Page 149 of Golden Atonement

She may be back in my bed, but she still hadn’t truly forgiven me yet. The thought of losing her, never touching, kissing, or holding her again was too much. I fucked up so badly, I vowed, no matter what, to never hide anything from her again.

Trust was a fucking fickle thing. Once lost, it took damn near forever to get back.

“Max?”

Looking up, I smirked as hot steam wafted around her, filling our bedroom with the smell of vanilla and cherries. After all these years together, she was still mouthwatering.

I couldn’t help myself.

Wrapping my arms around her, I lifted her up until she was straddling my lap. The snugly wrapped towel around her chest emphasized her breasts, which slightly protruded over the fabric, almost like they were inviting me to kiss them. Holding her head in my hands, I crushed my lips down on hers, tasting her forbidden fruit. The lusciousness of her plump lips burst into my mouth, making me hungry for more. She was perfect in every way. She was soft, demure, sexy, fierce, strong, a survivor. She was everything I dreamed about and more.

I wanted her, all of her. Every hug, every tear, every laugh... I wanted it all.

I needed her like I needed air. I needed her goodness to balance my darkness. I could breathe around her. She calmed my demon. She was all light and pure.

I was the shit everyone avoided.

My body wrapped around hers while I consumed her, my lips crushing hers.

God, she was still innocent and sinful all at the same time.

More importantly... she was mine.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Remi

Something was wrong.

I knew it.

Max was many things, but quiet wasn’t one of them.

So, when he drew a shuddering breath, leaned his forehead against mine, and whispered, “How do I fix it, baby?” I knew whatever bothered him had to do with me.

“Fix what, Max?”

“The trust I broke.”

Sighing, I hugged him to me. “Time, Max. It’s going to take time.”

“What if we don’t have time?”

Pulling back, I frowned. “What do you mean?”

He shrugged. “Gut’s telling me it won’t be long now. Whatever is brewing is about to explode and I don’t want you getting hurt. I can’t do this if I don’t have you by my side.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“I know, but do you trust me?”

Taking a deep breath, I replied honestly, “I don’t know. I want to. I know you are doing everything you can to keep your promise to me, but, Max, you know as well as I do, if things get bad, you don’t think. When it comes to me, you never have.”

“I can’t lose you again.”

“You won’t,” I assured.

“Promise?”

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