Now Zach’s fingers bite into my forearms. I wince from the pain, but I want to know the story, not interrupt and remind him that he really doesn’t want to share.
“The son of a bitch liked to find a girl’s weak spot, play into it, and fuck her until she was screaming in panic and fear.”
I almost gag. “That’s awful.”
“Grace went missing for a while, and that’s the first time I really used my PI license. When I found her, she was wandering the streets, almost completely nonresponsive. Dad came up from Florida, and we put her in a mental hospital. South Oaks.”
I close my eyes at the pain lingering in his voice.
“Luckily my grandfather left a small inheritance, and between that and what I can add, it helps keep her there.”
“You’re a good man. A good brother.” I spin around before he can stop me. “Thank you for sharing.” I cup his cheek in my hand, go up to my tiptoes, and kiss his lips softly.
I mean to comfort.
He needs more and grabs my wrist, pulling me to an open door. We’re in his bedroom. He doesn’t bother with the light, just lifts me onto the bed and comes down over me. “You still want this?” he asks roughly.
He wants to forget. It’s so obvious he’s looking to annihilate the pain and lose himself in sex. Too bad I already know what’s between us is more than that, and I believe he knows it too.
I nod, though I’m trembling. “Yes. I want you.”
He stills above me as if that’s the last thing he expects to hear. I lift my shirt and pull it over my head and toss it to the floor.
His gaze falls on my exposed breasts. I’m wearing the bra that makes the girls extra perky, and he notices, nodding appreciatively.
He leans over and switches on the bedside lamp. “I need to see you.”
I smile. “Works both ways. I want to see you too.” I tug playfully on the hem of his tee shirt.
The darkness is slowly leaving him, and I want to keep him here. With me.
He takes the hint and removes his shirt, throwing it onto the floor with mine. I imagined him naked. I didn’t even come close to the reality.
His chest is bronze, tanned from the sun. His abdomen is flat but for the well-defined muscles that only come from working out. A light dusting of hair sprinkles his upper body, and I reach for him, splaying my palm across his chest. His skin is hot, and he groans at my touch.
“Skirt off,” he says, shifting off me, giving me room.
My eyes never leave his as I unsnap and work the skirt down my thighs. My panties are drenched. It’s em
barrassing and surprising at once. My ex had to work hard at getting past the awkwardness, and it still hurt. Now? I can’t wait to feel Zach glide inside me. I moan at my thoughts.
“Sex sounds.” He shakes his head and grins.
“Right time and place this time.” I bat my eyelashes.
His deep laugh makes me feel good, and I know I’ve totally distracted him.
His gaze rakes over me and falls to my skimpy bikinis. “I’m sorry. Did I forget to say get naked?” he asks, his voice rough and gravelly.
I immediately wriggle off the tiny scrap of fabric.
He looks down and sucks in a deep breath. “I knew you were bare, but look at you.”
My cheeks heat. He’s more vocal than I expected, and he says things that make my body burn. This isn’t easy for me despite how much I want him.
“What’s wrong? Not used to sex talk, Princess?”
I shake my head. “Did I mention there’s only been one guy and he basically screwed me over afterwards? I swore off men. And then I met you.” I find myself baring my soul.