“I spent a night in jail for the first time. I need aspirin and a hot bath—and in that order.”
I took the first step when I left his hand on my upper arm. “Don’t walk away from me. Look at me.” His voice was rough with grit and desperation and I couldn’t bring myself to deny him. I met his eyes and saw the pain in them. He dropped his hand from my arm and wrapped his hands around my waist, tugging me closer. “What’s happening?”
“I don’t know.” But I wish I did.
“Did I do this to you?”
“What do you think you did?” My voice and heart were pleading because I didn’t understand the look in his eyes. He looked confused, heartbroken, and ready to bolt.
“Did my being with you turn you into this? I don’t even know you.”
“What is there to know, Keiran? Everyone always says how weak I am. How you’ll destroy me. How I can’t handle you. I just wanted to prove them wrong, and I wanted to protect you.”
“You killed my father, Lake.”
“I did it for you.”
“Yeah? What would make you think I would ever be okay with this?” he asked forcefully.
When I couldn’t find the answer, he turned and walked away from me, and I felt my world crumble right before my eyes.
Chapter Five
KEIRAN
She wanted to protect me? Why did it sound as if she couldn’t trust me? She lied to me and emasculated me with one blow, but worst of all, she put herself at risk. I let her go because maybe she was right. I needed to calm down before I did something I’d regret. I heard her ascend the stairs as I took a seat in the living room. I listened to the water run and cursed my mind when it ventured to thoughts of her naked. I even pictured her covered in suds, wet, and wanting.
My dick stretched the material of my jeans, and I suddenly felt hot all over. I had to sleep without her last night, and the reminder refueled my anger until I was on my feet, shedding my shirt dampened by the rain. The water had already shut off, and I pictured her waiting for me in the steaming water.
Up the stairs and across the landing, I shed jeans and shoes until I was naked and standing in front of the bathroom door. When I didn’t hear a sound, I pushed open the door and found her head back as she slept. She was completely encased in bubbles, her body hidden by the soapy water. I wanted in.
She must have sensed me because her eyes popped open. Recognition replaced fatigue and she sat up, watching me carefully.
“What are you doing?” Her eyes flew to my cock, and I could see her throat work as she swallowed. When her lips parted, she let out a little sound I wasn’t sure she had heard. The top of her breasts were visible now and when she moved, the water parted, granting me a glimpse of her pink nipples as they hardened.
“I want what I was denied last night, and you’re not going to deny me now.”
“I wasn’t going to.”
Thank fuck. I wouldn’t have forced her if she had, but we didn’t need any more strain on our relationship than we had now. I wasn’t sure it would hold under the added pressure.
“Then move back.” It was a challenge, and she knew it judging the way her eyes blazed with defiance and lust. She scooted back until her back hit the wall of the tub, and I entered the space but didn’t sit. My dick was level with her lips and I wasn’t about to miss the opportunity to feel her soft lips wrapped around me.
“You know what to do.”
I smirked.
She glared.
Too much time passed, and my dick only got harder. When I grew bored with our silent battle, I gripped the back of her neck and brought her closer. “Don’t make me ask again.”
“I don’t recall you asking at all,” she snapped.
Fine. If she wanted to play this game, I’d play it better. “Suck me off, baby. Please?”
“Now you’re just being coy.”
“And you’re pissing me off.” It took everything not to shove my dick down her throat, but I wasn’t that guy anymore, and she didn’t deserve him.
“Maybe I don’t want you to be gentle with me.”
“No?”
“Gentle is not what I need right now,” she reassured.
“Open.” I could hear the roughness of my voice and feel her skin as my fingers gripped her tighter. When she opened her mouth just a fraction, I plunged inside, forcing past her teeth and feeling them graze my skin. The pain couldn’t stop me or make me care. She gagged when my entire length invaded her mouth, and I groaned from the pleasure of her submission. I wanted—no, I needed—to fuck that sweet, smart mouth of hers.
I pulled back and watched her draw in large gulps of air. Spittle dripped down her chin and tears streaked her reddened face.
“Brace.” It was her only warning before I plunged inside her mouth again. “Control your breathing,” I demanded. I wouldn’t take it easy on her—not after she had asked for this. I’d take her to the very edge until she felt as if she was falling and then I’d bring her back.
I fucked with her and she submitted.
This was the game we played.