Page 150 of Something So Strong

The silence that follows feels like an eternity.

Fury rages within me as Alma stares back, trying to match my ferocity. And the only thing stopping me from going full psycho and tearing the place apart is Jesse. Just being here. Being near.

My tongue rolls around my mouth and my teeth start chattering.

The prickle of irritation pounds in my chest.

His hand. I need his hand.

His fingers.

His mouth.

He sighs, “I’d say you’re right, Esther… Look, Kai, you take the first break. Alma, go and get everything off your chest. Call me a prick as many times as you like, but just know it won’t change a thing or make you feel any better.”

No!

That’s not gonna happen.

I’ve already wasted too much of my energy on this shit.

Reaching out to Jesse, I grab a fistful of his shirt and tie and yank him towards me. His lips curl and his eyes sparkle as I show Alma just how much of my time I’m willing to give her.

As soon as our lips touch, Jesse’s tongue is pushing down against mine, then up against the roof of my mouth. He fights with me. Makes me work just enough for what I need before surrendering and letting me take over. To relax.

The calm that washes over me almost has me collapsing in his arms.

I’m free again. Free from the pain and the anger that have followed me around since I was old enough to realize how shit my life was.

He’s my rock and my lighthouse.

The only man who’s never lied to me. So why the hell can’t he tell me the whole truth, too?

Jesse pulls back, and I draw his breath in through my nose.

His hand cups my jaw, and he hooks his thumb over my bottom teeth.

My eyes shut, my lips close around him, and I start gently sucking.

“On second thought. We’re going on break together today. And Alma… You can fuck right off.”

A shiver runs up my spine and I bite down on his thumb.

I guess that’s why he doesn’t tell me.

He already knows I’ll follow him anywhere.

“Are you alright?”

His hands are so warm against my face.

“Kai. Please answer me.”

His thumb tastes salty. More than usual.

It’s nice.

“Babe?”

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