Page 43 of This Time I'm Keeping You
“I mean you won’t hurt me now.”She wanted this desperately.
His smile was sweet.
“You have bruises and aches, baby.If you promise to lie still, I’ll make you feel better.”
“What?”
His hand slid higher and cupped her breasts.
“Y-you are not doing that.”
“That?”The hand moved in slow circles, stroking the sensitive peak.“Getting hot and heavy, do you mean?”
“You know what I….Oh God.”Her words fell away as two of his fingers rolled her nipple.
“I always enjoyed making out.Just the kissing and touching stuff.”His breath was hot on her damp skin, making her shiver.“I like the other stuff, too, but this, getting the feel of a woman’s body, exploring and mapping it.”He made a noise deep in his throat.
“I’ve only done it once!”The words exploded from Poppy’s mouth.
Nick looked up at her.“Tell me it wasn’t with that soon-to-be-dead Malcolm Davy.”
His hand moved from her breast to lie flat on her belly again.How did he look so calm when she was on fire?Well, maybe not calm.There was the length of hard flesh pressing into her thigh.
“I—ah, we probably shouldn’t.I mean, we’ve only just met again and?—”
“Are consenting adults who like each other… now,” he said with a wicked grin.“But getting back to you being an almost virgin?—”
“I’m not!”
“I said almost.It wasn’t him, was it?”
She shook her head.“But after him, I didn’t want to get close to anyone.”
“Because he could hurt them?”
“Just like he could hurt you, so maybe you should go back to your room, Nick.”
“You’re staying in my house.If he’s watching you, he’ll probably know about me, Poppy.”
The panic that sliced through her at his words had her trying to get out of bed.He held her in place.
“Nope.No more running.We’re dealing with this, and I’m not scared because I’m an Atherton.Untouchable.”
But he wasn’t and could be hurt just like anyone.
“Stop thinking.”His hand moved to stroke her hair.“It will be okay, Poppy.I promise.”
“People can be assholes” was all Poppy managed to whisper as her eyes drifted shut.
“I hope I’m not included in that anymore and you’re talking about assface Davy.”
“Yes.One act and my life changed.”
“And we’re going to change it back.We won’t do any more necking for now, but we will get back to it.You’re tired, and I was wrong to touch you, but soon, Poppy.Real soon.”
He didn’t speak again, just lay on her pillow and placed a hand on her stomach, and soon the only sounds in the room were of them both sleeping.
Chapter17
