Page 89 of Exposed

I’ve never really allowed myself to feel angry at life, but tonight, I let it boil inside of me.

In a different world, Matt and I could be together. I’m falling in love with him and Simon, with his family and his friends. Matt is the most caring man, and it’s easy to love him. I’m not Simon’s biological mom, but I love him like my own. In another dimension where I’m not on the run, I would completely want this life with Matt.

A peek out the window reveals Matt’s car finally pulling into the driveway. It’s raining, but I don’t care. Flinging open the door, I run outside to meet him.

When he sees me, he runs to meet me and picks me up. He grunts, I assume in pain, but still holds me tight. “Pepper. I’m here. I’m okay.” He kisses me as raindrops pelt our clothes and hair. “Inside,” he murmurs, and I nod in agreement.

He lets go of me long enough to lock the front door,then wraps his arms around my waist again and pulls me close.

“What happened?” I ask.

“Two thugs jumped me when I was walking to my car. I fought back, and one pulled a knife and tried to stab me. I was able to kick myself free, got my gun out, and they both bolted.” He shakes his hair and rain droplets fly everywhere.

I run my hands up and down his shoulders. “Where are you hurt?”

“Here.” He steps back and lifts his shirt to show white gauze covering a few inches of his upper abdomen.

“How bad does it hurt?” I ask.

“It’s mostly a shallow wound. I’m fine,” he shrugs one shoulder. “The whole time, you and Simon were all I could think about. I wanted to get home to you both,” he whispers as he cups my face, and his bright blue eyes focus on mine. “Is Simon asleep?”

“Yeah. He’s good,” I assure him.

He nods satisfactorily, then cuffs my throat with his hand and pulls me close to him. “Get over here, Mrs. Galloway. I need you.” He tugs my ponytail with his free hand, angling my head so he can kiss me the way he wants.

His kiss is lustful, hungry and demanding. He pulls off my rain dampened t-shirt and picks me up, but he grunts in pain.

“Matt, you’re hurt.”

“Don’t care. Having you is worth far more than a little pain.” He carries me to his couch and lays me on it.

“You’re my wife, Jasmine. I love you,” he says with conviction as he trails a hand down between my breasts.

“Are you on pain medicine?” I sit up on my elbows, taken aback by his declaration.

“Only Tylenol. I’m fine. I love you, Jasmine: you and your warrior heart. You’ve fought since you were a little girl to overcome all that life threw at you.”

How is he so sweet?

“We fit together, princess. We’re both stubborn fighters. I fought with everything I had to come back to you tonight. I’m fighting to keep my son. You’ve fought for happiness and, now, you’re fighting for your freedom. I love that you never give up.”

“How are you so…you?” I ask. Does he know I’m thinking about leaving? Because he’s making it damn hard when he says all those flowery things to me.

“I'm just stating facts, little fighter.” He smirks as he grabs the back of his shirt and tugs it off, then positions himself between my legs.

I give his fresh wound the side eye. “You sure we’re okay to do this with your injury?”

“Yep. I feel perfect in between your legs. Let me eat you out, princess. I want to make you come as many times as I can tonight. I need to see you come.”

Who could say no to that? It’s selfish, but I want one more time with him before I leave. One more time being one with him, to remember what it was like to have a husband who seemingly adores me.

“I’m yours, husband,” I whisper.

“That’s my pretty girl,” he praises. “Put your arms above your head and take a deep breath.”

We breathe in sync, taking a deep breath in, then out together. He kisses me from my collar bone, then downmy stomach, his hands and mouth exploring my skin. Then, he cups my sex and lets his mouth trail closer to my clit.

“You want me to kiss you here?” He whispers, his lips hovering over my pussy.

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