Page 57 of Fighting for the Forbidden
“I’m so sorry,” they say simultaneously, and a sob bubbles up my throat.
In the space of only a couple of weeks, my life has completely changed. I lost a man I thought was a caring father, only to discover he was controlling my life every step of the way. The love of my life, who smashed my heart to smithereens, reappeared and turned my life upside down again, and I almost lost two of my best friends in the process. Things can only get better, right?
When I drive away from our building, it’s with a heavy heart, but I can’t deny there’s a little bit of excitement for what’s to come. Everyone I love gets a shot at a new start. I just hope they make the right choices this time around.
The logical part of my brain is screaming that I should be heading in the opposite direction—going to stay with Mum until I sort myself out would be the simplest and safest option—but I find myself heading towards a house I never thought I’d willingly want to live in again.
I hated that house when I was first forced to move in. I still hated it the day I moved out to live with Joe. Although it held some good memories of my time with Ben, seeing him everywhere I looked was so painful. Dad was totally out of order with what he did with Joe, but it was like he knew exactly what I needed. I guess in a way I was lucky that the guy he paid to be my friend was a decent guy who, despite the reason he was there, had a good heart.
Pulling up onto the driveway, images of the time I spent here with Ben run through my mind, from that very first night when he was an arsehole to me in the kitchen all the way to how he supported me on Friday night when I found out about Joe. A smile twitches my lips and I know I made the right decision coming here. It’s time to start this new chapter in our lives, and I need to stop being so afraid and enjoy what’s right in front of me.
Pushing the front door open, the sounds from the TV filter through to me. I slip my shoes off, drop my bag to the side and head into the house to find everyone.
As I round the corner into the living room, I find Jenny and Chris cuddled up on one sofa; the sight of them makes my breath catch. Ben had told me about their relationship when we were in Devon, and although I’m okay with Jenny moving on, I can’t deny it doesn’t sting a little that it’s not my dad she’s sat with.
“Oh, hey, sweetheart. Is everything okay?”
Her voice drags Ben’s gaze away from whatever they’re watching. His eyes burn into me the second they land on my body, and his brow creases with concern. He goes to get up but pauses when I speak.
“Yeah, yeah I’m fine. I was just wondering if I could ask you a favour?”
“Of course.”
“Could I…uh…move back in?”
The skin around Jenny’s eyes crinkles in delight as a wide smile spreads across her face. “I’m not sure, sweetheart.” My stomach drops, and I suddenly feel stupid for even asking. This isn’t my home anymore. Dad’s gone, and I’m no longer part of this family. Tears sting my eyes and I’m about to turn when she speaks again. “This house no longer belongs to me. It should be Ben you’re asking.”
Turning my attention to him, I don’t get a chance to say anything because his wide chest is in front of me. His arms wrap around my waist and I’m lifted off my feet. His lips find mine as he backs us out of the room.
“Turn the TV up,” he shouts over his shoulder, and although my face flames red, I throw my head back and laugh. It feels so incredibly good to just let go and allow my heart to take the lead for the first time in six long years.
“I can walk,” I offer. Ben must be regretting his decision to try to carry me up the stairs with one arm.
“I’m not letting you go.” His words make me melt. I drop my face into the curve of his neck and start peppering kisses along the hem of his t-shirt. “That’s not making it any easier,” he chuckles.
By the time we get to his room, sweat is beginning to bead his brow, showing that carrying me up here isn’t as easy and pain-free as he’s making out.
“Put me down,” I demand. The conviction in my tone is enough that he does as I say and slides me down his body. Taking his still unshaven cheeks in my hands, I stare up into his eyes. “You’re in pain. We’ve got all the time in the world. You don’t need to rush this.”
“You’ve no idea how long I’ve waited for this.”
“Don’t I? I ask, quirking a brow up.
“Come on.” Threading his fingers through mine, he starts tugging me forward. “You’re aware that you moving in comes with one condition?”
“What’s that?”
“You’re moving into my room.”
Pushing his door open, he hurries inside. The second the door slams shut, I’m pressed up against it.
His palm glides up my neck and to my cheek, his fingers tangling into my hair. “Is this it?” His eyes bore down into mine, their intensity has my insides quivering.
I nod once but it’s all the confirmation he needs. “I won’t let you regret it…me.” Then his lips are on mine and his body is pressing mine into the door. A whimper rumbles up my throat as his tongue slides against mine, tasting me, reminding him how good we are together.
My body sags against his, but he senses it. His knee presses between my legs, and along with his hips, he keeps me upright as his kiss continues.
Pulling his lips from mine, he kisses across my jaw and down my neck. My chest heaves with my increased breaths and I hungrily suck in some deep lungfuls of air.
