Cruel Vendetta, page 21
“That I took advantage of you?”
I shot a guilty look his way. “Kind of. I just don't want them to think that we started dating after we lived with each other because it was convenient.”
The corner of his mouth kicked up in a smirk. “There's nothing convenient about you.”
I lightly smacked his bicep. “Would you be serious for a second?”
His green eyes met mine and held. “No one in their right mind would think we're together for any reason except that we want to be.”
I swallowed hard at his words and gave a little nod. “Okay.”
His hand slid around the back of my neck and pulled me in for a quick, sweet kiss. A smile pulled at his lips as he lifted away. “We’d better get out of the car before I turn around and take you home.”
It was definitely tempting. After my two days spent in the hospital, Drew had taken me home and cared for me. But unfortunately, that didn't extend to the bedroom. Aside from a couple of chaste kisses, he hadn't touched me intimately in more than a week. A huge part of me wanted to crawl into his lap and throw my arms around his neck. I wanted his lips on mine, his hands roving over every inch of my body. Before I could come up with anything to say, Drew pushed open the door and rounded the car.
A moment later my door swung open, and he was there, ready to help me out. The blisters on the back of my heel were still tender, and it made walking difficult. Drew lifted me from the car then carried me toward the house. He deposited me lightly on the stoop so he could open the door, then ushered us inside. “Hey, y'all. We’re here.”
Vera tossed down the dish towel and wrapped me in a motherly hug. “Oh, sweetheart, I was so worried about you.”
Irrational tears pricked my eyes. I'd spent so much time at the Thornes’ house when I was younger that Vera was like a second mother to me. She'd certainly shown herself to care more than my biological mother had recently. She pulled away, clasping my shoulders and giving me a thorough once over from head to toe. “How are you? Should you be up and moving around already? You know you’re always welcome here if—”
“Relax, ma, she's fine.” Drew kissed her cheek, then settled a hand on my waist, effectively drawing me away from Vera and into his side. “She was begging to go home the very next day. Besides, I'm still off work right now.”
“Not for long.” Her expression was still concerned as she turned back to me. “If you need anything, call me right away.”
“I will, thank you.”
“All right then.” She gave a brisk little clap. “Let's eat!”
We all moved to the dining room and dug into the pot roast she'd made. It was tender and perfect, and I couldn't help but study the people gathered around the table. They were all so familiar, and each of them had played a huge part in my life growing up. I'd never considered myself the type of woman who needed a man around. Did it make me happy? Of course, and that was even truer with Drew. But I couldn't help the anxiety that clutched at my throat when I thought of the future. What would happen if things between us didn't work out? Would I lose everyone I cared about?
My father had left when I was ten, just picked up and walked away as if we meant nothing to him. For the longest time I wondered what I'd done wrong to drive him away. As an adult I could see the situation a little more clearly, and I knew that it wasn't my fault my parents’ marriage had dissolved. Without her husband around, my mother had moved us to her hometown of Cedar Springs to be closer to her parents. My mother threw herself into any relationship she could find, trying to replace the one she'd lost. With no family left, I felt abandoned. I'd found a true home with the Thornes, and I didn't want to give that up.
“Em?”
I jerked to attention at the sound of Izzy calling my name, and I swiveled my head in her direction. “Sorry, I was...” I fluttered one hand in the air, embarrassed. “What did you say?”
She smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. “I told Drew I'm stealing you to talk.”
“Oh, sure.”
Drew slid my chair back, then extended one hand to help me stand. Izzy shortened her stride as I shuffled along next to her until we reached the back porch. I gently lowered myself to the steps and turned my attention to my best friend. “What's up?”
Her blue eyes lasered on mine. “I was actually going to ask you the same thing.”
A sigh filtered from my lips before I could stop it, and tears burned across the bridge of my nose. It was a culmination of every pent-up emotion that had them sliding down my cheeks.
“Oh, Em.” Izzy draped one arm over my shoulders and pulled me close. She didn't ask questions, she just let me cry until I'd exhausted myself.
“I'm just... worried.”
Her brows drew together. “About what?”
I couldn't tell her that a huge part of me was feeling neglected and abandoned by Drew. Logically I knew it didn't make sense, but my heart refused to listen. Though he'd been incredibly attentive, it felt like he'd pulled away emotionally. I needed the physical reassurance that we were okay, that everything would work out, but it worried the hell out of me. Coupled with seeing his family all gathered together today, it had hit me hard all at once.
“I just...” I trailed off and gathered my thoughts, carefully choosing my words. “Drew hasn't had many relationships.” Izzy opened her mouth, but I held up a hand. “We both know it's true. He even admits that. He was so focused on work for so long that he put everything else aside. Which is great,” I added. “Don't get me wrong—I want him to be successful and happy. I just worry that...”
She nodded slowly, seeming to grasp my concern. “There has to be a happy medium.”
“I don't want him to feel like I'm holding him back. And if things don't work out...” I drew in a sharp breath. “I don't want to lose you guys, too.”
“Never.” Izzy squeezed my shoulder. “I love you both and I would never choose one of you over the other. Same with the rest of us.” She gestured with her free hand to the house. “You were family before you dated my brother, and you'll be family forever, no matter what.”
“Thanks.” I turned a watery grin her way. “I appreciate that.”
“It's true. I hope things work out for you two, but if they don't...” She shrugged. “It wasn't meant to be. That doesn't change anything between us.”
I wrapped her in a hug, grateful that she'd helped to ease my fears a little. I still needed to talk with Drew, and that would be the hardest of all. The door behind us slid open, and I glanced up at the man in question.
His gaze roamed my face, taking in my tear-stained cheeks and red eyes, but he didn't comment. “You ready to go home?”
“Sure.” He extended one hand and guided me to my feet. I threw Izzy one last smile. “Talk to you later.”
We said our goodbyes and Drew helped me to the car once more. Sealed alone inside with him, my heart kicked into a frantic pace. How did I make him see that I was okay? Would he always see me as wounded and broken? And how could we ever move on from that?
Forty-Nine
DREW
I was intensely curious to know what Emery and Izzy had been talking about before I walked up, but I figured it was better not to ask. At least for now. The whole ride home Emery had been quiet, almost disappointed, but for the life of me I couldn't figure out why. I hoped to hell it didn't have anything to do with us. Part of me didn't want to ask, but it would drive me crazy if I didn't. “Everything okay?”
“Hmm?” Emery turned to me, her gaze faraway. “Oh, yeah. I'm fine.”
I flipped my hand upside down, and she slipped her fingers into mine. I gave her hands a little squeeze. “I know my family can be a little overwhelming.
“You know I don't mind that.” She smiled. “I love it, actually. You guys are so close. I wish...” She trailed off, and sympathy assailed me.
I knew exactly what she was about to say. She wished she and her mother would resolve things. “Were you guys close? I mean, before...?”
She was silent for a second. “Not really. Not like you guys. I mean, she's my mom and I love her, but... it's difficult. She's been single for so long, ever since my dad left, and I think that left a huge void. I was there, but it wasn't the same. She needed to be loved. And unfortunately she just kept looking in the wrong places.”
No shit. Banked fury simmered in my veins at the memory. I would still gladly put that fucker six feet under the first chance I had. I turned into the garage, then rounded the car to let her out. I held out a hand to steady her, but released her as soon as she was upright.
Over the last couple of days, Emery's mobility had improved drastically. Although she stopped frequently to rest her feet, she no longer needed help going from place to place. She walked slowly and carefully, so it took her longer than normal, but I could tell she was glad to have that aspect of independence back. I knew how badly it had grated on her to rely on people for help.
We slowly made our way inside, and I dropped my keys on the counter. Emery sidled to me, wrapping her arms around my waist. Every cell of my body tightened with the need to pull her close, kiss her from head to toe. Her breasts pressed flush against my chest, and I imagined the feel of them under my hand, the way they tasted. My dick swelled against my jeans, and I fought the urge to grind into her.
I wanted nothing more than to scoop her into my arms and carry her to bed, love her for hours until we were both exhausted and sated. It'd been so damn long, and I missed her like crazy. Not being able to touch her had driven me nearly to the brink of insanity, and I was too close to the edge. I needed to distance myself so I wouldn't lose control. She'd been through too much, and I wouldn't add to her pain.
I gently extracted myself from her hold and forced the words past my tongue. “You should go relax.”
She dipped her head and turned away, but not before I saw the shimmer of tears glazing her eyes. Shit. I hated that I'd made her cry, even if I wasn't entirely sure why. “Baby?”
I lightly grasped the back of her shirt but she pulled away. “It's fine, Drew. I just need a minute to myself.”
I was certain that was a lie. In fact; that was the last thing she needed. She hadn't spoken about the incident last weekend, and I wondered if it plagued her. Did she not want me to touch her? I'd been so careful all week, trying to keep my hands to myself, even though it was hell. Almost immediately I discarded the idea. She'd allowed me to carry her, and she hadn't balked whenever I pulled her close at my parents’ house. Whatever was bothering her, we needed to move past it.
Settling my hand at her waist, I gently squeezed. “Talk to me.”
She shook her head, refusing to look at me, but that only strengthened my resolve to fix things. I moved in front of her so she couldn't run away from me, literally or figuratively. “Are you still hurting? Still worried about Stratton?”
“No, I...” Her voice cracked, and she looked away, swiping angrily at an errant tear.
“Then what, sweetness? What's bothering you?”
Her gaze drifted off to the side, doing her best to shut me out. “It doesn't matter.”
“It does,” I insisted. “If you don't tell me what's wrong, I can't do anything—”
“That's exactly the problem,” she snapped.
I blinked at her outburst. She was mad because I couldn't fix things, or because she was afraid I wouldn't? I couldn't do anything because—
I suddenly stopped, her words turning around in my mind until they sank in. I wasn't doing anything. “That's the problem, isn't it?” I asked. “I've been so focused on everything else that I haven't been giving you what you need.”
Heartbreakingly soulful eyes stared up at me, and I brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “I never thought to ask you how you felt. I just assumed...”
I’d assumed wrong. I'd taken care of her physically, but emotionally she continued to flounder. She needed to know that I was still here, for her, that I would always be here for her. “I'm sorry.” I framed her face with my hands. “I wish you'd said something sooner.”
She shrugged helplessly. “I didn't know how to ask.”
She shouldn't have had to ask, that was the problem. I'd let my girl down. Wrapping my hands around her waist, I lifted her up and placed her on the counter. Her legs spread automatically, and I stepped between them, then wrapped her in a tight hug. Her arms looped around my neck, loosely at first, then more tightly as she burrowed her face in the crook of my neck.
I breathed her in, running my hands up and down her back, feeling the pulse of her heart against mine. The longer we stayed like that, the more all the bad shit seemed to slip away. All that mattered was her.
Turning my head, I kissed my way along her collarbone and up her neck. She melted into me, and my lips found hers for a long, tantalizing kiss. Christ, the things this woman did to me.
I pulled back and cupped the back of her head, guiding her gaze to mine. “I’m sorry I’ve been so distant. I didn’t mean to.”
Her fingers played with the neckline of my shirt, eyes dropping to fix on my chest. “I thought maybe you’d changed your mind and didn’t want to be with me anymore.”
Not want her anymore? Impossible. I would crave her until the day I died. I gently squeezed her chin, and her eyes reluctantly met mine. “I don’t ever want you to worry that I don’t want you. I'm so crazy in love with you, I can't think straight.”
She blinked in shock, her mouth falling into a little ‘O’. “Really?”
I couldn’t help but smile. How could she ever think otherwise? “Of course. I wanted you the moment I saw you standing here in my kitchen. It just took me a while to admit to myself just how much I cared.”
Her expression softened, her eyes going liquid. “I love you, too.”
I leaned in and kissed her once more, because I couldn't stop touching her, couldn’t stop kissing her. I never wanted to let her go ever again. I lifted her into my arms so I could carry her to our room. Halfway there my steps slowed and I smiled. “Feels like deja vu.”
She blushed a little, remembering the day in the hallway. “It does seem vaguely familiar,” she teased with a shy smile.
I carried her into the bedroom and lay her in the middle of the bed. Between kisses, I managed to strip away each layer of clothing until she was beautifully, perfectly bare. Leaving my boxers in place I climbed over her, caging her in my arms. I couldn't help the burn of lust that coiled through my stomach as I stared down at her. “You sure?”
Her eyes lit up and she nodded emphatically. She reached for me once more, but I grasped her wrists and pressed them to the mattress next to her head. “Nope. You just lay there and look pretty.”
I kissed my way down her sternum, and her stomach muscles contracted as I settled between her thighs. I wasn't going to make love to her, not yet. But I was going to make her feel damn good.
Lowering my head between her legs, I swiped my tongue through her slit. Emery arched at the sensation, and I grinned as a low hiss left her mouth. I loved how sensitive she was, how responsive. I could spend a thousand days just like this, watching her revel in her pleasure.
I delved back in, thrusting my tongue deep inside her, letting her sweetness flow over me. Her hands captured the back of my head and slid through my hair as she held me close. She didn’t have to worry about that; I wasn’t going anywhere.
I dedicated myself to the task of drawing out her pleasure, kissing and nipping and sucking every inch of her sweet folds. Her body trembled beneath mine, her breaths coming in stilted pants. Perspiration coated her body as her musky scent wafted into the air, tickling my senses.
Using my tongue to tease her clit, I slid one finger deep inside her. Emery’s walls rippled around me, her muscles contracting and trying to hold on tight. Back and forth, I moved in and out of her on deep, even strokes until she cried my name.
“Drew! I—” She struggled to draw in a breath. “I can’t, I need—”
She broke off on a mewl as I sucked her clit into my mouth and thrust my finger particularly deep. I tongued the tiny bundle of nerves, keeping her right on the edge, not allowing her to come. Not yet. I wasn’t ready for this to be over.
Something had changed drastically over the last few days. What I told her earlier was true—I loved her more than I thought possible. Those few hours without her, not knowing where she was or whether she was okay, had been the absolute worst of my life. I didn’t know what the future held, but I was going to make certain we made the most of whatever time we had together.
I wanted Emery by my side every single day, wanted to know everything about her no matter how trivial. She was the type of woman I could envision spending the rest of my life with. I wanted to make her mine in every way, if she would let me. I wanted to convince her that I was enough, that what we had was all she would ever need. And I was going to prove that to her, starting right now.
She writhed, mumbling incoherently as I tormented her over-sensitized body. The little nub was hard to the touch, and I knew she was aching to come. Sliding two fingers deep into her channel, I lifted my head and watched her face contort as her muscles stretched to accommodate me.
“You ready, pretty girl?”
“God, yes,” she panted out. “Please, Drew, no more.”
I smiled, and deciding to take pity on her, dipped my head between her legs. Moving my fingers in and out, I flicked the tight bundle of nerves then sucked it into my mouth. Emery whimpered and her hips bucked, but I stayed right there with her. I plunged my fingers in faster, harder, and rapidly flicked her clit with my tongue.
Her fingers curled into the back of my head, and a keening cry welled up and out of her throat as she shattered, her juices flooding my mouth. Addicted to the taste and feel of her, I drew out her orgasm until she cried for mercy, and I gradually slowed.
Her breathing was erratic, her entire body flushed with pleasure, her long locks strewn haphazardly around her shoulders. She’d never looked more beautiful.
She made a little face as I pulled my fingers free of her, then lifted them to my lips. She watched through hooded eyes as I licked up her essence. Her breathing gradually returned to normal, and I pulled the blanket over us as I tucked her in close. She cuddled up against my side, burrowing her face into the crook of my neck and draping one leg over mine. Wrapping one arm around her back, I held her tight.
I shot a guilty look his way. “Kind of. I just don't want them to think that we started dating after we lived with each other because it was convenient.”
The corner of his mouth kicked up in a smirk. “There's nothing convenient about you.”
I lightly smacked his bicep. “Would you be serious for a second?”
His green eyes met mine and held. “No one in their right mind would think we're together for any reason except that we want to be.”
I swallowed hard at his words and gave a little nod. “Okay.”
His hand slid around the back of my neck and pulled me in for a quick, sweet kiss. A smile pulled at his lips as he lifted away. “We’d better get out of the car before I turn around and take you home.”
It was definitely tempting. After my two days spent in the hospital, Drew had taken me home and cared for me. But unfortunately, that didn't extend to the bedroom. Aside from a couple of chaste kisses, he hadn't touched me intimately in more than a week. A huge part of me wanted to crawl into his lap and throw my arms around his neck. I wanted his lips on mine, his hands roving over every inch of my body. Before I could come up with anything to say, Drew pushed open the door and rounded the car.
A moment later my door swung open, and he was there, ready to help me out. The blisters on the back of my heel were still tender, and it made walking difficult. Drew lifted me from the car then carried me toward the house. He deposited me lightly on the stoop so he could open the door, then ushered us inside. “Hey, y'all. We’re here.”
Vera tossed down the dish towel and wrapped me in a motherly hug. “Oh, sweetheart, I was so worried about you.”
Irrational tears pricked my eyes. I'd spent so much time at the Thornes’ house when I was younger that Vera was like a second mother to me. She'd certainly shown herself to care more than my biological mother had recently. She pulled away, clasping my shoulders and giving me a thorough once over from head to toe. “How are you? Should you be up and moving around already? You know you’re always welcome here if—”
“Relax, ma, she's fine.” Drew kissed her cheek, then settled a hand on my waist, effectively drawing me away from Vera and into his side. “She was begging to go home the very next day. Besides, I'm still off work right now.”
“Not for long.” Her expression was still concerned as she turned back to me. “If you need anything, call me right away.”
“I will, thank you.”
“All right then.” She gave a brisk little clap. “Let's eat!”
We all moved to the dining room and dug into the pot roast she'd made. It was tender and perfect, and I couldn't help but study the people gathered around the table. They were all so familiar, and each of them had played a huge part in my life growing up. I'd never considered myself the type of woman who needed a man around. Did it make me happy? Of course, and that was even truer with Drew. But I couldn't help the anxiety that clutched at my throat when I thought of the future. What would happen if things between us didn't work out? Would I lose everyone I cared about?
My father had left when I was ten, just picked up and walked away as if we meant nothing to him. For the longest time I wondered what I'd done wrong to drive him away. As an adult I could see the situation a little more clearly, and I knew that it wasn't my fault my parents’ marriage had dissolved. Without her husband around, my mother had moved us to her hometown of Cedar Springs to be closer to her parents. My mother threw herself into any relationship she could find, trying to replace the one she'd lost. With no family left, I felt abandoned. I'd found a true home with the Thornes, and I didn't want to give that up.
“Em?”
I jerked to attention at the sound of Izzy calling my name, and I swiveled my head in her direction. “Sorry, I was...” I fluttered one hand in the air, embarrassed. “What did you say?”
She smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. “I told Drew I'm stealing you to talk.”
“Oh, sure.”
Drew slid my chair back, then extended one hand to help me stand. Izzy shortened her stride as I shuffled along next to her until we reached the back porch. I gently lowered myself to the steps and turned my attention to my best friend. “What's up?”
Her blue eyes lasered on mine. “I was actually going to ask you the same thing.”
A sigh filtered from my lips before I could stop it, and tears burned across the bridge of my nose. It was a culmination of every pent-up emotion that had them sliding down my cheeks.
“Oh, Em.” Izzy draped one arm over my shoulders and pulled me close. She didn't ask questions, she just let me cry until I'd exhausted myself.
“I'm just... worried.”
Her brows drew together. “About what?”
I couldn't tell her that a huge part of me was feeling neglected and abandoned by Drew. Logically I knew it didn't make sense, but my heart refused to listen. Though he'd been incredibly attentive, it felt like he'd pulled away emotionally. I needed the physical reassurance that we were okay, that everything would work out, but it worried the hell out of me. Coupled with seeing his family all gathered together today, it had hit me hard all at once.
“I just...” I trailed off and gathered my thoughts, carefully choosing my words. “Drew hasn't had many relationships.” Izzy opened her mouth, but I held up a hand. “We both know it's true. He even admits that. He was so focused on work for so long that he put everything else aside. Which is great,” I added. “Don't get me wrong—I want him to be successful and happy. I just worry that...”
She nodded slowly, seeming to grasp my concern. “There has to be a happy medium.”
“I don't want him to feel like I'm holding him back. And if things don't work out...” I drew in a sharp breath. “I don't want to lose you guys, too.”
“Never.” Izzy squeezed my shoulder. “I love you both and I would never choose one of you over the other. Same with the rest of us.” She gestured with her free hand to the house. “You were family before you dated my brother, and you'll be family forever, no matter what.”
“Thanks.” I turned a watery grin her way. “I appreciate that.”
“It's true. I hope things work out for you two, but if they don't...” She shrugged. “It wasn't meant to be. That doesn't change anything between us.”
I wrapped her in a hug, grateful that she'd helped to ease my fears a little. I still needed to talk with Drew, and that would be the hardest of all. The door behind us slid open, and I glanced up at the man in question.
His gaze roamed my face, taking in my tear-stained cheeks and red eyes, but he didn't comment. “You ready to go home?”
“Sure.” He extended one hand and guided me to my feet. I threw Izzy one last smile. “Talk to you later.”
We said our goodbyes and Drew helped me to the car once more. Sealed alone inside with him, my heart kicked into a frantic pace. How did I make him see that I was okay? Would he always see me as wounded and broken? And how could we ever move on from that?
Forty-Nine
DREW
I was intensely curious to know what Emery and Izzy had been talking about before I walked up, but I figured it was better not to ask. At least for now. The whole ride home Emery had been quiet, almost disappointed, but for the life of me I couldn't figure out why. I hoped to hell it didn't have anything to do with us. Part of me didn't want to ask, but it would drive me crazy if I didn't. “Everything okay?”
“Hmm?” Emery turned to me, her gaze faraway. “Oh, yeah. I'm fine.”
I flipped my hand upside down, and she slipped her fingers into mine. I gave her hands a little squeeze. “I know my family can be a little overwhelming.
“You know I don't mind that.” She smiled. “I love it, actually. You guys are so close. I wish...” She trailed off, and sympathy assailed me.
I knew exactly what she was about to say. She wished she and her mother would resolve things. “Were you guys close? I mean, before...?”
She was silent for a second. “Not really. Not like you guys. I mean, she's my mom and I love her, but... it's difficult. She's been single for so long, ever since my dad left, and I think that left a huge void. I was there, but it wasn't the same. She needed to be loved. And unfortunately she just kept looking in the wrong places.”
No shit. Banked fury simmered in my veins at the memory. I would still gladly put that fucker six feet under the first chance I had. I turned into the garage, then rounded the car to let her out. I held out a hand to steady her, but released her as soon as she was upright.
Over the last couple of days, Emery's mobility had improved drastically. Although she stopped frequently to rest her feet, she no longer needed help going from place to place. She walked slowly and carefully, so it took her longer than normal, but I could tell she was glad to have that aspect of independence back. I knew how badly it had grated on her to rely on people for help.
We slowly made our way inside, and I dropped my keys on the counter. Emery sidled to me, wrapping her arms around my waist. Every cell of my body tightened with the need to pull her close, kiss her from head to toe. Her breasts pressed flush against my chest, and I imagined the feel of them under my hand, the way they tasted. My dick swelled against my jeans, and I fought the urge to grind into her.
I wanted nothing more than to scoop her into my arms and carry her to bed, love her for hours until we were both exhausted and sated. It'd been so damn long, and I missed her like crazy. Not being able to touch her had driven me nearly to the brink of insanity, and I was too close to the edge. I needed to distance myself so I wouldn't lose control. She'd been through too much, and I wouldn't add to her pain.
I gently extracted myself from her hold and forced the words past my tongue. “You should go relax.”
She dipped her head and turned away, but not before I saw the shimmer of tears glazing her eyes. Shit. I hated that I'd made her cry, even if I wasn't entirely sure why. “Baby?”
I lightly grasped the back of her shirt but she pulled away. “It's fine, Drew. I just need a minute to myself.”
I was certain that was a lie. In fact; that was the last thing she needed. She hadn't spoken about the incident last weekend, and I wondered if it plagued her. Did she not want me to touch her? I'd been so careful all week, trying to keep my hands to myself, even though it was hell. Almost immediately I discarded the idea. She'd allowed me to carry her, and she hadn't balked whenever I pulled her close at my parents’ house. Whatever was bothering her, we needed to move past it.
Settling my hand at her waist, I gently squeezed. “Talk to me.”
She shook her head, refusing to look at me, but that only strengthened my resolve to fix things. I moved in front of her so she couldn't run away from me, literally or figuratively. “Are you still hurting? Still worried about Stratton?”
“No, I...” Her voice cracked, and she looked away, swiping angrily at an errant tear.
“Then what, sweetness? What's bothering you?”
Her gaze drifted off to the side, doing her best to shut me out. “It doesn't matter.”
“It does,” I insisted. “If you don't tell me what's wrong, I can't do anything—”
“That's exactly the problem,” she snapped.
I blinked at her outburst. She was mad because I couldn't fix things, or because she was afraid I wouldn't? I couldn't do anything because—
I suddenly stopped, her words turning around in my mind until they sank in. I wasn't doing anything. “That's the problem, isn't it?” I asked. “I've been so focused on everything else that I haven't been giving you what you need.”
Heartbreakingly soulful eyes stared up at me, and I brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “I never thought to ask you how you felt. I just assumed...”
I’d assumed wrong. I'd taken care of her physically, but emotionally she continued to flounder. She needed to know that I was still here, for her, that I would always be here for her. “I'm sorry.” I framed her face with my hands. “I wish you'd said something sooner.”
She shrugged helplessly. “I didn't know how to ask.”
She shouldn't have had to ask, that was the problem. I'd let my girl down. Wrapping my hands around her waist, I lifted her up and placed her on the counter. Her legs spread automatically, and I stepped between them, then wrapped her in a tight hug. Her arms looped around my neck, loosely at first, then more tightly as she burrowed her face in the crook of my neck.
I breathed her in, running my hands up and down her back, feeling the pulse of her heart against mine. The longer we stayed like that, the more all the bad shit seemed to slip away. All that mattered was her.
Turning my head, I kissed my way along her collarbone and up her neck. She melted into me, and my lips found hers for a long, tantalizing kiss. Christ, the things this woman did to me.
I pulled back and cupped the back of her head, guiding her gaze to mine. “I’m sorry I’ve been so distant. I didn’t mean to.”
Her fingers played with the neckline of my shirt, eyes dropping to fix on my chest. “I thought maybe you’d changed your mind and didn’t want to be with me anymore.”
Not want her anymore? Impossible. I would crave her until the day I died. I gently squeezed her chin, and her eyes reluctantly met mine. “I don’t ever want you to worry that I don’t want you. I'm so crazy in love with you, I can't think straight.”
She blinked in shock, her mouth falling into a little ‘O’. “Really?”
I couldn’t help but smile. How could she ever think otherwise? “Of course. I wanted you the moment I saw you standing here in my kitchen. It just took me a while to admit to myself just how much I cared.”
Her expression softened, her eyes going liquid. “I love you, too.”
I leaned in and kissed her once more, because I couldn't stop touching her, couldn’t stop kissing her. I never wanted to let her go ever again. I lifted her into my arms so I could carry her to our room. Halfway there my steps slowed and I smiled. “Feels like deja vu.”
She blushed a little, remembering the day in the hallway. “It does seem vaguely familiar,” she teased with a shy smile.
I carried her into the bedroom and lay her in the middle of the bed. Between kisses, I managed to strip away each layer of clothing until she was beautifully, perfectly bare. Leaving my boxers in place I climbed over her, caging her in my arms. I couldn't help the burn of lust that coiled through my stomach as I stared down at her. “You sure?”
Her eyes lit up and she nodded emphatically. She reached for me once more, but I grasped her wrists and pressed them to the mattress next to her head. “Nope. You just lay there and look pretty.”
I kissed my way down her sternum, and her stomach muscles contracted as I settled between her thighs. I wasn't going to make love to her, not yet. But I was going to make her feel damn good.
Lowering my head between her legs, I swiped my tongue through her slit. Emery arched at the sensation, and I grinned as a low hiss left her mouth. I loved how sensitive she was, how responsive. I could spend a thousand days just like this, watching her revel in her pleasure.
I delved back in, thrusting my tongue deep inside her, letting her sweetness flow over me. Her hands captured the back of my head and slid through my hair as she held me close. She didn’t have to worry about that; I wasn’t going anywhere.
I dedicated myself to the task of drawing out her pleasure, kissing and nipping and sucking every inch of her sweet folds. Her body trembled beneath mine, her breaths coming in stilted pants. Perspiration coated her body as her musky scent wafted into the air, tickling my senses.
Using my tongue to tease her clit, I slid one finger deep inside her. Emery’s walls rippled around me, her muscles contracting and trying to hold on tight. Back and forth, I moved in and out of her on deep, even strokes until she cried my name.
“Drew! I—” She struggled to draw in a breath. “I can’t, I need—”
She broke off on a mewl as I sucked her clit into my mouth and thrust my finger particularly deep. I tongued the tiny bundle of nerves, keeping her right on the edge, not allowing her to come. Not yet. I wasn’t ready for this to be over.
Something had changed drastically over the last few days. What I told her earlier was true—I loved her more than I thought possible. Those few hours without her, not knowing where she was or whether she was okay, had been the absolute worst of my life. I didn’t know what the future held, but I was going to make certain we made the most of whatever time we had together.
I wanted Emery by my side every single day, wanted to know everything about her no matter how trivial. She was the type of woman I could envision spending the rest of my life with. I wanted to make her mine in every way, if she would let me. I wanted to convince her that I was enough, that what we had was all she would ever need. And I was going to prove that to her, starting right now.
She writhed, mumbling incoherently as I tormented her over-sensitized body. The little nub was hard to the touch, and I knew she was aching to come. Sliding two fingers deep into her channel, I lifted my head and watched her face contort as her muscles stretched to accommodate me.
“You ready, pretty girl?”
“God, yes,” she panted out. “Please, Drew, no more.”
I smiled, and deciding to take pity on her, dipped my head between her legs. Moving my fingers in and out, I flicked the tight bundle of nerves then sucked it into my mouth. Emery whimpered and her hips bucked, but I stayed right there with her. I plunged my fingers in faster, harder, and rapidly flicked her clit with my tongue.
Her fingers curled into the back of my head, and a keening cry welled up and out of her throat as she shattered, her juices flooding my mouth. Addicted to the taste and feel of her, I drew out her orgasm until she cried for mercy, and I gradually slowed.
Her breathing was erratic, her entire body flushed with pleasure, her long locks strewn haphazardly around her shoulders. She’d never looked more beautiful.
She made a little face as I pulled my fingers free of her, then lifted them to my lips. She watched through hooded eyes as I licked up her essence. Her breathing gradually returned to normal, and I pulled the blanket over us as I tucked her in close. She cuddled up against my side, burrowing her face into the crook of my neck and draping one leg over mine. Wrapping one arm around her back, I held her tight.
