“Hey, beautiful,” he says lazily, his lips pulling into a half-smile. His dark hair is a mess from me running my fingers through it.
“Hey, yourself.”
This time when his lips touch mine, it’s lazy and slow. His tongue caresses me with each stroke, and I remember that wicked thing between my thighs. I still can’t believe the pleasure he gave me, the need I had to do the same to him. It tossed away any shyness I might have had, and we shared something more powerful than I could have imagined.
I wrap my arms and legs around him, loving the feel of our naked bodies pressed into each other. He pulls his mouth away but changes his mind a moment later, and he’s kissing me again. He gives a reluctant groan before he finally stops.
“Keep your hold on me, baby. Don’t let go…”
“I wasn't planning on it.” He picks me up and carries me toward the bathroom.
His steps falter when I nibble on his neck a little too hard and his cock, trapped between us, jerks. I feel the pre-cum on his cock smearing all over my skin, and I groan.
My nipples tighten against his hard chest as I think about Clay putting his mark on me. Around here they put a brand on cattle so they can’t be taken and sold. If Clay branded me, then maybe no one could take me from him. What would happen if I didn't go back? Would they toss my sister to Judge next?
I want to cry because my options of marrying Judge or making my sister do it are pretty freaking terrible. What if Kat came here to stay—would Clay even let her? I think he might if he knew it would mean I could stay too. We only have to wait until she’s 18 and then my parents can’t stop her, really.
But then my parents would lose everything. I hate that I have so much guilt over it, because they didn't have any when they sold me off to Judge.
Clay turns on the water in the shower before he steps inside. His hands roam up and down my back, and the rough feel of them is so good against my skin. It isn't only the touch that I enjoy but how strong and safe it makes me feel. Even now as his hands slide over me, he’s pushing away all thoughts of my family.
“Can I wash you?” I ask, looking up at him, and the warm water spills over us.
“You can do anything you want, baby.”
He puts me down, and I take my time washing every inch of him. I take note of every scar and freckle on his body because I want to know everything about this man. Then he does the same to me until we’re once again lost in the moment and kissing until we’re breathless.
Can you be addicted to another person? I have this uncontrollable need for Clay. I’m not sure I can handle losing him. I’m going to talk to him about everything. I know he’ll figure it out or fix it somehow.
A weight lifts off my shoulders at how simple it is to just share this burden. It’s crazy how fast I’ve come to trust him and how I’ve felt safe since I walked through the door. Even when he was stomping around and shouting.
“You okay?” He tilts my head back to look up at him.
“Yes, thanks to you.” I lean in and kiss his chest over his heart.
“I know where this is going.” A deep chuckle escapes. “We’re running out of hot water and I’m not letting you take a cold shower on this delicate skin. I also need to feed you.”
I’m not sure cold water actually hurts your skin, but I don’t say nothing. I enjoy the thought of him taking care of me and watching out for me too.
“Fine,” I huff, pretending to be upset, but my smile wins out, and he knows I’m teasing.
“There will be more showers, I can promise you that.” He pulls us out of the shower, and we both get dressed. It’s for the best we put clothes on, or we won’t get anything done today.
“I know you’re running later than normal. There’s still time for me to make you a quick breakfast.”
A giant smile lights up his handsome face. He crosses the bedroom and drops a quick kiss on my mouth. He surprises me when he lifts me up and tosses me over his shoulder, making me laugh. He carries me to the kitchen, and I fear my smile will split my face as I happily bounce along in his grip.
“Good thing I’m the boss. I show up whenever the hell I want.” He sets me down on the kitchen counter. “Figured the least I could do is carry you in here.”