Page 20 of Beneath the Scars
Hmm. I wasn’t, but I think we need to talk about these consequences.
We will. Good night, Adalaide.
Night.
I quietly squeal while I clutch my phone to my chest. I can’t believe this is happening. I read through our text exchange a few times before I set my phone on my nightstand.
Michael explained the importance of aftercare to me while we cuddled after my orgasm. Hearing from him just now solidified how much it’s truly necessary. I hadn’t noticed my anxiety building while my mind was busy spinning. Getting confirmation that we were still on the same pagenow that the endorphins had worn off was exactly what I needed to stop overthinking everything.
Tonightwasintense.
Given our history, it would’ve been understandable if one of us started to freak out. Before, I’d have said I didn’t need much in the way of aftercare. Now that I’ve experienced it, I know it’s going to be imperative for my mental health.
What’s even more comforting is how much I trust Michael to give me exactly what I need. His whole focus was on me while I was at his house, both before and after my orgasm. I’d believed that was all the aftercare I’d need, but he knew that checking in with me would be important. It proves I’ve chosen the right person to explore this side of my sexuality with.
There are so many questions we still need to answer, and even more discussions to be had about what’s happening between us. The one thing I don’t need to question is if I’m safe with Michael.
I’ve never once doubted his ability to take care of me. It’s one of the many things I love about him. Our new dynamic isn’t any different.
Michael will do anything to ensure I’m safe and happy, no matter what becomes of our relationship in the future. It’s why I didn’t balk at the idea of wading into a sexual relationship before a romantic one.
He’s the only man I’ve ever trusted to take care of my heart if I give him my body. It may still end up broken, but it’s not going to be because of Michael’s carelessness.
If anything, Michael will end up caring too much.
And isn’t the old saying, if you love something, let it go?
Chapter 11
Michael
The sound of my patrol car’s tires turning over the asphalt is the only thing keeping me company. I’ve already pulled over three rental cars for reckless driving on their way to the lake. One was going twenty over the speed limit, while the other two were racing each other at breakneck speeds.
After that last one, I needed some time to cool off before I headed back to the station. I’ve been driving the back roads for the last hour. It’s helped me refocus my mind, although I’ve mainly been thinking about Addie.
The memory of her coming apart in that chair has played on repeat for the last three days. It took all of my control not to fuck her right then and there. I thought my cock was going to explode in my pants. All it would’ve taken is one stroke, and I’d have come harder than ever before. Having her sit on my lap afterward was the best kind of torture.
I hadn’t meant to let things go that far the very first night. I’d intended to discuss our limits and kiss her until we both ran out of breath. I should’ve expected Addie to derail my well-crafted plan. She’s never played by anyone else’s rules. Ifear I’ll need to prepare for every contingency when it comes to her.
I kind of love that.
She never does what I think she will. It’s maddening, and yet I live for the unpredictability of her. You’d think it would drive my well-ordered brain crazy, but something about Addie has always been different.
Something darting into the road has me slamming on my brakes.
A sleek black horse stands on the double yellow lines, staring straight into my cruiser. After I make the call that Mr. Lambert’s horse got out again, I flip on my red and blue lights to caution any driver coming around the corner, then slowly open my door.
“Shadow. I thought we talked about this.” I stand next to my cruiser, my muscles relaxed.
She snorts, clearly telling me she couldn’t give two fucks about our last discussion.
With slow movements, I get closer to the massive horse. Shadow flicks her head, her feet shuffling on the pavement, giving clear signs of agitation, so I stop, heeding her warning. “You’re looking healthy, sweetheart. Has Addie been taking good care of you?”
Shadow tips her head down as if to say yes.
“She’s started taking care of me too. It’s not easy to let people in, is it, pretty girl?” I start toward the horse again, keeping my voice calm and my steps slow. “We’re not the easiest to love, are we? Our sharp edges tend to keep most people away. I’m not sure Addie has ever noticed my broken pieces. Either that or she doesn’t care if she gets nicked.”
I’m within a few feet of Shadow, my body to the side of her face so she can easily see me. I begin to raise my arm without hesitation. She’ll pick up on any fear or nerves, but I also don’t move too fast, so she can anticipate my next move.
