I lean up on my elbows. “Are you afraid I might get kidnapped again if I walk in the kitchen? I’m thirsty.”
“No, but that orange and white terrorist might attack you. I think she was a ninja in her past life with the way she attacks my ankles from dark corners.”
Silence falls over us again. He softly rubs his hands over my skin and occasionally plants a soft kiss on my forehead. My eyes close, savoring the feeling. This might not be a permanent thing, but I’m going to enjoy it while it lasts.
“Are you awake, cupcake?” Nick strokes the side of my face.
My eyes flutter open. It takes my groggy brain a few seconds to register where I am. I’m still in Nick’s bed with my head on his chest, the same way we were lying after he ruined me for any other man.
Because there’s no way anyone could ever top the way he made me feel. Like I was the only one he wanted and needed. Geezus. No wonder Sasha is so fucking crazy with jealousy. I still hate her, but I understand now.
“How long have I been asleep?” I murmur.
“Not long.” He shifts on his side so he can see me better.
“What’s your plan to get me out of here without them seeing me?” I’m parched and need water.
“Without seeing you?” His tone is menacing. “I don’t give a shit who thinks what. I meant it when I said you’re mine.” He tilts my chin up and plants a soft kiss on my lips.
I deepen the kiss when I feel him pressing against my thigh. He’s hard again—for me. I’m reeling. This is too good to be true.
It’s him who breaks the kiss first. “As much as I want to bury myself balls deep in you again,” he slides his dick up my leg, “you need to eat.”
I fix myself up as best I can in the bathroom. I use my fingers to tame my tangled hair and cover the angry hickey. Great, I’m supposed to go apply at Cottontails in two days and I don’t think I have a swanky top that will cover it.
Nick walks in, somehow looking even hotter with his freshly fucked messy hair. Something’s different with him. He hasn’t been this calm since we were at the farm. Wish I could say the same.
I don’t regret what happened between us, I’m not even saying I don’t want to be his, because in a way I do, but I’ve progressed so far from the girl who was so desperate to end her life, she jumped off a bridge and don’t want to end up hurt to the point I go back to that.
Ethan’s standing at the bar when we walk out. His eyes widen with surprise when he sees the two of us. His gaze immediately drifts to my neck then back to my face, body tensing, but he doesn’t address the elephant in the room. Instead, he walks out the front door, slamming it in his wake.
I grab a bottle of water from the fridge and down it. My heart sinks in my chest. The last thing I want is for Ethan to be mad at me.
Chapter 31
Nick
She was so upset, she sat on the deck most of the night then went back to her room and locked me out. I was late to work this morning because I spent half the morning convincing Maya that what we did wasn’t a mistake and Ethan will get over whatever rift it caused with him.
I know I selfishly gave in to my biggest temptation. I’m not sorry about it and don’t want her to be either. I want her. There are no more doubts in my mind. She said she wasn’t but still seemed pretty upset when I left.
I send her a quick text.
10:17 a.m. - I’m taking you to dinner tonight, be ready to go at six sharp. Casual attire.
10:17 a.m. - Do I have to?
10:18 a.m. - No, if you wish, I will bring home takeout. Emma took the day off.
10:19 a.m. - What about my training today?
10:19 a.m. - Sasha was busy this afternoon. You can train with me after dinner.
10:20 a.m. - Let’s go out : ) See you at 6.
I finish typing up my deposition. I’ve got court at one, but I need to stop by the warehouse on my way. I will have to go up against Karen today. The first interaction I’ve had with her since my less-than-glorious drunken office debacle. I’m sure she will be thrilled to see me nonetheless.
When I get to the warehouse, I’m surprised to find Ethan in my office. “Any updates?” He doesn’t look up at me.
