Page 22 of Hidden By His Side

She wrapped her legs around his hips to hold on, sinking him a little deeper inside of her. Her hands stroked his back as her head lulled against him.

“I’ve got you. Let’s get you cleaned up.”

He carried her toward the bathroom, still nestled inside her as she went limp in his arms. She was asleep, completely trusting, when all he wanted to do was press her to the wall and fuck into her until the incredible ache in his cock released. Each step while he remained inside her made him pant. He pictured thrusting up into her until she came around him again. She orgasmed so sweetly, and it would feel so good. He remembered every squeeze of her cunt as she fell apart.

The muscles in his spine tightened, and his hands pulled her in tighter as he broke. He choked back a cry, nearly dropping her as he filled up the condom.

His chest heaved as his head spun and he clutched her against him. What the fuck was that? He pumped into her for who knew how long without coming, but one little daydream and he got there? He flushed in embarrassment, but she breathed against his neck, still asleep, still so fucking trusting.

Ramiro returned her to the bed on shaking legs, pulling out of her sweet cunt. His erection was already fading. He leaned down, kissing her cheek before going to the bathroom alone. He disposed of the condom and grabbed one of her washcloths,careful to be gentle when he pressed the soothing warmth between her legs.

She slept on, vulnerable to anything he’d like to do to her. Her blonde hair was like a halo around her head, her lashes dark against her pale cheeks. She loved him, he knew she did, and now that he’d fucked her, she’d cling on even tighter.

Ramiro could keep her. Just like his father had kept his mother.

Dread writhed in his stomach.

No. What they had before tonight was better. He shouldn’t wish for more, not when she’d be the one paying the price.

But he could have this night. He climbed into bed beside her, letting out a huff of breath when she rolled into his arms. Summer had always enjoyed cuddling with him, but it didn’t seem as innocent with them both naked.

He shouldn’t have fucked her. Now that he knew how she looked when she came, he wouldn’t be able to stop picturing it for the rest of his life. All while some other man made her fall apart instead.

He closed his eyes, letting himself absorb every moment, not sleeping at all. And slightly before dawn, he slipped out of her embrace, dressed, and prepared what he’d say that wouldn’t completely break her heart when she woke up.

Chapter 7

Present Day

Ramiro gave up on sleep and got dressed to head to the office. The silence when he stepped inside pressed on him. Summer often beat him in, greeting him with a smile and a cup of coffee made the way he liked it. She spoiled him with things like that.

If she’d arrived there alone that morning, he would have lost his mind. No, giving her the day off was the best option. Any danger to her was unacceptable, and he wasn’t sure how the threat from yesterday would play out.

He should have never hired her, but it was hard to regret the years they’d worked together. There were additional steps to take to go legitimate, to truly be a security company, but they would have to wait until he dealt with the cartel.

He shifted past the drying carpet to stand in front of Summer’s tea station. The delicate ceramic cups had always felt likethey’d shatter in his hand, and he didn’t even like tea, but when she’d admitted to her interest, he’d bought as much as he could find. Summer rarely allowed herself to ask for anything. It made it difficult to spoil her like he wanted.

He shouldn’t have come to the office. Her not being there made it feel too empty, and the memory of a knife held to her throat was making him angry all over again.

His phone pinged with a message from Hayes.

‘Your gift.’

He stared down at information on the cartel’s movements, just as he’d anticipated. Hayes was worth all the hassle. He always came through.

Ramiro took a step toward his desk, ready to dive into the intel, when the bell over the door sounded behind him.

He whirled, expecting another attack, but the sight of Summer’s bowed head sent all his adrenaline pinging with nowhere to go. He should have been upset she’d shown up after he asked her to stay away, but that emotion was buried under the contentment he felt at seeing her.

Contentment that faded as she shuffled inside on bare feet, heels dangling from her fingers. Her toes curled when they reached the damp carpet. The door clicked shut behind her, but she still hadn’t lifted her head.

She wore a blue dress that clung to her body, something he’d never seen her wear before and that she’d obviously slept in. It looked amazing on her, but he preferred her patterned dresses. They always made her smile.

“Sorry,” she whispered, her voice husky and choked. “I shouldn’t be here. I—”

A sob broke through her apology, and Ramiro crossed to her. He held her close as she began to cry, her face pressing into his suit jacket.

“Who hurt you? Was it the boyfriend?” That was who she’d been with. Ramiro would enjoy killing the man.

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