What else can I do? I’ll despise myself later.
Maverick licks the shell of my ear and my eyes flutter closed. The temperature in the compact space rises and my clothing clings to my sweat-drenched skin. His powerful thrusts rock the Jeep and bang my head against the door.
“I knew it would be like this,” he rasps, wedging his hand between my folds and kneading my clit.
I release a low-keening moan, riding the wave of ecstasy, hoping I don’t drown.
He bites my shoulder and pumps faster until he’s wrung dry.
Frustrated tears spring into my eyes.
Several minutes pass before his oppressive bulk leaves my body.
I move to my knees and fix my clothes, keeping my back to him. Self-recriminations bombard me and I bolt from the Jeep, desperate to escape him. My platform shoes hinder my progress.
Maverick closes the distance, nabbing me around the waist.
“I want to go home!” I wail, flailing against him.
“Be quiet,” he orders me, squeezing my abdomen. “I’ll take you.”
Maverick totes me back to the Jeep and pushes me into the front seat.
I’m too drained to run again. No words are spoken between us during the awkward drive. Finally, he turns onto the dirt road, leading to my house.
“I’ll walk from here.”
Maverick stares at me for a few seconds, then stops the Jeep. Thank goodness. It’ll be another brawl if he’s seen. I immediately hop out without a backwards glance. As I near the porch, the front door flies open. Lo, Micah, and Saint converge on me.
Saint’s jaw is swollen, and he’ll be sporting a black eye soon.
Micah has a split lip.
But Lo survived the scrimmage unscathed.
I’m relieved Mom and Michael are in Charleston having dinner with friends.
“Are you okay?” Saint asks, taking in my disheveled appearance.
“Yeah.” I look down, unable to meet his gaze.
“You fucked him, didn’t you?” Saint accuses, face twisting in anger.
I open my mouth to speak, but nothing comes out, solidifying my guilt.
“Fuck!” he bellows, startling me.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper.
“You’re sorry?” Saint grasps my shoulders and roughly shakes me.
“Easy.” Micah pulls him back.
“No matter what I do, you’re never going to pick me.” He laughs humorlessly.
“It was a mistake.”
“Let’s go inside and get some rest,” Lo suggests. “We can discuss this in the morning.”
