Page 21 of King of Pain

That I’ll leave. That I’ll fuck her again. That I won’t.

It’s probably because she’s leagues smarter than me. But I do have some sense, sense enough, with the towel still slung around my hips, to stop by the bed and lean down, giving her a long slow kiss.

It’s to soothe her, but I like it too.

Her lips are so fucking soft, and she tastes delicious. I don’t know how she managed it, but she’s got this fresh citrus flavor. Dipping into her mouth a few times, I finally pull back.

“I want to come with you.” She’s biting her lip again. It’s vulnerable and sexy and I brush my thumb over her sweet lips.

“I’ll be back soon. Dry your hair. Relax.”

She pushes off the bed and I catch a whiff of sex still hanging in the air. Her. Me. I’m growling as I pull her close. So much for thefuck her one time and get her out of my systemtheory. Then again, I’ve never taken a girl’s virginity before. It was fucking hot, even hotter knowing that she’s mine. Only mine.

Her hands splay out on the cords of my neck. “Every time you go, I worry you won’t come back.” The words are whispered, the fear in her eyes real.

“What did I tell you, love? I promised. I’m coming back.”

She gives a tentative nod, even as she pushes up on her toes, and kisses me again. Pressed against me, I feel her tremble and it kind of wrecks me.

Gathering her in my arm, I press her close. “Hey. You think I’m gonna let a fuck that good be a one-time thing?”

She laughs a little shaking her head. “It is a one-time thing. Remember?” Her gaze slides to the side. “I made a plan when you left yesterday. What I would do if you didn’t come back…”

Of course she did. She’s a smart woman.

But I still hear myself saying, “It’s me and you, love. We’re riding this wave.”

She smiles and shakes her head. “Okay. You’re coming back. Just…” She blows a breath. “Be careful, all right?”

Worried about me? “I will, baby. Don’t worry.”

“Want me to check that shoulder?”

“Later. I want to get out of here and I have no idea how long our errands will take.”

She nods.

I pull her close again. “In the unlikely event that any of our friends from last night show up, go out the bathroom window and walk to Walmart. Meet me in sporting goods.”

“Sporting goods? Why there?”

“They’ve got good shit.” And then I wink. “Any thoughts on who might have a phone book around? Walmart did not.”

“Hmmm. A local place probably. Something old-school.”

“That’s good thinking.” I run a hand through my damp hair. “Last question. How do you take your coffee?”

“Black.”

I didn’t see that one coming.

“Med student. We stay up all night, and we don’t spike our blood sugar with milk.”

“Fair enough.”

And then I lean into the Walmart bag and pull out a fresh T-shirt and briefs. My jeans go back on and my shit-kicking boots. Kate watches me, softly nipping at her bottom lip. When I’m about to tie up my boots, she bends down and does it for me.

I can’t help it, my hand threads into her hair, stroking down the long length. Finally, I stand, crossing my arms. “How do I look?”

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