Buttons and Blame (Buttons 5)

My week of hell didn’t change anything between Cane and me. I wanted him as much as I always had. Our kisses were purposeful, our embraces tender. He gripped me harder and tighter, wanting more of me.

My thighs squeezed his hips, and I moaned into his mouth as my fingers ran through his hair.

He abruptly left my mouth and moved down my body, sprinkling kisses down my belly and between my thighs. He got to my opening then pressed a gentle kiss to the entrance, touching me with the softness of a rose petal.

“Cane…”

He took his time as he started, giving me light pressure against my clit. He circled slowly before slowly entering my slit. He tasted me then circled me again. Every touch was meaningful but light. He was going easy on me, kissing away my scars and getting my body reacquainted with goodness.

The longer I moaned, the more he got into it. He widened my legs farther and kissed me harder, working my clit just the way he used to. He kissed harder and harder, pushing me over the edge like he was determined to make me fall.

And I fell hard.

His name escaped my lips like it always did. My fingers dug into his hair, and I writhed on the bed, feeling amazing for the first time in over a week. I didn’t think about the pain on Cane’s face. I didn’t think about the past. I didn’t think about my bruises and cuts. I just thought about the natural goodness this man just gave me.

I felt alive again, like I’d never suffered.

Cane moved over me, his lips smeared with my arousal. “I love listening to that sound.”

“I love making it. Now it’s your turn.”

“Not yet,” he said. “I won’t be done for a while.”

17

Cane

I loved having her in my life again.

I loved the way she smelled, the way her hair got stuck in the drain, the way she cuddled with me all through the night. I loved the way she took forever to chew her food. She’d just been taken as a prisoner, but she never once looked at me like I was a captor. She trusted me—felt at home with me.

She wanted me as much as I wanted her. She wasn’t ready to open her legs to me, but she still wanted what she could take. She kissed me like we’d never been apart—and her orgasms were exactly the same.

I’d risked everything for this woman—but she was completely worth it.

The bruises faded with every passing day. The nasty colors lightened and returned to her normal skin tone. She became stronger, showing a nice sense of humor. She smiled a lot more often. Vase of flowers started to decorate my home, and her waistline returned to normal.

I hadn’t returned to work because I didn’t want to leave her.

I wanted to stay inside this house forever.

But I had responsibilities to get back to. I had a business to run. And I also had to figure out what to do about Tristan. Crow hadn’t called me, but it was only a matter of time before he showed up on my doorstep.

“You’re leaving?” Adelina asked when she saw me in my jeans and jacket.

“Yeah. I have things to take care of at the base.”

“Oh…” She moved her hands to my hips, and she didn’t mask her disappointment. “I guess it was stupid to think you’d stay with me all day, every day.”

“I would if I could.” My hand slid around her neck, and I regarded her with the possessiveness I used to show. This woman was my whole world. I adored her. I loved the life that had returned to her cheeks, the strength that made her stand so straight. She was worth everything I’d risked to get her back. “But I’ll be back later.”

“Alright.”

I kissed the corner of her mouth. “I’ll set the alarm. The cameras are set. I’ll be able to keep an eye on the house even while I’m gone.”

“Okay. Is there a chance I could be in danger?”

“It’s very unlikely. But I’d rather be safe than sorry.” I pulled away and grabbed my keys off the counter.

“Can I have a gun?”

I turned around and flashed her a look of surprise. “Do you know how to use one?”

“I get the gist.”

I pulled open one of the drawers and pulled out a pistol. “Of course you can. But maybe I should teach you first.”

She nodded in agreement.

“It’s in here if you absolutely need it.” I shut the drawer again. “But let’s wait until I get home. I’ll teach you the basics.”

“Okay.”

I wrapped my arm around her waist and kissed her again. “I’ll be back in a few hours.”

“Alright.”

I walked to the door and snuck a look at her before I walked out. With long brown hair and a tight shirt, she looked like the woman I’d been dreaming of my entire life. She was beautiful, strong, and she had a resilience even Crow and I couldn’t match. It took all my strength to shut the door and walk to the car.