Page 42 of Bed of Thorns

The tee shirt was riding up her legs, the scent of her sweet pussy wafting into my nostrils. The beast inside of me wanted to take her right here, ignoring her cries if she begged me to stop. I was just getting started, insatiable to drink her in, to taste every inch of her skin. If that made me a bad man, then so be it.

I slipped my hand underneath the thin material, cupping her bottom. She had perfect curves, her hourglass figure exactly what every red-blooded male hungered for. Just being allowed to caress her skin was like a dream come true, the softness against the rough pads of my fingers adding to the intense desire that continued to build. My balls were so tight, they ached, my cock throbbing to the point I’d need relief soon. The moment I slid my finger down the crack of her ass, she tensed, pushing harder, wiggling to try to break the hold.

While I allowed our lips to part, I wasn’t ready to let her go, my hold on her neck tighter. “I want you, baby.”

She fisted her hands, tapping them against my forearms. “A raincheck for coffee?”

The mood broken, I released my hold, turning my head away.

When she pulled out of my arms, I suddenly felt cold, bitterly cold. She was hiding something from me.

I wrapped my hand around her wrist, forcing her to return to my side. “Just remember. You belong to me.”

“How could I forget?” Mercedes brushed the backs of her fingers along my jaw then gave me a hard shove. “Coffee.”

While I let her go, all I wanted to do was carry her to bed and make love to her for hours. I watched as she walked into the kitchen, noticing her shoulders were slumped. She was still unable to trust me. How could she when I didn’t even trust myself?

I zipped my small suitcase, disgusted by the limited contents. I’d purchased new jeans and a few tee shirts, a pair of running shoes and no other clothing. That would need to change if I planned on becoming a businessman. I grabbed the bag, moving into the bedroom, placing the few items in the closet. I was grateful for Adam’s gesture of kindness. However, a nagging feeling remained. Why would he be so generous?

Maybe he was truly a good man put in a bad position. I missed his counsel as well as his friendship. One day he and I would meet again, and I’d thank him properly. As I turned to walk out, I took a few seconds to glance at the disheveled bed. I’d slept on the floor in the motel room since I’d been released, the hardness of the floor feeling more like home than the softness of a bed.

But here, it was already different. I’d been able to close my eyes without images flooding my mind instantly.

But they’d returned in the middle of the night—horrible images that seemed more explosive than the usual ones. I’d left the bed,our bed, retreating to the darkness of the deck, staring out at the ocean for hours, fearful I’d wake her.

Seeking solace as well as salvation was meant to be done in privacy. At least that’s what Adam had told me. I hadn’t managed to find any solace and I doubted I’d ever find salvation. I was fine with that.

For now.

I pressed my fingers against the sheets, allowing filthy thoughts to enter my mind. Then I returned, finding her sitting on the deck with her feet curled up. She’d brewed an entire pot of coffee. It had been ages since I’d had any. I poured a cup, sniffing, then making a face. I’d give it a try. With copious amounts of sugar and cream, I managed to take a sip. Not too bad.

She seemed pensive, but I needed to be by her side, the grounding mechanism more important today than even before. I kept my distance, moving to the other side of the deck and peering out at the water. It truly was beautiful here, albeit a little chilly for this time of year. I concentrated on the waves until I sensed she was staring at me, hungering for answers.

“The house is lovely,” she said, almost in passing.

“It’s a start.”

“Are you planning on staying here?”

I shifted my head in her direction. “We will make that decision. The place is ours for now.”

“No rent payment?”

I had to laugh. “I don’t think so, but I’ll find out more when I meet with Adam’s financial advisor or whatever his title is.”

“Adam. Your cellmate?”

“Yes.” I sensed her disbelief.

“How much do you know about this man?”

“Enough to know he believes in me. He was the one who encouraged me to get a college degree. He pushed me for years, refusing to allow me to fall into my depths of despair.”

“Why was he in prison?”

I almost stuttered. “Same reason as me. Manslaughter.”

“And you don’t know the circumstances?”

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