Page 132 of Burn the Wild

The world stops. Inside, I burn. Feverish and warm.

A guttural groan rises in Ford’s chest, and he presses me against him, kissing me so frantically our mouths almost lose contact.

He’s rock-hard.

Heat thrums through the bedroom, engulfing my senses.

My hands tangle in his hair. Tearing at his shirt, I cling to him like I’ll die if he lets me go. I need him. Inside of me. All over me. Closer.

Ford chuckles. “Easy, baby, easy. We got all night. I want to show you something.”

He spins me to face the mirror on my vanity. Makes me see myself, see my body. I whimper as Ford spreads my legs. His calloused fingertips hold my jaw, forcing my gaze to the mirror.

“Look at you,” he murmurs, commanding. “Look atyou. So fucking beautiful.”

I shake my head, emotions drowning me like a flood. All I see is my wild hair and my tear-filled eyes. My scarred wrists.

“Baby, you think you’re not worth it, but you are.” His shallow breath warms my temple. “Say it.”

My lips trembles as I squirm. “I can’t.”

“You’re worth it, Reese.” Eyes locked on me, his chest heaves rhythmically up and down. “You’re worth me. You’re worth yourself.”

“Stop,” I whisper. I feel more vulnerable than I’ve ever allowed myself to be.

“Say it,” he demands.

“I’m broken,” I choke out.

“Never.” His long fingers dip into an open palette of gold eye shadow. He lifts my wrists and streaks the gold across my scars.

“See yourself,” he says, his voice hoarse. His eyes travel down my wrists, mesmerized. “As beautiful as I see you.”

Tears in my eyes, I watch as he paints my body. Streaking my scars, my skin, my breasts with slashes of gold.

“You’re like the wild, baby. You’re always gonna burn, but you come back better than ever.”

His fingers slip inside of me.

Oh, God.

My head lolls against his chest. I’m already wet, slick against his hand.

Gaze heated, he says, “Drip for me, baby. That’s right.”

Something eager and brave opens inside of me and warms my stomach. Someone else knows about my past. It’s not a secret anymore. I did that. I feel purged and strong.

“I’m worth it,” I gasp out.

“Good girl.”

Ford’s relentless. Looking me in the eye through the mirror, his fingers pump inside of me, fucking me like a cock. I can feel myself clenching around him.

“Ford,” I cry out, bucking.

His voice strangles. “You’re gold, Reese. You’re beautiful. You’re mine.”

A feverish warmth fills me. My breath comes in sharp bursts. Close. So close.

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