Page 49 of Losing a Piece of Me

Oh, it’s a jealousy thing. “So you put him through hell because I’ve slept with him?”

“No, I gave him shit to do because he needed it. That guy doesn’t look like he’s worked a day in his life. What does he do, anyway?”

“He owns a restaurant, I told you that.”

“I thought you were lying to pass off the fiancée thing.”

Several moments of silence pass before he breaks the silence. “Look, I just wanted to check the guy out, see who my competition is.”

I roll over on top of him, place my hands on either side of his face, and look into his eyes, making sure I’m not hiding anything. I know all too well how easily he can read me if I try to hide something or leave something out. “There is no competition. It’s just you. You and me, remember?”

These words seem to settle him down. He wraps his arms around my back and pulls me down for a kiss. This kiss travels low in my belly.

God, why do I want him so much? Why has he always had this hold on me?

With his hand on the nape of my neck, he rolls us over. His weight presses into me in all the right places. I wrap my legs around him and pull him as close as I can get him. I never thought I would have this again. Finally letting my walls down and allowing him in has done something to me. It feels like I am weaker now – if I could keep Striker out I could keep anyone out, but now that he’s in, how damaged will I be when this ends? A deep crack already runs through my heart, and losing him for a second time may completely break me.

“Open your eyes, baby,” he says in his rough, gravelly voice.

I do as he says, hoping the doubt I’m feeling isn’t obvious to him.

Immediately, he sees it. Of course he sees it.

He gets himself to his knees and watches me while he starts unbuckling his belt. “What are you doubting right now?”

I open my mouth to deny that I am doubting anything, but he knows what I’m going to do and interrupts me before my mouth can form the words. “Tell me. No lies, no secrets.”

“I’m worried that I will break. I can’t lose you again.” I feel my eyes tear up.

He shakes his head once. “It’s not going to happen.” He pulls at the waistband of my shorts and slides them down my legs.

“I don’t give a fuck what secret you’re keeping.” His jeans slide down his hips to reveal his large erection. His chest is heaving.

“It’s not coming between us again.” He places himself at my entrance and thrusts deep inside. “You’re mine,” he growls.

I wrap my arms around his neck and pull his lips to mine for a rushed kiss. The emotion is thick and heavy between us.

I’m his.

I wonder if he knows I always have been.

* * *

The week flies by, and by the end, the wall is built and a good portion of the tiles have already been finished. I wasn’t surprised when Jeff decided not to show back up to help, he was probably sore from all the work they did the first day.

Closing time rolls around and one question about the coming wedding is hanging over my head.

Who do I ride with?

Striker will be pissed if I ride with Jeff and he has to drive back alone, but Jeff is my date for the wedding. He’s doing this as a favor to me. How do I tell him that I don’t want to ride with him? On the other hand, I would like to have my own car in case things get too tough. I need to be able to run.

As I’m packing my bag to head home, Striker picks up on my nervousness. “What’s going on?” He flops down onto my bed.

I shrug. “Nothing, just packing.”

“No, I mean, what is it that’s showing in your eyes right now?”

I should’ve known.

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