Page 69 of My Favorite Secret
TYLER
As soon as Harper and I enter the privacy of my bedroom, I grab the backs of her thighs and lift her into my arms. She giggles, smiling down at me. It’s such a beautiful smile. Since Clara’s passing, it’s rare to see Harper happy.
“I love your smile, Harper. I love your laugh. I love everything about you.”
I love thatImake her happy.
Our clothes and hair are damp from the pool. The room is dark, with only a bedside lamp on, but it’s enough to see the shyness in her eyes.
I laugh, brushing my lips against hers. “How can you be shy after what we did in the pool?”
Harper tucks her face into my neck. A shiver runs through her as she whispers, “Everything has always been so sweet between us. I love the way you dote on me. You spoil me and treat me like a princess. But what if when it’s just the two of us… What if I can’t be that other version of myself? The one who doesn’t hold back.”
I know what she’s trying to say. What if we only workas a trio? What if Felix is the one who draws us together and gives her the confidence to ask for what she wants?
Her concerns are valid. When Harper and I were too busy suppressing our desires, Felix saw both of us for what we were.He’sthe one who uncovered this side of Harper.He’sthe one who has allowed me to be honest with Harper about myself.
I owe Felix everything. He helped remove the masks we were hiding behind.
Tonight, it’s my job to make sure Harper hasn’t just lowered her mask in front of me. She needs to throw it away completely.
I place Harper on her feet, then take a few steps back, sinking into an armchair. My gaze rakes over her in the dim light, beautiful yet nervous. I retrieve the Zippo from my pocket, repeatedly flicking it open and shut as I contemplate how this night will play out. How I’m going to break through this mental roadblock regarding us.
“You and I have a sweet side,” I tell her. “For years, I thought that’s what you wanted from me. I thought I could shut off every fucked-up desire I have so that I could be the man you needed.” I flick the Zippo shut and hold her gaze with a hard warning. “Harper, you’re about to forget that sweet side ever existed.”
I don’t want to be gentle with Harper anymore. She can see it in my eyes. She hears it in the depth and roughness of my voice. Her chest rises with a shuddering breath as she takes in my words. She’s intimidated, which is a new dynamic for us. But there’s heat in her eyes. She likes this. The anticipation arouses her.
It’s only been the last few days that I’ve completely let go of my inhibitions. I’m learning what it’s like to embracethe depraved side of myself, and it feels so good to know Harper isn’t scared off.
“Just so you know…” Her shoulders are tight. She clutches her hands. “I don’t think we should have sex tonight. It feels wrong choosing between you and Felix for my first time, like it will mean I have a favorite, when I don’t. I want you two to choose who has me first.”
I lick my lips, holding back a smirk as I flick open the Zippo, igniting the lighter fluid this time. The flame flickers as I glide my fingers through it. The brief flash of heat sends a thrill through me. It’s not enough to burn. But I get an idea.
I’m growing hard over the thought of everything I could do to Harper with this fire.
I want to hold it to her skin. Not to burn her. I wouldneverhurt her. But to play. To see how far she’ll let me take this. How much she trusts me.
What she’ll do for me.
I flick the Zippo shut and glance up at Harper. “I don’t intend to fuck you until I’ve broken down the last of your barriers. You’re not going to hide from me, Harper. Not anymore. Tonight, I want to see all of you. Especially the parts you’re scared of showing me.”
Her breasts swell with each nervous breath. She bites her lip and nods.
“Let’s start with something simple. Take your clothes off. All of them.”
This dominant approach has been lying dormant within me for years. I’ve never explored this side of myself with anyone. Only in my fantasies. I’m learning how far I can exert this dominance with Harper, and I have so much satisfaction when she submits, following the instruction to strip.
Harper swallows, her hands trembling as she reaches for the hem of her dress. Her wet hair tumbles behind her shoulders when she pulls the fabric over her head. Her cheeks are red. She’s averting her gaze.
“Watch me while you undress.”
She follows my words perfectly, meeting my gaze and letting me see every flicker of emotion within her. The shyness, the desire, the love. She removes her bra, but I barely notice, so heated from her gaze. It’s like looking into her soul.
Next, she slides her panties to the ground. She’s completely naked in front of me and pulls her hair forward to hide herself, thinking I won’t realize.
“Don’t you fucking dare. Your body is mine, Harper, and you’re going to show me all of you. Turn around and bend over.”
She gasps, her eyes wide. “I can’t do that.”
