I expect her to dart up, run to the bathroom, and leave my room in a huff. But she does none of that.
She perches on an elbow. “How long has it really been for you? Mia said it’s been a year.”
“Give or take.”
“So neither of us has been with anyone in a while. And I’m on the pill. Unless there’s something you haven’t told me, I’d guess we’re okay.”
I’m flooded with relief. “I always use condoms.” I roll my eyes. “Or I have since Denise got pregnant. And I’ve been tested several times over the last decade. I’ve always been careful, Kenna. I promise.”
She puts a hand on my chest. “It’s okay. I believe you. I’m good too. My ex insisted on us being tested before we went there, and he always wore condoms. Always.”
“You say it like it’s a bad thing.”
“It’s not. Especially not now. But he always told me one was enough, even though that one wasn’t even his.”
The more I learn about her ex, the more I know what a selfish bastard he was. Not just when they were together, but everything happening for her now. I know all of this is about him. And not just him wanting to hurt her through her father. There’s more to it than that. I know there is. But now is not the time to bring it up again.
The candles flicker behind her. “How about we not waste another minute talking about our exes?”
“Fine by me. Mind if I use your bathroom?”
“Only if you promise to come right back.”
She grins. “Deal.”
A few minutes later, she emerges from the bathroom looking worried.
“Everything okay?”
She looks at the door to my bedroom. “I heard the hallway toilet flush. Do you think he heard us?”
“I doubt it. Christian has always been a heavy sleeper.”
“You mean other than the fact that he woke up to pee?” she says sarcastically.
I shrug. “He’ll be sixteen soon. I think he can handle it.”
“But what if he thinks you were getting murdered and comes to investigate?”
I laugh. “He won’t.”
“Maybe I should leave.”
I slide to the side of the bed, grab her arm, and pull her down. “Not on your life.” I spoon her and caress the soft curve of her hip.
“Aren’t you afraid of setting a bad example, sleeping with a woman you hardly know?”
“I know you more than you think I do, Kenna. I know you care deeply about those around you. I know you’re a good person. I know you’re a great mom.” I smile to myself and murmur against her neck, “And now I know you give one hell of a blow job.”
Her butt shimmies against my groin. “I’m glad you approve. I was pretty nervous.”
“Ten out of ten. Not bad for your first time.” I draw close to her ear and whisper, “Please tell me that was your first time.”
She sighs heavily. “Let’s just say it’s the first time I everwantedto do it.”
My stomach turns, my mind riddled with questions. Did that motherfucker force her to do things she didn’t want to do? It makes me want to hunt him down, cut him to pieces, and bury the remnants of his sick, twisted soul.
We lay in silence for a few moments, which is good because I need to get these toxic visions out of my head. I don’t even know what the guy looks like, but I can see him clear as day, the devil incarnate, and I fear he’ll make regular appearances in my nightmares.
