Page 43 of Cruel Titan

“What?”

“On Devil’s Summit that night, it was Nathan’s car. No one drives Nathan’s car but him.”

“No,” Quinn shakes her head erratically. “It can’t be Nathan.”

“I know,” I whisper, pulling her against me. “I don’t want it to be him either. That’s what Davis was working out, because it doesn’t make sense, so I keep thinking my dad did it, but everything I’ve learned points to Nathan.”

“It’s not Nathan. It can’t be.”

I hope for both our sakes that she is right because if Nathan did it, Quinn will just suffer even more. Shifting back, I look to her. “We’ll figure this out, but you have to stop doing stupid shit.” Brushing my thumb across her lip, I whisper, “And you have to trust me.”

She presses her lips to mine, kissing me as her hands wrap around my neck. I want her so bad, but not here, not like this. Not after what I’ve just told her. And I know she senses my hesitation as she whispers, “Please stay.”

Grasping her hand, I lead her out the garage as she grabs her messenger bag off the counter. We discreetly make our way to her bedroom where I want to remain until reality sets in; the wheels are in motion. Now the challenge is making sure that no matter what, Quinn isn’t ripped away from me again—by my doing or someone else’s—because either is a likely possibility.

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Quinn

“Quinn,” I jump at the sound of my name when Candace knocks then peeks her head in the door. “Hey, you’re going to be late for school. Are you feeling okay?”

I relax, registering that Asher is no longer curled up next to me, which is a good thing since my mom is staring at me. We came inside and I fell asleep not long after he curled up behind me, making me feel safe as terrible thoughts about Nathan swarmed my head. Looking at Candace, someone I truly despise, I wouldn’t even wish it on her. I hope that her husband isn’t the guilty person.

“I’m just a little tired. I don’t have any tests so I’m thinking about skipping today.”

“Mental health day,” Candace smiles.

“Yep.” I don’t think she realizes how much I really do need a mental health day.

“Okay.” Well, I’m dropping Tanner off at school, then I have an appointment with Francis in Nashville. I should be back in time to pick Tanner up, but if not, would you like to pick him up from school?”

“Sure.”

“Call my cell if you need anything.” Candace closes the door as I flop back against the bed, laying there for a while before I finally gather the energy to take a shower.

I feel somewhat better after I’m done showering. Wrapping the towel around me, I step out of the bathroom, looking into my bedroom. I’d figured Asher would be waiting, or maybe I hoped, which isn’t a good sign. I still need to make sure what he’s saying about Nathan and my dad is true. If he gave Nathan the pictures, and Nathan did something … I just don’t want to believe Nathan would be capable of such a cruel plot.

I walk out of the closet after pulling on a tank top along with a pair of sweats. I just want to be comfy and try to forget about everything. I know it isn’t possible. There’s still no Asher in sight so I slide back into my bed, closing my eyes as I start drifting off to sleep until the bed shifts beside me. I don’t have to open my eyes to know it’s Asher. His familiar scent engulfs me as he slides under the covers and pulls me against him.

“I had to shit, shower, and shave.” He laughs, smoothing his hand up the thin layer of fabric covering my back.

I look at his relaxed expression. “Thanks for the info.”

He leans forward, lightly feathering his lips across mine, “Anytime.”

Pressing my mouth to his, I deepen the kiss, desiring to feel him like this again—calm, sweet, hopeful, sincere. His hand brushes up my back as I reach down, pulling the hem of his T-shirt up, removing it and tossing it to the floor. He wastes no time pulling the tank top over my head and flinging it over his shoulder before hooking his fingers in the side of my sweats and underwear, pulling them off and throwing them into a pile on the floor. He unbuttons his jeans as I slide my hands in his boxers, pushing them down while he stands in front of me.

Wrapping my fingers around his cock, his head falls back when I stroke. Licking the tip of his dick, I twirl my tongue around, teasing him until he pulls away. Bending down, he hovers over me. Kissing me thoroughly before falling to his knees on the side of the bed. His head moves between my thighs, his fingers sliding into my wet pussy as my fingers grip his hair, rocking as his tongue teases my clit until I come undone. The release rockets through me as he continues sucking, pulling every bit of pleasure out of me.

Trailing his tongue up my body, he moves over me, his cock teasing my entrance. I grip his muscled torso, trying to pull him inside me, but he rolls onto his back, bringing me on top of him, straddling his lap between my thighs.

He moves to sitting, grasping my neck as he crashes his mouth to mine before moving lower, sucking my nipple, his tongue teasing. Driving me crazy, I grind against his hard length, aching to have him inside me. Shifting up enough to reach between us, I take his cock in my hand. Stroking it, I rock forward as I position him at my entrance. Pushing down, his hips thrust up, and his dick fills me as I lean back, rocking, riding him. He leans back too, one hand gripping my thigh while the other clings to my neck. I can’t get enough of him. Pumping, thrusting faster, his thumb strokes my clit. My head falls back, eyes closed as I ride, rocking as pleasure sails through my core. Leaning forward, he grips my hips, holding me as he lifts from the bed, pounding against me until one final thrust fills me with his release, and I fall limp over his body. Not moving, I lay with him still inside me, his hands stroking my back.

“I’m missed this part as much as the sex.” He whispers so softly I almost think I misheard him, but I know I didn’t as his lips brush against my forehead.

I bury my head in his chest, knowing we need to get up, but savoring a few more moments because I’ve missed this part too.

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