Page 61 of Out of Control

I glanced at Athena. Best to get our story straight right now.

“I did,” she admitted. “Lucas was out of commission for the moment, and we fought. He tried to pin me, but I got the gun from him. When he went for my throat to choke me I fired.”

It was the truth, just with about ninety seconds redacted. It worked. The evidence in the warehouse would reinforce our story. No one needed to know that Athena could have held him off at gun point until help arrived. No one needed to know the lengths she went to ensuring our safety.

I met her eyes again, giving a slight nod. I had her back, just like she had mine.

Athena and I spent about twenty-four hours in the hospital before being discharged. Miraculously there wasn’t anything terribly wrong with either of us, just a lot of bumps and bruises. I had the worst of it with a concussion and two broken ribs, but even that was manageable from home, so they released us the next day with directions to get plenty of rest and not to get involved in any more wrestling matches with murderers.

Athena’s couch was probably my new favorite place. Not only did it hold the memory of Athena’s screaming orgasm clenching my cock tight, but it was also just really comfy to lounge on.

We spent Sunday afternoon after being released hanging out on that very couch, and then all of Monday morning. And I might or might not have been able to convince Athena to let me finger bang her until she came twice on this very couch. I was following the doctor’s orders: I sat still, didn’t exert myself, and didn’t put a lot of weight my torso.

My goal was to prove to Athena that I could behave and not injure myself further if she wanted to sit on my face when we went up to bed later on, but for now I was enjoying just cuddling with her for as long as she would let me.

Everything hurt, but nothing in the world would make me tell Athena to move her head from where it rested against my shoulder, her body nestled into my side. I ignored the twinge of pain as I leaned down to plant a kiss on the top of her head.

She didn’t look up from the TV, but I saw her lips quirk into a smile. She was perfect. I just needed to confirm how long this perfection was going to last.

“So I don’t want to get in trouble for assuming anything again…” I trailed off, forcing her attention back up to me. Her eyebrow raised. “You haven’t told me whether you’re actually staying in town or going back to Seattle.”

She pressed pause on the remote and shifted so her eyes met mine. “I don’t think you understand, Lucas—”

Those were not the words I was expecting, and the torn look in her eyes was unexpected as well. Maybe I was assuming toomuch when I took herI love you, tooto mean she wanted to stay with me. Her job and career up north were waiting for her.

“Oh, I understand alright.” I tried not to let the heartbreak show in my face. Was this what my old girlfriends felt whenever I told them that they were nice, beautiful, or kind, but that things just wouldn’t work out? That I had other priorities in life and they were beginning to get the wrong idea so it was best to end things right away before anyone got more attached?

“Lucas,” she began again, her voice demanding my attention. “You don’t fucking get it, and youaremaking dumbass assumptions again. I already quit my job in Seattle. I’m not going back.”

My heart thumped hard against my bruised and cracked ribs.

“I’m not going anywhere without you. That’s how it’s going to be from now on. That’s the one rule. You’re stuck with me, whether you like it or not.”

I like it.

“Okay, then when are you going to find a job? Because I’m not paying to support a stay at home girlfriend.” I grimaced when she pushed at my chest, faking outrage. “When we get married I’ll let you be my stay at home wife and greet me with a home cooked dinner and cute little apron every night, but no ring means no joint checking account, you hear me?”

“Oh darn. And here I thought I was going to be living a life of luxury. On a public servant’s salary.”

“Ouch!” I laughed, holding a hand over my heart. “Hit a man where it hurts why don’t you.”

“What, the size of his paycheck? I don’t mind, baby. You know they say size doesn’t matter. And mine is big enough to satisfy both of us.”

“Jesus Christ. I’m done with this metaphor.”

She laughed. “I actually have it in my schedule to start job hunting in a couple weeks. You know, once all the bruises fade. Wouldn’t want to give the wrong impression to a potential new boss.”

I smiled, bringing my lips to hers. So warm, so soft. Just like her underneath that maneater persona.

“How long did the doctor say we’re supposed to take it easy again?”

Her smile turned wicked. “Well, you’re supposed to be on bed rest for at least two weeks. Don’t want to put pressure on those ribs.”

I slid a hand down to her ass. “There’s no pressure on them if I’m laying on top of you right?”

She raised an eyebrow again, but didn’t stop me as I shifted both our bodies so she was lying on her back, but I couldn’t hide the pain as I leaned over her.

“Okay, maybe not the smartest move on my part.”

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