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‘Never, okay?’ I whisper.
He tenses even more. I know he’s reserved but he’s very clear about what he doesn’t want. I wouldn’t consider this if I thought he had other intentions but there’s honesty between us now. There’s also this chemistry—it burns ever more intensely, ever more out of my control. I ache for touch. I stroke the toy I’m still holding instead. The toy he’s fixed. Another wave of emotion engulfs me. I’ve misjudged him. Again.
‘Never,’ he finally agrees huskily. ‘There’s no reason for us to do something we know would be damaging to Lukas and to ourselves. We just...co-parent. Quietly and easily.’ He stands very still. ‘Lukas needs you. And you need...less stress.’
‘I thought you said I needed to be indulged,’ I say softly.
The words escape before my brain catches up—control slipping free of my hold, like water sinking through sand. But it’s not a trickle, it’s an unstoppable tsunami. I freeze but at the same time I really don’t. I sway ever so slightly towards him. My body doesn’t give a damn about the future. It’s only interested in now.
‘Talia...’ he mutters a whispered warning.
I’m too far gone to pay heed. This passion between us is temporary. Such things are always temporary, right? This I know. All those men in my mother’s life...
But I also know that Dain is not a cheater—I was wrong about that. He’s reserved and private and wants to do his best for Lukas. He’s gorgeous. And I can’t resist this need any more. Because Dain will always do his best for Lukas—as will I. So I know he’ll still work with me as best he can even after this chemistry fades. Neither of us wants Lukas to be caught up in arguing parents.
‘So you want me to indulge you?’ he says.
I lightly toss the toy to a side table so my hands are free. ‘You wanted honesty, right?’ I swallow. ‘I still want you.’ I touch his chest. ‘I can’t seem to stop wanting you.’
His hands span my waist and now I couldn’t step back even if I wanted to.
I really don’t want to. ‘I don’t want to complicate things but—’
‘You can’t get past it?’ he interrupts with a growl.
‘Right.’ I nod. I can’t think.
‘Funny thing, nor can I.’
I’m so relieved my knees almost sag. ‘We let it run...’ I eventually say. ‘Let it end.’
‘And then move forward?’ He’s still but his hold on me tightens. ‘For Lukas.’
‘Yes.’ I nod. ‘We’ll work it out for him. He’ll always come first.’
‘Right.’ He leans towards me.
I truly do freeze now as his mouth drops towards mine. I shiver as he kisses me. And then I combust.
Throwing my arms around his neck, I kiss him back. He growls and moves swiftly, picking me up in his strong arms, dropping me onto his bed and tumbling on top. I moan in sheer relief. We’re finally back on that page—the one we belong on together.
His hands sweep over me, swiftly stripping me. But suddenly he stops, a sharp drawn breath whistles between his teeth. I freeze and suddenly realise he’s seen the red scar slicing across my lower abdomen. In the heat I’ve forgotten that I haven’t told him.
‘I had a C-section,’ I whisper in hurried explanation. ‘He was round the wrong way.’
My attempt to minimise it doesn’t work. He rises above me to look me in the eyes and the expression in his eyes makes me squirm with guilt.
‘Were you scared?’ He stares right through my defences.
‘The doctors were great,’ I mutter.
‘Were you scared?’ He tightens his grip on my wrists and leans closer over me. ‘You didn’t have a friend with you. No family.’
‘I was okay,’ I say. ‘Most importantly Lukas was okay.’
I see the anger in his eyes. The hurt. I know he wants to rail at me. I see the ripple of emotion run through his body and his muscles bunch. I’m totally at his mercy and I deserve his wrath. But after the growl of annoyance from the back of his throat I feel an intimate caress so tender I quake. That’s when I realise the punishment he intends for me to take is that of unbearable pleasure.
His exploration is slow and torturous. He kisses my scar reverently and then continues his exploration south, worshipping my body.
