“You don’t have to carry me,” I protested groggily.
“I want to,” he assured me firmly as he took the stairs with no visible effort.
He lay me gently on his bed and left, returning moments later with a glass of water and my pain pills. “I think you need these tonight.”
I grimaced but nodded, swallowing both pills obediently. “Don’t let me sleep the day away tomorrow,” I mumbled.
He swept my hair back from my forehead tenderly. “If you need it, that’s exactly what I’ll do.” He dropped a kiss to my forehead.
“You’re so good to me.” I sighed, accepting the pull of sleep willingly. “Maybe I’ll keep you, too.”
Chapter 15
FRANCESCA
Iwoke slowly the next morning, aware of the desire radiating through my sore body as I took in my surroundings. I was wrapped around Maddox like a vine, my nose pressed to his neck, my leg hooked over his hip. I wondered if he was awake as I became aware of the steel rod pressed against my core. I moved against it reflexively, eliciting a deep groan from Maddox. His grip flexed on my hip, guiding me to continue my movements.
That answered the question as to if he was awake or not.
“Christ,” he hissed as my hips began to move on their own accord, any trace of inhibition eradicated by lust. “Can you come like this?” His voice was guttural and full of awe.
“I… I don’t know,” I replied honestly. My experience was limited at best. I’d lost my virginity to the one boy who was brave enough to offer me any attention in high school. It had been a clumsy affair, over before it began.
“I like a challenge,” he growled, his teeth grazing my neck.
I gasped, my skin on fire as I reached an edge I only knew was there from my other experience with Maddox. He began to guide me again when my movements faltered, unsure how to get myself there. He pressed me harder, faster, and before I knew it I was calling his name, lost to a tidal wave of feeling.
I collapsed on his chest, his strong arms enveloping me. “That was fucking hot.” He growled in appreciation.
“I just came by rubbing against you,” I breathed in horror. Now that my lust-filled brain was clear, I was mortified.
He ran his hand over my hair. “Yeah, you did. Which shows me how responsive you are. I’m still hard as steel thinking about how you’ll go off for me once I get inside you. Plus, anything with you is hot,” he assured me.
A knock sounded loudly on his front door, making me jump.
“Sshh, baby. It’s fine.”
“Who is that?” I demanded, pulling back to look at him, knowing my eyes were wide.
“I forgot Cash was going to come by this morning,” he explained.
“Cash?” I asked in confusion. I felt like I’d heard the name, but couldn’t place it.
“One of the Knights brothers, a close friend,” he assured me. “And he just so happens to live in the building.”
“Aw, that’s kind of cute.” I grinned as we both rose from the bed.
He looked at me in consternation. “It’s not fucking cute, babe. We’re men.”
“And practically roomies.” I laughed, enjoying teasing him. I hadn’t felt lighthearted in so long.
He swatted my backside. “You’ll pay for that later.”
I blushed, sliding my glasses on before throwing on one of Maddox’s hoodies and some sweats. Maddox didn’t bother to cover up as much, sliding on some jeans and nothing else.
When Maddox opened the door a few moments later, I was struck momentarily speechless. The man on the other side was like an avenging Viking, if avenging Vikings were painfully gorgeous. I remembered him from my first trip to Hawthorne, but everything had been a blur then. With his blond hair hanging past his ears—looking like it may need a wash but that somehow working for him—striking blue eyes, and imposing form, Cash was a lot to take in.
“Walker.” Maddox addressed him by what I assumed was his last name. “This is Francesca.”
