Page 68 of Consume Me

“Why do good girls fall for the most terrible guys?”

“They make us feel like we’re the only ones. Deep down, every girl wants the bad guy because he has no limits when it comes to her.”

I snap the book closed, huffing. “Heroes are overrated. Who needs those guys thinking of the greater good? Let’s bringin the bad guys. That’s what this world needs, blood being spilled because some poor fucker looked at the wrong girl.”

She giggles. “Stop with the sarcasm.”

“You don’t seem to have a problem with what these guys do in your books.” Which is dangerous to me. She dents my defenses, making me think she would be okay with someone who is as screwed up as I am. It might sound appealing in theory, but in reality, it’s different. Even fucking now, I can’t just fall asleep with her. That would never happen.

“What are you thinking about?”

“Things I will never have.”

“I’m sure if you want, you can achieve anything. Stop being so hard on yourself, Blake.” She scoots up and says, “Let me bring you something for the pain.”

“Don’t bother.”

“But…”

“I am fine. I don’t feel a thing.”

“You don’t have to act strong with me.”

“I meant that.”

I pull her to my side and stroke her back. Kissing the top of her head, I say, “Go to sleep.”

“You won’t leave?”

“Apparently, only you can leave my bed.”

“I thought you know… not to complicate things.”

I doubt we were ever uncomplicated, considering we started as enemies, each trying to gather information. But whenwe were together, nothing else seemed as easy or as serene as being with her. Every moment I spent with her—seeing her gorgeous face and hearing her melodious voice—was a moment I spent undisturbed by my inner demons. Her presence alone could back them in a corner. She became my silver lining.

I should leave. My tongue seems to loosen. Of course, my screwed up brain wants to experience that high again, the one only she can bring me to.

I am fucked.

Thoroughly.

Heat envelops me as I stir awake. A deep groan slices through the silence, and I remain perfectly still.

Blake is here. His hand is draped over my belly, and his head is buried in my neck. My heart pounds so loudly that I can hear it, and it feels like it might burst from my chest.

This has never happened before—him sleeping in my bed, us being so close. Even though he was inside of me, this feels more intimate. I don’t dare move, but I need to see him. Slowly, I turn, but he pulls me even closer, holding me captive. He’s an expert at that, casting an ironclad net over my very being.

A sigh leaves my mouth. Whateverthisis confuses me so much that I don’t know how to behave or what to think anymore.

His full lips are jutted out in a pout, his brows knotted in a frown. Not even in his sleep does he find peace. My fingers itch to caress along his straight nose and sharp jaw. There are a few bruises starting to show on his cheek. I touch them gently, andhe grasps my wrist, his green eyes opening, locking onto mine, taking me in.

I prepare myself for him to retreat, but his eyes soften, a mesmerizing grin lifting the corners of his mouth.

“Morning,” I say softly, not wanting to scare him away. For someone who emanates that predatory, dangerous vibe, he calls to me like nothing else. He doesn’t move, his breathing coming out in shallow pants.

“You’re so damn beautiful. I thought you were a mirage,” he says, making my heart flip and warming every atom in my body to the point of combustion.

“You must still be asleep.”

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