Page 122 of Collided

Seriously. That’s what came out of my fucking mouth?

She shivers, then says breathlessly, “Ten.”

Good. Seems like I’m not the only one who forgets to breathe in our proximity.

A smile dances on my mouth. “Taking it slow so it lasts longer?”

“Yes.”

I breathe and her lavender scent attacks me like rain on a pleasant summer day.

I was right, this girl will ruin me, and I’ll let her.

“Text me as you read the books. I want to know everything.” I’m desperate.

“Okay.”

Pulling back, my eyes find hers. I can see so many emotions crossing through them. Then my gaze drops down to her lips and a desire to kiss them marches above my logical thoughts.

Fuck.

Those lips look fucking inviting.

I’ve never wanted to kiss someone before, but here I am craving to take one taste.

Lust clouds my mind and body. I can barely see through the haze that blinds me.

What the fuck is wrong with me?

“Heath, what are you doing?” Her sweet, scared voice breaks my train of thought.

Fuck. I don’t want to scare her by showing her how badly I want her. I’ll never take anything she’s not willing to give to me. If she gives me nothing I’ll make peace with it and learn to live with it. As long as I’m close to her.

“You’re safe with me,” I tell her instead, wishing she believed me.

I caress the side of her neck, and she winces.

Fuck.

“I’m sorry,” I quickly say and rub circles over the inner side of her wrist.

I keep fucking up, don’t I?

It’s the last thing I want to do.

I need to be better. I need to be good to her.

“It’s all right.” She gives me a tiny smile and doesn’t pull away from my touch. But I do.

I can never bring myself to hurt her. In fact, how can anyone? She’s delicate and pure and there’s a monster who’s physically assaulting her.

“Another incident with the straightener?” I inquire, keeping my voice quiet so she can’t sense the rage flooding through my senses.

“Yes.” Her eyes steer away from me as she lies.

I know her because it’s so easy for me to read it.

She reads books and I read her.

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