Page 18 of Heart of a Defender

I cry out his name when I fall over the edge. My body vibrates and thrums as Zach plunges inside me, responding with his own release. I grip his ass as he grinds into me. My body reacts with flutters of electricity that grip and milk his cock. When I open my eyes, Zach holds my gaze, cementing our connection.

“You’re amazing, Madison.” He gently brushes my hair from my brow with his fingertips. “You’re more beautiful than I can put into words.”

Heat rushes to the apples of my cheeks. “Thank you,” I whisper, my voice strained with emotion.

He kisses my forehead before rolling to his side. He wraps his arms around me protectively and pulls me into his chest. We lie tangled together with slivers of moonlight illuminating the darkness. I rest my head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. A sense of peace and contentment floods through me.

I’ve never felt more alive or more secure than I am in Zach’s arms.

***

Zach

As Madison drifts off to sleep in my arms, I realize how much she’s changed my heart, breaking through my defenses to show me that it’s okay to trust her. She’s perfect, touching me in ways I never expected, more than just physically. I want her in my life, not for a fleeting hookup or temporary fix. I want a real, lasting relationship with her.

To have that, we need open, honest communication. We need to trust each other with our hearts and all the insecurities we carry there.

Madison stirs, stretching her leg across my thigh. I run my fingers through her hair as she yawns and stretches. Her hand snakes over my chest, and my cock thickens as it stiffens. Morning wood be damned, I temper my desire by running hockey plays through my head.

“Can I ask you something?” I ask, breaking the magical morning-after silence.

Madison lifts her head from my chest. Her hazy eyes reflect a deeper green in the dim light. She grins up at me, her lips still swollen from a night of passionate kisses and lovemaking. A twinge of anger floats in my belly, knowing someone hurt her once, and I vow I’ll never allow another man to hurt her again.

“Sure.” She raises an eyebrow, and a wicked gleam flashes in her eyes. “I lost count at seven, but I bet we can push that to eight or nine if we’re lucky.”

Her hand drifts down my chest to my cock, and I groan. If she keeps touching me like that, we’ll never make it out of bed. I roll on top of her and pin her hands above her head.

“I wasn’t asking about orgasms.” I nip her bottom lip. “I was there, remember?”

“Oh, I remember,” she giggles. “What’s your question?”

“What happened with the athlete you dated?” My jaw tightens as soon as the sparkle leaves her eyes. I loosen my grip on her hands, allowing her to move freely while hoping she stays right where she is so we can talk about things.

“He was charming and confident, and at first, I thought he was exciting. He energized me.” She takes a moment, hesitating as she takes a deep breath. “But it didn’t take long for the cracks in his personality to show. He was manipulative and controlling. He belittled me, made me feel small. But worse than that was the cheating and constant gaslighting.”

She pauses, and silence stretches between us. I almost regret asking about the douchebag. I’ve never been one to pry into a partner’s past relationships. But I’ve never been with anyone like Madison–someone I think I’d like to spend the rest of my life with. I want to know everything about her and protect her from anyone hurting her again.

“He broke my heart and made me feel like I was nothing. It was crippling to the point I second-guessed myself, my writing. I came close to giving up,” she continues, gazing at me with glassy eyes. “I’ve had a hard time trusting people again. Especially men.”

“And athletes.” I let out a sigh. The odds were stacked against me from the start. I want to pulverize the guy for hurting her. “Who is he?”

“He doesn’t matter. He’s nobody.” A faint smile forms on her lips as she wraps her fingers around my shoulders. “I’m in a good place now, and I’m here with you. I don’t want to be anywhere else or with anyone else, Zach.”

“I want you to know that I’m not him. I think you’re incredible.” I stroke her cheek. How could someone treat her with such cruelty? “I never want to hurt you, Madison. You can trust me.”

“I do trust you, Zach.” Her smile brightens along with her eyes. “I wouldn’t be here with you if I didn’t.”

My heart expands, growing full with a strange sensation I can only call love. Madison and I have never been at fundamental odds with each other. We’re just two people with scars, trying to find a way to heal.

I wake just before sunrise with Madison purring like a kitten curled against my side. I haven’t dated someone with any regularity since high school. But the time feels right with Madison if she’s ready to take that step. She’s bringing about all kinds of firsts in me. Ferris wheel rides, sleepovers, meeting Lauren.

Lauren. I never did ask what she thought of Madison or what they talked about when she showed up at practice. My phone buzzes as if on cue. I know it’s my sister without even looking. One of these days, I’ll figure out her secret power of knowing just when to pop into my orbit.

Lauren: I think she’s a keeper. Don’t overthink things. BTW...I knew she’d be cute!

I stifle a chuckle and place the phone back on the nightstand, careful not to wake the sleeping beauty in my arms. Madison’s more than cute. I think she’s The One.

CHAPTER 10

---