Page 85 of His Old Lady

"Jesus, Faye." He exhaled harshly, pushing her back inches and holding her face. "You don't have to ask. I've always loved you."

"You do?" Suddenly feeling eight years old, unsure of what tomorrow will bring and if there will be anyone left to love her. "Am I your old lady?"

"You're my old lady."

"Forever?"

"Forever." He pressed his forehead against her forehead, his hands shook on her face. "Promise."

She sniffled, stroking his face with her hands, assuring herself that he'd come back. "You left, and I thought you were mad at me."

"Not at you." He tucked her against the front of him, holding her close. "I had to go...Faye?"

"Hm?" She snuggled and wrapped her arms around him.

"Did I force you that first time we had sex?"

"No." She lifted her head and frowned. "You would never."

His gaze intensified. "You said I pulled you into bed."

"To cuddle." She shook her head. "We've already talked about that. I slept with you all night, and you held me every second."

Underneath his beard, his Adam's apple moved. "I thought..."

"Did you think I didn't want to have sex?" She blinked, trying to figure out why he was upset. "I wanted you. I wanted you so much. I couldn't even sleep, because all I could think about was having sex with you and wishing you'd touch me. I'm glad you were my first." She smiled and quickly said, "And the only one to ever have me."

He hugged her to him and buried his face in the top of her hair. His chest expanded, and he slowly let out his breath. "Good."

They remained locked together for several minutes before he straightened. She leaned back and took his hand, clutching it in her grasp.

"I should really get back inside. The others are probably wondering where I am or if I walked off the job." She mustered a smile, concerned about his reasons for leaving today. "Are you okay?"

He leaned in and kissed her. "I am now."

"Where did you go?" She led him to the back door.

"Prison."

She stopped before going back inside. He moved the strands of hair off her cheek and tucked them behind her ear. "To visit a Tarkio member?"

"I went to see your uncle," he said huskily. "I needed to make sure I hadn't hurt you that first time."

"And you couldn’t ask me?" She tilted her head. "Why?"

"Because of our conversation this morning." He inhaled deeply and closed his eyes an extra beat. "I had to know."

"No. No. You did nothing wrong. You were gentle and loving." She caressed his cheek, and then her eyes shimmered. "Afterward, you were an asshole, but the sex was good. It was perfect because I could finally tell how much you cared about me."

"Loved you then." His gaze warmed. "Love you now."

She nodded. "That's how I've always felt toward you."

After she kissed him, she pulled him inside the building. Only a couple more hours, and she'd get to go back to his house and show him how deep her love was for him.

Remembering why he'd been gone all day and night, she stopped in the back room. "How is my uncle?"

"Same."

She swallowed. "I wish it was easier on him, but he is serving his time and doing the right thing. One day, he'll be free."

"Right." Curley looked away.

"I'm going to wash, and then I need to let the others have their break." She kissed him again. "I'm so glad you're back, and I can relax."

He let her go. She hurried into the restroom. Privately, she grinned, letting out her excitement on getting him back and knowing he was doing everything to stay in her life.

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