Page 42 of The Cleaner

He runs his fingers through my hair, his touch gentle but possessive. "I mean that I want you in my life, Lisa. Not just for tonight, but for good.”

My heart races at his words. It's overwhelming, especially considering we've only just had sex, not to mention it’s been years since I last saw him. But I can't deny the pull I feel toward him; the rightness of being in his arms. I’ve always felt a pull to him.

"This is all happening so fast," I whisper.

He nods, understanding in his eyes. "I know it might seem sudden, but I've never felt this connection to anyone before. There was always something special about you. Now that you’re an adult and you’re here, I don't want to waste any more time."

His words make my heart flutter. I can't deny the intensity of what I'm feeling, even if it scares me a little. "I feel it too," I admit softly. "But I'm not sure I'm ready for anything too serious right away."

He cups my face gently, his thumb stroking my cheek. "We can take things as slow as you need," he assures me. "I just want you to know that I'm all in. I’m not letting you go."

Relief washes over me at his understanding. "Thank you," I whisper, leaning in to kiss him softly. As our lips meet, I feel a spark of electricity run through my body. The kiss deepens, his tongue gently probing as he pulls me closer. My hands roam over his muscular back, feeling the strength beneath my fingertips.

When we finally part, both breathless, he rests his forehead against mine. "You're incredible," he murmurs.

I blush at his words, still unused to such praise. "So are you," I reply softly.

He grins, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Ready for round two?" he asks, his hand sliding down my side.

I think he may just kill me. But oh, what a way to go.

Chapter

Seventeen

MAVERICK

I hearthe sound of her soft footsteps along the floor. I turn from the newspaper I'm reading and see Lisa walking toward me. The moment she spots me, her steps falter and she ducks her head. "Come here, babe," I say loud enough for her to hear me.

She's beyond fucking gorgeous with her hair tousled from last night while wearing just my T-shirt. Her legs are tan and she's got pink nail polish on her toes. She hesitantly walks toward me, and I can't lie, I love how shy and nervous she is, especially when she's so confident around others.

The second she's within touching distance, my hand clasps around her wrist and I pull her into me. Finding out she was a virgin was unexpected, but fuck, it means she's all mine and will always be mine. The moment I saw her again, I knew I wanted her. Spending time with her just cemented that fact. Our date wasn't what I had expected. Having never been on one, I had thought it would be awkward and long. Instead, I enjoyed spending time with her and getting to know her. The moment I fucked her, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I wasn't letting her go. Fuck, she was pure, and now she's mine.

"Morning, baby, you sleep okay?"

She nods against my chest. "Yeah," she whispers. "Sorry, it takes me a while to wake up," she murmurs against my chest.

"What are your plans for today?" I ask as I hand her my cup of coffee.

This is so natural, so easy. She just fits. I never thought that would be the case. I didn't think I could find someone who made me want what my parents have, what my sister has. But I guess I was wrong.

"I've got to visit Mamaí and Devin," she says as she takes a sip of the coffee. I grin as she grimaces at it. "Jesus," she cries. "Where's the milk?"

"Too fucking early for milk," I mutter as I rise to my feet, setting her down onto the stool I was on, and fix her a cup of coffee. "Who's Devin?" I ask as I place the cup in front of her.

She blinks, her hands stilling around the coffee cup. "Oh, um, my brother."

"You have a brother?" I ask. I hadn't realised.

She lifts her shoulders and shrugs. "I mean, sort of. He's my foster brother. He's ten and the best kid ever."

Now that's not what I had expected her to say. "Your parents foster kids?"

She swipes her tongue along her bottom lip. "Um, not exactly. I'm a foster kid. Have been since I was thirteen."

The fuck? Shit. Fuck. I remember now, Jer explained the night that she and her friend were at the house party that they were both foster kids. "What happened to your parents?"

I watch as she shuts down. Her expression blanks and her eyes close. "Ma died and my father left. I'm glad he did. He's a piece of shit. I got to live with Mamaí and then Devin came along."

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