Alex, however, doesn’t take the hint and leans forward, his blue eyes intent on mine. “Why not? Do you not want me? Is that it? Because I don’t believe you. I’ve seen how you look at me, Ollie. You want me just as much as I want you.”
My eyes widen. “You don’t want me. You don’t even know me.”
He leans closer, his gaze intent on mine. “I know enough. I know that you’re strong—stronger than you think—and so damn kind and loyal. You don’t take anyone’s bullshit and you’re brave as hell. You single-handedly saved Rhys and Theo using that beautiful brain of yours.”
I shake my head as he speaks. “You don’t mean that.”
“I do, Ollie. I really bloody do. You’re one of the best people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing.”
But hecan’tmean that. He doesn’t really know me or he wouldn’t want me. And once he finds out how broken I am, he’ll leave, just like everyone else. And then I’ll be alone, with a shattered and bleeding heart. I won’t go through that again and Irefuseto be hurt again.
I try to slip my hand from his, but his grip tightens. “Ollie, whatever you’re thinking, stop.”
I shake my head again and stare at our hands as unshed tears sting the corner of my eyes. “You don’t understand,” I say in a soft, almost broken whisper. “I’m not—”Good enough.“Who you think I am. That person you describe doesn’t exist.”
Alex places a finger beneath my chin and forces my head up. My skin tingles at his touch. “I see you, Ollie. You are definitely that person andmore. I’ve only just scratched the surface of who you are as a person, and I like what I see.”
God, why did he have to be such a smooth talker? And so goddamn handsome.Fuck! I can feel my resolve crumbling like a wet paper bag, so I cling to one last thing. “This won’t work, Alex. Us being together, it just won’t, and you’ll regret it when it ends.”
His hold tightens on my chin. “Ifit ends,” he says in a stern voice. “And I disagree. The only thing I’ll regret is not taking a chance.”
Before I can react, he leans forward and brushes his lips against mine. It’s a quick, chaste kiss, but damn, does it light my body up like a Christmas tree. Goosebumps explode across my skin and my breath catches in my throat as I stare at him in shock.
He leans back just enough to look into my eyes, amusement and satisfaction clear on his face. “There’s more where that came from. I’m going to convince you that this’ll work, Ollie, and there’s nothing you can do. Unless you tell me you don’t want me, I’m not going to stop until you’re mine.”
Fuck. That shouldn’t be as hot as it is. I should lie and tell him I don’t want him. That I don’t feel anything but friendship toward him, but my stupid mouth won’t work and my brain is a jumbled mess.
His expression turns smug. “That’s what I thought.” He releases my chin and my hand and stands. “I’m going for a shower. Yell if you need anything.” With that, he grabs his bag and disappears into the bathroom, leaving me to gape after him.
He scrambled my brain and demolished the walls I spent the past year erecting with only the barest of kisses.
Shit. I’m so fucking screwed.
Myeyes snap openas the screeching of metal and high-pitched screams of my nightmare echo in my ears. My damp hair sticks against my face and neck, as my heart slams against my chest and my breaths come out in pants. In the dark hotel room, the images of my nightmare linger in the corner of my mind.
Metal bent and twisted. Bright red blood splattered against grass and cream leather seats. My mum’s head hanging at a sickening angel in the front seat. My dad’s body barely visible beneath the glass, crumpled metal and plastic. A hand so rotted that the flesh sloughs from bloodied bones as it reaches toward me.
I swallow hard and shudder as I force those images from my mind and focus on slowing my heart rate and breathing.In. Out. In. Out.Over and over until I’m no longer a trembling, panting mess.
Fuck. These nightmares are getting worse.
The memories are so vivid, the sounds so real that it’s almost like I’m back at the scene of the accident. The only thing missing is the excruciating pain and nausea. Thankfully, my brain doesn’t seem capable of conjuring those sensations. Small mercies. But I’d prefer it if I could have one damn night where I’m not waking up trembling in a cold sweat.
I lie there in the dark, staring up at the ceiling, when a strange rhythmical noise filters through my groggy brain.Huh?My brow furrows as I listen, hearing the creak of a bed spring followed by a low, masculine groan. My head snaps to the side, my gaze finding the familiar form of Alex in the bed next to mine.
At first, I think he’s having a nightmare just like me as he lets out another low groan. Until my eyes slide down his body and widen. There’sjust enough moonlight streaming through the half-closed curtain to see his form.
He’s lying on the bed, completely naked, his chest and stomach ridged with muscles and barely an ounce of fat. However, it’s not his cut body that has my tongue sticking to the roof of my mouth; it’s the large hand wrapped around the biggest cock I’ve ever seen.
It shouldn’t surprise me since it’s definitely proportional to his body, butdamn. That thing is a fucking weapon.
Now my heart is racing, and my breathing has picked up for an entirely different reason. My nightmare from earlier is forgotten as I watch him stroke his hand up and down his thick cock, beads of pre-cum leaking from the tip. His head is thrown back, his eyes closed, and his face is contorted with pleasure.
It’s the most erotic thing I’ve ever seen.
I bite my lip as heat pools between my legs and my clit throbs. I know I shouldn’t be watching and itcertainlyshouldn’t be turning me on, but I can’t tear my eyes away. He’s fucking magnificent and I have the biggest urge to replace his hand with mine as I slide my lips around the head of his cock.
Another groan leaves his lips that goes straight to my pussy and his pace picks up until he’s fucking his fist. My breath catches in my throat and my thighs press together for friction, but it’s not enough. I need more.
