Page 201 of Toxic Kiss

Cyrus Vale’s wife.

My eyes finally flutter closed, with thoughts of what being married to Cyrus will look like in my mind.

chapter

fifty-one

“Regret isn’t loud. It’s the quiet realization that you knew better and did it anyway.” – Cyrus

CYRUS

Setting the bottles on the counter, I pop the tops, shake out what I need, and knock them back with a mouthful of coffee. They are lined up on the island like little soldiers, or maybe they’re clowns making fun of me.

I glance at the door, and it’s so tempting to hide them from Haven. It doesn’t matter that she already knows. What matters is that it makes me feel weak. I’m defective. The ache I try to ignore in my bones refuses to let me live in the fantasy world where I’m fine.

Ego, pride, shame…that’s all it is. My ego can’t handle needing help. My pride doesn’t want Haven to see me like this. And I carry around so much shame that I can’t pinpoint what I’m ashamed of at any given time.

But I want a future with Haven, and that means I need to try something different. So…despite wanting to toss them across the room, I leave the clear plastic tubes with their colorful pills sitting out and flip the strips of bacon instead.

Grabbing a fresh tomato, I place it on the cutting board and pick up a knife. My hand is shaking just enough to make this a dangerous feat.

“You’re not beating me today, fucker.”

Yanking open the utensil drawer, I pull out a fork and stab the tomato. This will keep me from doing something stupid like cutting off my fingers. The slices are uneven, but it’s still a win.

I hear Haven before I see her. She’s humming softly, and a sly grin spreads across my face. I’m the reason she’s in a good mood. A definite switch from our past.

This morning replays in my head like the best erotic dream.

Haven was still sound asleep when I woke up hard and needing her. She moaned as I started to move and spread her thighs. She mumbled in her sleep, and I kept the pace slow and even, soaking in the feel of her. When she came in her sleep, it pushed me over the edge. It was the sweetest sensation despite the release that rocked me to my core. I whispered, ‘I love you,’ then slipped from the bed to shower and start breakfast.

Something I’ve never done for anyone.

“Mmmm, it smells so good in here,” Haven says, stepping into the kitchen.

Her head is cocked to the side as she rubs her wet hair. The silky dressing gown she wears shows me nothing, but my body reacts as if she has on sexy lingerie. Those fucking green eyes of hers lock on me. I turn off the burner and walk toward her.

“Cy…what…”

Not bothering to let her finish her question, I grip Haven by the waist, lift her, and sit her on the edge of the large island. My lips touch hers, and any hesitation on her part is long gone. Haven wraps her legs around me and melts into the kiss as I tug at the belt of her robe.

The material falls open, and I pull back to stare at the beautiful temptress who has captured my soul.

“I thought we were going to eat,” Haven asks, her voice soft with just a hint of nerves.

I smirk as I stare into her eyes.

“Oh, I plan on it. Spread your legs wider for me, Butterfly.”

Haven nibbles her bottom lip but slowly leans back on her elbows as her knees fall to the side, showing me her sweet pussy. My hands slide up her thighs, and she drops her head back, while I rub circles over her clit.

“Eyes on me,” I order. “You’re going to watch.”

She lifts her head, and a soft blush creeps across her cheekbones. She’s already wet and glistening like an invitation. Keeping my gaze on her face, I lick all the way up to her clit and then slowly swirl the tip of my tongue. Haven sucks in a deep breath as I slide my finger inside her, then lick faster, matching the rhythm of my hand.

“Oh god…Cy,” she moans.

Her breasts are still hidden by the robe, teasing me.