She gives me a small smile.“Good.A little sore.”
Guilt punches through me, even though I know I was careful.I roll onto my side, keeping her tucked close.“I’m sorry.”
“You don’t have to be sorry.”She traces a finger over the scar near my ribs, and the light touch sends heat rushing through me.“I wanted it.”
“I know.”My hand slides up her spine.“Doesn’t mean I like knowing I hurt you.”
Her expression softens.“You didn’t hurt me.Not like that.”
I don’t answer right away because I know what she means, and I hate that there has ever been any kind of hurt attached to me in her mind.Not from last night.From before.From all the years I didn’t see her.From the time she spent thinking she loved me alone.
I cup her cheek.“I’m going to make it up to you.”
Her lips twitch.“For what?”
“For every second you ever felt invisible.”
Her breath catches, and I hold her gaze so she can see that I mean it.I’ll spend the rest of my life making sure Suri knows exactly how seen she is.How wanted.How necessary.
She looks down, her lashes hiding her eyes, and something sharp cuts through me.
There it is.The hesitation.The little bit of distance I felt last night, even when she was trembling beneath me, giving herself to me completely.It wasn’t there all the time.Not when she was coming apart in my arms.Not when she whispered that she wanted me, but afterward, when I held her, I felt it.Like part of her was still braced.Still waiting.
“Suri,” I say quietly.
She peeks up at me.“Hmm?”
“What’s going on in that pretty head?”
“Nothing.”
“Liar.”
Her lips press together.
I roll fully onto my side and gather her closer.“Talk to me.”
“It’s nothing.”
“It’s not nothing if it has you looking like you’re about to run.”
Her eyes widen.“I’m not going to run.”
“Good.”I brush my thumb along her jaw.“Because I’d chase you.”
That earns me a small laugh, but it fades too quickly.My stomach tightens.
“Baby.”
She sighs and rolls onto her back, staring up at the ceiling.The blanket slips lower, baring the tops of her breasts, and I force myself to keep my eyes on her face.
“I don’t know how to explain it.”
“Try.”
She swallows.“Last night was amazing.”
Pride and possessiveness burn through me.“Yeah?”
