Page 124 of Moth to a Flame

“No.” I grab her by the waist, flip her as she shrieks and giggles, and settle her between my thighs. “I’ve been thinking about how selfish I’ve been.”

“You?” She twists her head to me, pouting. I’ll do everything in my power to keep distracting her. “You’re the most selfless person I know.”

“A selfless person wouldn’t have gotten his nails done.” I wrap my fingers around her wrist, raising her hand to her face. “Without returning the favor.”

“You don’t have to.”

“First of all, yes, I do. Second, I want to.” With her back pressed to my front, I spin the stool until we’re facing the counter and flatten her hand on it. “After that, depending on how busy this place will get and if we get a certain phone call, I have something else planned for us.”

“You do?”

The last time I surprised her, it was a few days ago with the rape scene on the beach. She didn’t see it coming. Couldn’t believe it until I was balls deep inside her.

Feels like this happened eons ago. I’ve missed how her cheeks get red and her voice lowers into an awed whisper. Precious. Wonderful. Mine.

“What if they let him out before that?”

“He’s either going back to his cell or I’ll kill him for what he did to you.” I lean over and grab the black nail polish bottle. “But no one’s called us yet. So let me be here for you, Regan. Let me do this for you.”

She does, offering me her hand. I put on gloves, remove the old nail polish, and send her to wash her hands in the back.

When she’s back in my arms, I paint her nails with her hands flattened on the counter.

Focusing on the task at hand isn’t that easy.

Regan gets off on the way I touch her, on my cheek close to hers and the day-old stubble grazing her skin. She lets out these small gasps that get my dick hard, and fuck.

“I love you,” I whisper when I’m finished.

The words I never believed I’d ever say to a woman flow out of me.

“I love you.” Her head is warm on my shoulder.

I kiss her temple, placing the bottle aside. I’m almost there. Almost calm.

Almost forgetting about all the ways I plan on killing Lester.

For Regan’s sake, I pretend that almost means I’m already there. That nothing bothers me. I bring her fingers close to my mouth, blow on them, kiss each knuckle.

Sometimes she needs me to be this unhinged man who takes from her. Who’ll burn down cities and countries and continents for her. Other times, like now, she needs me to be gentle.

“You said you have something else planned for us today.” She sounds sleepy, eyes drooping.

“I did.”

Now that I’ve fulfilled her rape fantasy and helped her to get through that hurdle, I’m need to know what other kinks she might be into.

Sure, I can guide her through different kinks. I will.

But fuck if I don’t want her to tell me what she wants too.

“Tomorrow.” I press another kiss to her temple, wrapping my arms around her. “After you’ve had a good night’s sleep.”

“Why?”

I chuckle at how she forces her eyes to open. “You’re exhausted. You need the rest.”

“Am not.”

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