Page 48 of Unexpected Ventures

He eventually pulls away. “If we don’t stop, I’ll end up taking you again.”

I smile into his mouth. “That wouldn’t be so bad.”

“No. I can’t touch you. I won’t hurt you again. Let’s go.”

I’m afraid to ask what he means by that, so I don’t.

He’s silent as we drive back to the school, and distant when I say goodbye to get back into my car.

CHAPTERTWELVE

BETH

Iwake after a limited amount of sleep. I walk into my bathroom with a smile that won’t go away. Maybe not quite walk. It’s a bit of a limp. My body is battered and bruised, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love the things he made me feel.

Looking in the mirror, I can’t stop smiling while examining all the marks on my body. I run my fingertips over them as I replay our evening over and over in my head. The way he touched me. The way he took control. The way he spoke to me with those dirty words. My body is still thrumming from it all, somehow aching for more.

After showering and dressing, I head downstairs. Luke and Rose are having breakfast. He’s engrossed in whatever she’s saying. It’s been that way for four years. In fairness to Luke, Rose has blossomed into a stunning young lady. She’s now a senior in high school and the two of them have the most adorable relationship. She’s like a big sister to him.

I kiss Luke’s head. “Hey, baby. Did you two have fun last night?”

He has a big, goofy grin. “Yes. Rose and I had a date and then she slept over. We had a slumber party.”

Rose smiles at me. She gets a kick out of Luke’s crush on her. “This little charmer insisted on having a candlelit pizza dinner last night. And he picked me flowers from the yard.” She motions toward a vase with a few dandelions in it.

I turn to Luke. “I’d ask who told you that girls like candlelit dinners and flowers, but I’m pretty sure I know the answer.”

“Uncle Trevor. He said you have to romance the ladies and treat them like princesses.”

Rose blushes. “He does treat me like a princess. Some girl is going to be very lucky to have you as her boyfriend one day.”

Luke puts his head down. “You don’t want to be my girlfriend?”

She bites back her smile. “You’re a little young right now, Luke, but maybe when you’re older.”

Rose and I smile at each other. They’ve had this same conversation a lot over the years.

“Did you hear that, Luke? Maybe one day when you’re older. You’re a lucky man. Rose is very pretty.”

He nods. “She’s the second prettiest girl I know.”

“Who’s first, Valentina?”

He looks up at me as if the answer is obvious. “You, Mommy.”

My heart melts. I hug him. He really is the sweetest little boy. I’m so lucky. “Baby, go upstairs and grab your backpack. I’ll walk Rose out and meet you in the car.”

“Okay, Mommy.” He wraps his arms around Rose. “Bye, Rose. Have a good day.”

“You too, little charmer.”

When he runs upstairs, I ask Rose, “How was he?”

She smiles as she blushes. “He asked me if I wanted to sleep in his room. He said I could have nightmares and might need him to protect me.”

I shake my head. “I’m truly going to have my hands full in a few years.”

She nods. “That’s for sure. He’s more romantic than my actual boyfriend. I might send him to Luke for lessons.”

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