I’ve always known love is even more dangerous than hope. A weapon that could be easily used against me. I’m already enough of a hazard to myself, and I’ve never wanted anyone armed better than I am.
But loving Titus isn’t scary. It’s not dangerous.
Loving Titus is safe. He’s always kept me safe.
My confession must catch him by surprise, because Titus goes completely still, his green eyes fused to my face. The seconds tick by between us. Finally he says, “Say it again.”
“I love you.” It’s even easier to admit the second time. Instead of bringing fear it brings a sense of rightness. Like I should’ve been saying it forever.
Loving him forever.
In some ways I wish I could have. But that would mean Kara would’ve never known what it was like to be loved completely. And I wouldn’t take that from her. Not when I know how much it matters.
Titus’s gaze moves over my face as he smooths my hair back the way he so often does. “Again.”
I don’t know if he’s trying to make sure I understand whatI’m saying, or if he’s making sure he understands what he’s hearing, but I’ll say it as many times as he needs me to. “I love you.”
If this were anyone else’s reaction it would make me uncertain. Have me backpedaling. Explaining that it’s okay if they don’t love me back. I might even feel stupid for putting it out there.
Instead, I’m smiling. Free from so many of the bindings shackling me to misguided thoughts and fear-based beliefs.
Titus's hands grip my hips, his head tipping to rest against mine as his eyes close on a shuddering breath. “Thank fucking God.”
Before I can process his words or his relief, I’m lifted off the floor. Scooped up by the strong arms always ready to catch me when I fall. Ready to hold me when I’m afraid.
Titus goes for the steps, one hand splayed across my ass as the other braces against my back. We reach the top of the staircase and he doesn’t even pause, just keeps walking past the plastic partitioning off the rest of the floor to carry me into the bedroom we share.
My back hits the mattress and he climbs over me, pulling in a slow breath. “I was starting to worry I was the only one.”
34
Titus
Ithought Mariah had already given me everything I wanted. She’s turned my house into a home. Reminded me how to live. Inspired me to rejoin the world. Gave me a reason to go on.
Or two.
She’s brightened my life and shown me how much I have left to give.
And I want to give it all to her.
I nose along her neck, breathing deep. “I don’t think you understand what you’ve done for me.” Trailing a path up her body, I catch the hem of her sweater, dragging it along to reveal soft, smooth skin. “How much you’ve changed my life.” I lift my head to meet her eyes as I push the knit higher. “How much you’ve changed me.”
Mariah shakes her head. “I didn’t change you. You are who you’ve always been.” She reaches up to trace the path of scars woven across my skin. “I just made you share it with me.”
I turn my head, pressing a kiss into the palm of her hand. “You didn’t make me do anything I didn’t want to do.” I tug off her sweater, tossing it away. “From the second you walked into my house, you’ve had me in a choke hold.” A smilecurves my lips as I lower to brush my mouth over hers. “And it’s only gone downhill from there.”
Peeling away her bra, I cup the weight of her breasts in my hands, gently thumbing the tightening tips as I claim her mouth, slicking my tongue against hers, trying to get as much of her taste as possible.
Mariah’s hands go to my hair as my mouth travels lower, drawing a stiffened nipple between my lips while I work her pants down her legs. I want to show her how much I need her. How much I appreciate her. How much I love her.
I continue my downward path, burying my face between her thighs. Feeling her come against my tongue is one of my favorite things in the world, and I chase it relentlessly. Working her clit with the tip of my tongue in short swipes the way I know she likes.
Not the teasing type, I’m not the guy who will take her to the edge just to back off. I’m the guy who wants to see how many times I can send her sailing. An overachiever. And I don’t mind putting in the time and effort to get where I want to go. Or in this case, where I want Mariah to go.
Again and again.
I can’t—and will never—get enough of her. Of her warmth. Her smile. Her positivity. Her bravery. She is everything, and that’s what I want to give her.
