Page 64 of King of Ruin

“I do know that. Just like I know that you love with your whole heart. Without reserve, you give to every person you love. You inspire loyalty, Maddie, and you give it too.”

My shaking fingers touch his cheek. No one has ever said such beautiful things to me. “Roman…”

“You need your sleep, sweetheart. Let’s finish discussing this in the morning.”

I grimace. Sleep is the last thing I need now. Because as much as he’s said, I find myself wanting to say more. So much more. The words I’ve been holding back fall from my lips. “I think I might be in love with you.”

Shit. I didn’t mean to say that either.

He kisses me again, a chaste kiss that leaves me feeling empty. It’s not even close to enough. “Maddie. You stay here as long as you want. And count me among the people who will give you the shirts off their backs. Understood?”

I nod, laying my head back down, fighting ridiculous tears. This is why I should have waited. Or kept quiet. I’m too tired, too raw, to keep my chin up. On the surface, it all sounds great. But there is so much he didn’t say.

He didn’t tell me he loved me back.

I knew he wouldn’t, but still, I’d hoped…and I’d promised myself I wouldn’t pressure him to give more than he wished.

With a sigh, I turn, facing out so that our bodies are spooned together.

Thomasina gives a small meow and I reach down into the box, giving her a small pet, before I tuck my hands under my face.

I went and fell in love.

And the man I picked just told me about how much loyalty I inspire.

It’s great and all, but…

I should have stayed silent. Should have stayed in the bed.

Losing your virginity can override even the most sensible person and even my gran says I was lacking in that department.

“Maddie,” Roman rumbles behind me. “What’s wrong?”

I won’t make the same mistake again. We’re done talking, especially about my feelings. If we keep going I’ll likely cry, and I don’t know a ton about relationships, but I do know that will not help my cause. “Nothing. Good talk.”

His hand slips from my arm to my belly, and then lower, dipping between my legs. I’m only wearing his T-shirt, which means his fingers slide along my bare pussy.

Even now, hurt feelings, aching body, I shudder in response, my body instantly responding.

His lips come to my ear. “Don’t pull away, sweetheart. Don’t give up on me.”

My pulse explodes in my veins, blood rushing in my ears.

I’d give him every piece of myself if he’d let me.

His hand stills, just cupping my pussy as he continues to nuzzle that spot on my neck. “I’m not giving up on you,” I say. “I never give up on anyone.”

“I’d figured that one out all on my own.”

I smile turning my head so that his nose is against my jaw. “But I also know that I’m too much for so many and I don’t want to overwhelm you.”

“I’m a man, Maddie. I can take anything you give, any burden you need.”

I shake my head. It isn’t true. “I’m trying to know when enough is enough, when I need to give you space, not more of myself.”

His other arm is under me, wrapping tighter about my torso. “I don’t want space. I want you.”

That quiets some of my fears and I close my eyes, sighing into him.

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