Page 46 of Not a Perfect Save

The metal has cut into her skin, and there’s a long angry line down her spine. Ella swivels her head to see what I’m looking at. “Oh, that. It’s fine. Didn’t get to make the alterations. Ran out of time.”

I push the sides of the stiff material apart enough so that it folds down over her waist. The top edge of the strapless bodice has also left lighter indentations in her skin across her shoulder blades. I lean over and look down her front. My jaw tightens—they continue across her front, above her bare breasts.

She whimpers when I set my lips to the marks on her back. “Hurt?” I ask.

“A little. Doesn’t matter.”

But I don’t want to be the one who hurts Ella. Ever.

I press my mouth against each vertebrae, soothing her. My hands skim down the sides of her breasts. I get on my knees behind her, and continue on my path, kiss by kiss, until my lips meet the bottom of her spine. The damnable gown is still caught low on her hips.

Ella wiggles and the dress flops to the ground. My breath catches in my throat. She’s in a tiny white thong, sparkly gold stilettos, and nothing else.

I trace the top edge of the lace with my fingers then lightly kiss the cheek of each buttock, caressing the soft flesh. My heart lightens at her small giggle.

Then I stand to my full height and draw her back against me. My arms wrap around her, fingers interlocking at her middle. My thumbs rub small circles into her soft skin. Ella hums in pleasure and leans back against my shoulder and lets out a deep sigh. We stand like that, swaying together ever so slightly. My heartbeat slows.

Another deep exhale, and she relaxes against me. I dip my head to her shoulder and press a kiss there. “Hey, come on. Let’s get you to bed.” I whisper against her ear.

She gives a soft, agreeable hum. I pick her up and carry her to the bed, settling her in amidst the cool sheets, taking a moment to study her. She unfurls in a languid stretch then curls to one side, pillowing a cheek under her hands. I drape the duvet over her.

My clothes come off, I don’t care where they fall. I crawl in behind her, and tuck her against me.

I lie there, long after she’s settled, playing with her hair, stroking it gently down her back. She releases a small snore and a grin touches my lips. Here I was, all set to declare myself and she’s out.

But there’s always tomorrow. I fall asleep with a smile on my face.

Chapter Thirty

ELLA

Soft lips brushthe shell of my ear. I am spooned against a hard chest and warm skin blankets my spine. I wriggle back, wanting to get even closer.

“Good morning," a husky voice murmurs.

Connor.

My lids snap open. The sleepy haze surrounding me vanishes and nausea swamps my insides. The last twelve hours flash before my eyes in slow motion—showing up at Hannah’s party, wearing that awful, awful dress, hiding in a corner, and drinking and drinking myself into a dimwit. Connor appearing at the party, and literally sweeping me off my feet. Prince Charming, ever the rescuer.

And me? Ever the loser. Embarrassment floods me at the way I practically devoured him on the dance floor.

My head rests on Connor’s shoulder, and his fingers skim along my inner arm. He is entirely oblivious that it is torture to stay still while they play across my skin.

One, two, buckle my shoe. Three, four, I was a whore. Five, six, there’s no quick fix…

He nuzzles against me, and a hard, familiar bulge rocks against my butt. Breath lodges in my ribs. I can’t. Not now.

A large palm slides up the side of my hip. I can’t take anymore, and cover his hand with mine, stopping him.

Connor stills. “You okay?”

“Umm hmm.”

A second passes. “Your head hurt?”

“Little bit,” I choke out.

He frees his hand and brings it up to stroke my shoulder. There’s nothing sexual about his touch now, it’s purely soothing. My lower lip trembles and I have to clamp it between my teeth before I lose it. It’s no use, tears begin to trickle down my cheeks. I ball my fists tight to keep from sobbing out loud, but a whimper still escapes me.

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