Page 87 of Prized Possession

“So… I know this is a little embarrassing, but we’re adults… I think we should talk about what happened yesterday,” she says, pulling her back straight in an attempt to look more confident than she sounds.

“Okay,” I reply, dragging the word out in a way that makes it clear she’s the one who needs to do the talking, not me.

She takes a deep breath, the grip on her coffee mug tightening until her knuckles turn white, and she lets out a sigh.

“I, erm, I enjoyed yesterday very much… Well, parts of it… I just, well, I wasn’t sure if you just reacted in the heat of the moment, and would regretithismorning.”

Although she starts off stumbling over her words, the last part tumbles out in a rush, making it hard for me to catch the end.

“What?”

“I’m worried you regret what happened between us, since you broke your rules,” she repeats, her gaze firmly locked on her coffee mug.

I chuckle, which makes her eyes snap up to meet mine. “Yes, you made me lose control, which never happens, but that doesn’t mean I regret it.”

“You don’t?” The way her voice lights up, full of hope, it almost guts me.

“No, I don’t. But I still stand by what was said in the heat of the moment. If you want anything more to happen between us, you have to be honest with me. I’m not saying it just because I want to know, although I do, I’m saying it more to protect you.

“People who’ve experienced trauma can be re-traumatised very easily, and I will not be the person to trigger you,” I explain, and her eyes widen slightly.

“So this whole time you’ve wanted to know so that you wouldn’t hurt me? I thought you wanted to know so you could get revenge.”

I’m sure she can see the dangerous expression that crosses my face as my smirk turns evil.

“Oh, I do plan on getting revenge, but that’s just a benefit. The main reason is to keep you safe.”

“Oh,” she says, her brow furrowed.

“Did you mean it yesterday when you said you were going to tell me? I was worried you were just saying that to get what you wanted,” I admit, watching as she cringes at my words.

Fuck, I never thought she’d lie to me.

She lets out a sigh. “Honestly, I was so desperate for an orgasm yesterday, I would’ve told you anything you wanted to hear. Then, once we got back home, the more I thought about it, the more fear took over.

“I’ve kept this secret for a while, and saying it aloud makes it real. I didn’t lie to you yesterday, but this morning, I’m not entirely sure I can go through with it.”

My stomach rolls and I feel like she’s just stabbed me in the gut. I knew she was in the sort of headspace where she’d have said anything, but I really thought she meant it.

Then again, it probably wouldn’t have changed anything. I wanted her badly enough to break all my own rules, so that’s on me. It’s a mistake I won’t make again.

“Fine. I get it,” I say through gritted teeth.

I swallow the last mouthful of my coffee before going to stand, until I feel Chloe’s hand on mine. She’s leaning over the island, her eyes misty with an almost distraught expression on her face.

“Please, don’t leave,” she whispers.

Fuck, I want nothing more than to give in to her, but I can’t.

“Sorry, I have some work to do,” I mutter, pulling my hand free as I stand from the stool.

I walk towards the exit, but Chloe jumps from her stool and blocks the way. She places her hand on my chest, stopping me from going any further.

“Please, just let me explain.”

“There’s nothing to explain. You’ve made it perfectly clear,” I snap, sounding harsher than I intended.

Chloe grabs hold of my arm and pulls me towards the living room. “Just come and let me explain.”

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