanket before moving the cover aside. Cain’s t-shirt hung low on my frame, covering everything yet slipping off one shoulder. I moved swiftly, throwing a leg over Cain’s lap and straddling him.

“What are you doing, Kenz?”

I nipped at his chin. “What does it look like I’m doing?” The doctor had said that sex, as long as it wasn’t too rough, was totally fine. Cain had ignored the decree. He touched me plenty, but it was all gentle and loving and not sexual at all, yet it still managed to drive me crazy.

“I don’t think this is a good idea.” His hand slipped under the hem of my shirt, finding me bare. “Fuck! Where did your shorts go?”

I giggled. “Oops. Must’ve lost them somewhere.”

Cain let out a litany of curses, but his fingers dragged lower, delving into my center. I pressed up on my knees, granting him better access. He teased and toyed, stroking in lazy circles, but not venturing where I needed him most. “What do you need, Kenz?”

“You.” It was a breathless plea, and I didn’t even care. I tugged at his sweats until he lifted, helping slip them down around his knees.

Cain’s eyes met mine and held. “Slow and easy. Promise me.”

“Slow and easy.”

His mouth took mine as I lowered myself onto him. I almost wept at the feel of him. Stretching, so full. God, I’d missed this. Cain broke the kiss, cupping my face. “I love you.”

My breath hitched. “More than I can say.” It was true. I couldn’t put into words how much I loved this man. So, I’d show him. I began to move, slowly rolling my hips, exploring the dance that only the two of us would ever have. Testing movements until I found that perfect pace.

Cain tugged at my shirt, pulling it over my head. He leaned back against the couch, taking in all of me. His breaths were coming faster now. “You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever laid eyes on.” His words had my core tightening. “Fuck. I’m not going to last. It’s been too long since I’ve been inside you. Find it, baby.”

My back arched as Cain palmed my breasts, teasing my nipples. He gave one a gentle pinch. It was all I needed to go tumbling over the edge, taking him with me.

I collapsed onto Cain’s chest. “Thank you.”

He chuckled, sending delicious sensations through my over-sensitized body. “You never have to thank me for that, baby.”

“I like for you to know I’m grateful.”

He nipped at my ear. “There’s nothing in this life I’m more grateful for than you.”

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