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“You can stay even if we don’t have sex. You know that, right? I’m not agreeing to this because I’m waiting for something.”

She’s beet red, far surpassing her copper hair. “I know. It’s just that I…feel really good right now. You know exactly how to do that to me.”

I raise my eyebrows, crossing my arms and she immediately becomes flustered again.

“No! I meant, you know the right things to say. And…it really was why I came. I guess I did come for that because I didn’t want your last memory of me to be…that. I know you seemed upset when you left and I’ve been anxious that maybe I totally ruined my chance.”

I feel guilty when she finishes over-explaining. I didn’t mean to leave abruptly and leave her feeling insecure. Being around her after something so intimate was fucking with my head and shit was getting too real for me.

Fuck, it’s a shit excuse. What kind of man makes excuses for hurting a woman? I knew that she was volatile and I still did it. I’d slap Mason upside the head for making someone feel like that. If I can take on discomfort to ease hers, that’s what I’m supposed to do.

“You didn’t do anything wrong. I didn’t leave because of what we did or didn’t do. I just don’t think you’re thinking clearly about me and I’m sure as hell not thinking clearly about you.”

She looks relieved, her shoulders moving down a bit as she lets out the breath she was holding. “Then what are you thinking?”

“I’m…thinking about how I really must be fucked in the head to want a woman half my age. I feel like it’s wrong when I’m supposed to be the voice of reason here, but you don’t seem like the type to listen to reason. So, what can I do?”

I’m surprised by the honest answer that seeps out of me so easily. I’m usually more controlled than this. I’m out of my fucking element here. Flirting and…whatever this is with a woman? I haven’t done that in years. I’ve fucked plenty of times, but I’ve never had the time or capacity for more since…well, I guess I never did it before the army either. I was too busy with Mel and taking care of Dad.

I guess I really haven’t ever let myself do something like this.

Maybe Mason is right for once? But even if he is, is Layla really the one I want to experiment on? If I’m shit at this then I’ll only end up hurting her more.

Plus, my life is a goddamn ticking time bomb because I could get caught at any second. I can’t go back in time to reason with myself not to kill.

Shit, do I suddenly fucking regret everything I worked for over a woman?

“I think you’re brave, and I’m trying to be brave and honest too. If we’re both honest then we can think clearly, right?” Her chocolate eyes almost sparkle as she looks at me. If I could see everything from her perspective, maybe I could be hopeful too.

I don’t know how someone who went through something so traumatic has it in her to look at someone like this.

To look at me like this.

The feeling stirring inside me is as dangerous as any war. The primal need I have to protect this happiness and innocence that radiates off her in waves is overwhelming. All I can feel right now is a need for that warmth. A warmth as bright as her crazy copper hair.

I’m not even aware of my own movements by the time it happens. I envelop her completely, backing her against the counter as my lips press harshly onto her soft ones.

Fuck, I’m not sure what’s going on with me. I should’ve told her she can’t stay any longer tonight.

The only sounds in the room are the sucking, kissing, and heavy breaths. She melts into me easily when I pull her closer, my hands gripping her soft ass as I easily lift her onto the counter before me. I pull back slightly, and her flushed face stays close to mine. “Are you sure you want this?” She nods, but it’s not enough for me. “Words, Layla.”

“I want it.” She’s quiet, but her tone is wanting. She must think my silence means that I’m changing my mind, because she speaks again. “Please, daddy.”

Fucking vixen.

I shouldn’t have reacted the last time she called me that. I don’t think I ever would have thought I’d like a woman moaning that to me.

“Then lay back for me,” I coo, and she takes an expectant breath as she lays herself on the counter. “Open.” Her legs lose their tension, and I push them apart with ease. I gently take her heels off, then tug on the waistband of her leggings and slide them down along with her panties.

I’m surprised by the red lace, though. Did she wear them for me? Did she buy them for me?

I can’t let myself think about it for even a moment longer, because the sight in front of me deserves my full attention. Her beautiful, pink lips are like a magnet as my mouth is already on her without hesitation.

I let myself feed on her like I’m feral. Like I’m on death row, and she’s my final meal. My mouth fully encapsulates her, and I let my tongue enter her.

Fuck. It’s so good.

So fucking sweet.