Page 15 of Ferocious Nightmare

“And how would I know that? You're sneaking around behind my back. You have eyes on me, but I don't have eyes on you. You could be doing anything."

"Dante is there for your protection, not to spy on you."

“I don’t believe that for a second,” I huffed. “Besides, it's not about that."

"Then what is this about?"

"It's about trusting each other. This will never work between us, not if we can't at least have that."

He was silent, his eyes searching my face but he loosened his hold on my neck. “Tell me what you mean.”

I sighed, exasperated that he was making a big deal about this. “I woke up when you came in, but I didn't know it was you. You were so quiet. When I turned to look, I…saw." I ended lamely.

"What exactly did you think you saw?”

I raised a shoulder. "I don't know. You just seemed...sad.”

"Maybe I'm sad because the people I thought I could trust the most are the ones who betrayed me." His eyes darkened. “Or maybe you think I’m sad because you feel guilty for what you did.”

“I told you I was sorry,” I grit out.

"And yet, you’re doing it again."

“No, I’m not.” When he didn’t answer, I growled out, growing angry. “For hell’s sake.” I shoved him back and away from me. "You're being dramatic. I didn’t say anything right away because of this right here." I waved my hand dramatically between us. "I can't say anything without you assuming something else." When he didn’t respond, I turned away, giving up. "I'll let you shower. I'm still tired, so I’m going back to sleep. Feel free to sneak out after you’re done.”

I opened the door, the cold air rushing in making goosebumps prickle my skin. I had one foot out the door when he spoke. "Wait, Aster."

I turned around to stare at him. He didn’t say anything else, so I stepped back inside, slamming the door shut behind me. "Is this really how it's going to be between us, Coulter? For the rest of our lives? Are we really going to marry each other, not speaking or touching each other?” I ached. My chest felt so hollowed out. Empty. I wanted to reach out to him, to feel his skin under my fingers, to soothe the angry and mistrustful monster within him. The way he was acting, it really was as if he couldn't rely on anyone, and that was my fault.

I’d gained his trust, then thrown it away.

I stepped closer to him, and he eyed me warily. I hated the mistrustful look on his face. “Will you ever forgive me? You'll never get any rest if you have to sleep with a knife under your pillow because you don’t trust your own fiancé.” It was so strange, talking about being engaged, but this was my life now.

He leaned back, his eyes on me, considering my words. They tracked over my face, still wary, but I sensed a little bit of hope there. I stepped forward again, cupping his face with one hand, biting down on my smile, "I mean, really. If we can't come to some kind of truce, you will have to keep a knife under your pillow.” I gave him a small smile, running my hand over his stomach. “You’ll have to fight me off from this sexy body.”

He didn't smile like I hoped he would, but his hand clasped my wrist, pulling it from his face. Disappointment coiled through me until I realized that he was tugging it down, not away. When I gave him a confused look, he growled out.

“On your knees, nightmare. Prove to me that I can trust you.”

A thrill shot through me at his commanding words, at the hunger in his golden eyes.

“And this doesn't count as touching you. You're going to do this to show me how repentant you are for not trusting me with plans about your escape.” He paused, smirking, “We’ll call it a little apology.”

My hand went to his dick, still stiff and engorged, pumping it as I considered his words. It swelled in my fist, pre-come leaking out the tip. "If I do this, you’ll forgive me?"

"I'll consider forgiving you."

“Oh, you’ll forgive me, all right.” Staring into his eyes, I swiped my thumb over the top of his cock. “You’ll forgive me, then beg me for more.” I fell to my knees, determined to pay my penance.

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