Page 117 of Cruel Steps

“We’re adults,” I said, unsure who I was trying to convince.

The covers moved, and I held my breath as he lowered himself under them. The bed wasn’t much bigger than the sofa, bringing our bodies flush. Even on the edge of the bed, I couldn’t escape his body touching mine.

This was a terrible idea. I didn’t think I could actually do this.

For the longest time, it felt like neither of us moved, much less breathed. His body warmed me beneath the covers and my hip ached from lying on it too long, but I didn’t dare roll over. Every nerve in my body was awake, and my body heated at the memory of how Holden had brought every single one of them to life.

Eventually, I heard his deep intake of breath, and my heart calmed. Carefully, I shifted and turned toward him. He lay on his side, his hand under the pillow, facing me. His face was so serene asleep, and I lifted my hand, barely stopping myself from touching him. Folding my hands under my pillow, I closed my eyes, exhaustion finally taking over and pulling me under.

CHAPTER

THIRTY-SIX

EMERSON

I was having the best dream. I was lounging by the pool, and the sun beat down on me. I felt warm all over, like the sun kissed every inch of my skin. I lay on the most luxurious lounger and was covered in silk. The half-naked man between my legs didn’t hurt either. My hands gripped the firm cushion, and I rocked into the face, my orgasm close. Tingles ran over my body, and I gasped as I came, my hips slowing as I rode out my climax.

Moaning, I jerked awake at the sound and blinked to take in my surroundings. My skin still felt heated by the sun, but I wasn’t outside. Moving my hand, I glanced down at what I held onto. It was long, hard, and…

Oh my god.

My hand was wrapped around Holden’s very erect cock. He still had his boxers on, but there was my hand gripping the monster all the same. Somehow my cheeks found it within themselves to heat more as I came to the utter mortification of my situation.

I knew this bed-sharing was a horrible idea.

How had I gotten myself into this mess? My head rested on his chest, and my leg was draped over his. And was that…Yep. I’d drooled on his pec. Oh, and I couldn’t forget how I’d just humped his leg like a dog. And why the hell did I still grip his dick?

Holden’s breathing was even, so I prayed to all things holy that he wasn’t awake. Ever so slowly, I unlocked my fingers from my death grip on his disco stick. His dick stayed standing upright, tenting his boxer briefs like the champion it was. Would he feel it if I slapped it? Would it bounce back to the same spot?

For the love of macaroni, stop thinking about his dick!

Carefully, I lifted my leg and shifted it away from his behemoth of a thigh. Had leg muscles always been that sexy?

Okay. Only one more body part to move. You can do this!

First, I shifted my hand. My fingers tingled, and I curled them into a fist. Now, to back away and pray he believed his nipples had sweated. Unsticking my face, I froze as I peeled myself off his torso. It had been surprisingly comfortable for a muscular chest.

Braced on my arms, I took a deep breath. It was time for the final test. Please be asleep. Please be asleep. Turning my head, my heart sank when I found Holden staring at me.

Fuck.

“Good morning, Wildcat. Have any good dreams?”

“Nope. None whatsoever.” I backed away from him and put as much space between us as possible. Which wasn’t a lot, considering the bed was the size of a postage stamp. Holden smirked and shifted his hips. His erection bobbed, and he reached down to grab himself. I wanted to be outraged, but considering I’d just rubbed myself against him to orgasm, I didn’t have any room to speak.

“You just going to do that with me here?” I asked. My pulse raced, matching the throbbing between my legs.

“Where would you like me to go?” He lifted an eyebrow, his smile on full display. “Besides, it’s your fault I’m this hard.”

“Wow. Way to blame the girl.” I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms in protest. It had nothing to do with my nipples pebbling.

“Not blaming you, just stating facts. You were moaning and rubbing your hot body all over me, and it got my dick very excited. He loved it when you gripped him like your own handlebar.”

“I did no such thing!”

“‘Oh, Holden. Yes, Holden. More, Holden.’ Does that ring a bell? I think everyone below us heard you humping me, Wildcat.”

I sputtered, and my cheeks heated. “You’re an asshole.”

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