Goosebumps erupt on my flesh the higher his hand climbs up my thigh. His touch isn’t meant to be sexual, yet I turn into a ball of need.
He’s conditioned my body into this.
It’s exactly what I need to erase the memory of my molester.
Nathan moves to my other leg, rubbing soothingly and with so much care that it takes my breath away. Aryan had never pampered or worshipped every part of me like Nathan does. He’s healing the cracks inside my heart without even realizing it.
Peering at his sinful face, I can no longer deny the truth.
I have deeper feelings for him.
More than infatuation.
More than lust.
An emotion far more profound.
“Ari?”
I blink at him, pushing my inner musings into a dark corner. “Yeah, Nathan?”
“You good?” Concern flickers in his steely eyes.
“I’m okay.”
“Stand for me,” he softly urges.
Once I do, he picks my panties that he brought out of my closet, turning my cheeks red. I hide them behind my hair, placing my hands on top of his shoulders when he helps me into them.
I can’t believe I’m letting him dress me. Or how nice it feels under his undivided attention.
“I thought you didn’t do boyfriend things,” I repeat his major rule.
“I don’t.” He pushes to his feet, tilting his head down to stare at me intensely. “Any decent human being would do this.”
No. Only a man who cares would. “Hmm, I thought you were only interested in doing indecent things to me.”
“I can be a deviant and a protector without putting labels on it.” Picking my bra next, he slides the straps up my arms one by one. Pressing his solid chest flush against my breasts, he runs his fingers along the hook and attaches it.
Basking in the heat emanating from his muscular body, I wrap my arms around his waist. Propping my chin right belowhis pecs, while his hand threads into my hair, I raise a brow. “What’s wrong with labels?”
“They imply commitment. I’m incapable of it.”
Incapable or closed off?
“You and Iris were together for four years,” I say softly, feeling him tense a little at her name. “It was a commitment, even if it was of convenience.”
“Look how it ended.”
I want to askexactlyhow as Bianca’s accusations swirl in my brain. But I can sense his wall slowly building back up. I selfishly need more of his tender side a little longer.
I’m starved for his affection, his touch, and all the secrets and pain he’s hiding inside his sealed heart.
He steps back to finish putting on the rest of my clothes. “How are you feeling?”
“Better.” Stretching up with my hands resting on his shoulders, I kiss him. No tongue. Just a small peck against his lips. “Thank you for being here for me, Nathan. Ineededyou.”
His chest caves as he inhales sharply. My confession hitting some deeper part of him that leaves him shaking. He masks it just as quickly, a cold look penetrating his eyes.
