Page 69 of Study You

“I need you to promise me, Gillian.”

Gillian looked deep into Finn’s eyes, nodding as her orgasm built faster and faster. “I promise you.”

Finn wrapped her arms around Gillian, buried her face in her neck, and thrust harder. Finn had needed that reassurance, and Gillian was more than happy to give it to her. Because if she had realised anything tonight, it was that she couldn’t move forward without Finn. She needed Finn…and Finn needed her.

That feeling of being anchored while Finn was deep inside her had tears spilling down Gillian’s cheeks. As those incredible hips rolled and brought Gillian to the edge, she dug her nails into Finn’s back…and came. Silently, but so fucking beautifully.

“Oh, God.” Gillian held Finn, refusing to allow her emotions to show. But everything was just so overwhelming that Gillian couldn’t help but be emotional. Finn would understand—she hoped—but now wasn’t really the time or place. “Stay there. Don’t move.”

Finn turned her head and kissed Gillian’s neck, smiling against her skin. “I fucking adore these moments with you.”

Oh, no. That admission only had fresh tears steadily falling. “Me, too.”

Finn must have heard Gillian sniffle and, in turn, held her tighter. “I don’t know what’s going through your mind, but just know that I’m here for you, okay?”

“I know.” Gillian stroked her fingers up and down Finn’s back. “Nothing to worry about. Just…overwhelming at times.”

“I understand.”

Chapter 23

Gillian sat quietly at her small breakfast bar, spreading marmalade on a slice of toast. Finn was still sleeping—she didn’t have to be at university today—so this time was perfect for Gillian. Time to process last night. Time to allow the embarrassment she felt for being so emotional to pass her by. Time…to think. Only as she sat here, Gillian didn’t know where to begin. Waking up in Finn’s arms this morning had been incredibly comforting, but that was Finn through and through. Gillian always felt reassured in one way or another.

Let it play out the way it’s supposed to.

Gillian lowered her toast to the plate and took her coffee. She wrapped her hands around it, sighing. Finn had agreed to a secret relationship last night, then proceeded to blow her mind in the most explosive of ways. Could Gillian fully immerse herself in this experience without feeling that dreaded guilt? God, she really hoped so. Because last night had been as equally thrilling as it was emotional. The way in which Finn had held her, how she’d kissed Gillian’s hair and soothed her with those soft hands. Honestly, it left Gillian feeling emotional all over again.

She shook her head lightly and exhaled a deep breath. Gillian didn’t want to sit here worrying or crying. She didn’t want to fear for the future. While she would never have imagined herself to be in this position—a position where she would be lying to everyone around her—she couldn’t help who she found herself attracted to.

Oh, if only it was that simple.

As Gillian lowered her coffee again, she felt strong arms wrap around her waist from behind. Finn kissed her neck slowly, smiling against her skin. “Mornin’.”

“Hi.” Gillian wasn’t sure of the atmosphere, but so far so good. “Can I get you some breakfast before I finish getting ready for work?”

“I’m okay for now. I’ll take some coffee, though.” Finn untangled herself from Gillian and crossed the kitchen. She wore boxer shorts and a tight tank top, that skin on view as it always was. “Another cup for you?” Finn turned back and pointed towards Gillian’s coffee cup.

“Sure. Thank you.”

Gillian studied Finn as she moved around the kitchen, smiling when she stretched, and her boxer shorts rode up a little higher. Oh, what a fine arse Finn had. It certainly explained why she was so good at thrusting. Gillian lowered her eyes when that smile turned into a smirk. Keep it clean. You have to be at work soon.

Finn placed a fresh cup of coffee down in front of Gillian and took her old cup away. She turned the radio up ever so slightly and then faced Gillian where she leant against the sink. “So.”

“About last night,” Gillian started, wanting to apologise for her emotion once again. “I’m sorry.”

But Finn only pushed off the counter, turned Gillian on her stool, and stood between her legs. “I’d rather you show me your vulnerability than close yourself off. One, because I care about how you feel, and two, because it’s sexy as hell.”

“Last night was…quite something.” Gillian’s cheeks heated at the reminder. God, she hadn’t known Finn had such a sensual side to her. But she absolutely loved it as much as her hot and heavy side.

Finn held Gillian’s chin gently. “I know that what we’ve had up until last night is the side of me you prefer, but it was important that I showed you who I can also be. Because if this gets serious, I want to know that I did everything I could to be the right person for you…before you walk away.”

“Before I walk away?”

“I have another two and a half years left of my degree, Gillian. I know you won’t be teaching me for two of those years, but it’s still not ideal. I’d love to think that the university would be okay about it, but realistically…would they be? I’m not so sure.”

“I-I don’t know. But I do know that I don’t want to imagine a time when this right here isn’t happening anymore.”

“And I don’t either.” Finn leaned in, kissing Gillian gently. “But I also don’t want you to lose your job. I won’t let you lose your job.” With their foreheads touching, Finn lay her palms against Gillian’s thighs. “I want you, okay? In any way I can have you. Just…remember that whenever you’re having doubts.”

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