Page 128 of Cruel Steps

I nodded. “Colter and I got tested last week. We’re both clean.” His face crumbled, and my heart sank. He’d forgotten about Colter, and I was going to have to give Holden up. Tears gathered in my eyes before I could stop them.

“No, no, baby. Shh. It’s not like that. It’s been a few months since I’ve been tested, that’s all.”

“Have you been with someone?” I asked, my voice going high-pitched. Holden smiled, stroking my hair.

“No, Wildcat. Only you.”

“Then you’re good.”

“Yeah. But I’d still feel better getting checked out. You’re too precious for me to risk.”

This man…

“I’ll be right back.”

I nodded and wiped my eyes while he climbed off and pulled a roll of condoms out of his bag. I lifted onto my elbow. “Should I be concerned that you had those in your bag? Were you expecting to get laid?”

“Just wishful thinking, Wildcat. The only girl I want is you. Has been since I met you. I haven’t been with anyone since.”

“Really? But that was months ago!”

“I know. You leave a lasting impression.” He rolled on the condom, and I tried to wrap my mind around his confession. He climbed back on the bed and caged me in. I expected him to slam into me, but he cupped my face and kissed me softly. He caressed my face, traveling his hand over my body in reverence. Each graze of his fingertips brought goosebumps to the surface.

Our lower halves rocked together, and the tip of his cock nudged my opening. I wrapped my legs around him, and he slipped in. But he didn’t press further, taking his time to kiss me sweetly and touch me. My skin buzzed to life, and I rocked my hips up, taking him further.

“Wildcat,” he moaned, breaking our kiss and resting his forehead on mine.

Biting my lip, I shifted my hips again and rocked up. He slid the rest of the way in. My walls flexed against him as we both panted. Slowly, he flicked his hips forward. Each thrust sent me higher, and I clung to his shoulders. This was so different than usual.

It was sweet, loving, and slow. He made love to my heart, cherishing every little gasp and moan. Our eyes stayed locked, our hands gripping one another for fear of being torn apart otherwise. It was intentional and healing, the revival we needed to mend the hurt we’d inflicted on each other.

Desire rose, and I clung to him harder. My body moved instinctively with his, answering his call.

“I love you. I love you so much, Em.” Holden broke our connection to kiss me. My heart burst and overflowed with love. It poured out of me and set off my second orgasm. Emotion and sensation twined together in the most epic way. My entire body felt like a fireworks show as they all set off. Tears poured out of me, the sensation so overwhelming I didn’t know what to do.

“I love you,” I whispered, gasping as he plunged deep. His body shook, and he held me tight as he came. We stared at one another, words passing between us without saying them. He wiped the tears from my cheek, rubbing his thumb under my lids.

“I hate to see you cry.”

“These are good tears.”

“That was intense.”

I nodded. “Exactly. My emotions are all over the place, hence tears.”

Holden smiled, stealing the last of my breath. “You’re so beautiful, Wildcat. I can’t believe you love me too.”

“Believe it, Holden. You’re not getting rid of me now.”

“I couldn’t walk away even when I should’ve, Wildcat. If anyone is attached, it’s me.” He nuzzled my neck, kissing me once. “I might not be good at this boyfriend thing, but I’ll keep trying until I get it right.”

“I don’t remember being asked,” I teased.

He lifted his head, and his eyebrow quirked. “I said I loved you.”

“Doesn’t mean I’m your girlfriend.”

“What else could it mean?”

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