Page 68 of Rectify

“That wasn’t an option,” he said easily.

“I’m not in the mood to be handled this morning, Aedan.”

He paused and studied her. “You’re still not sleeping well.”

“What makes you think that?” Did she look that awful?

“You look exhausted.”

“So I look like shit?”

He frowned and moved over to her. Standing close, he folded his arms over his chest. “That’s not what I said. What’s going on?”

“I think I’d like to take Mateo to the park on my own.”

Wait. What? Had she really just said that?

Aedan took a seat next to her. “You sure you’re ready for that?”

No. But she was sick of living in fear and needed to do something to overcome it. To get her life moving again.

“Nope. But I’m not sure I ever will be.”

“You don’t have to push yourself into anything you’re not ready for. It’s only been four months. You need to take things slow.”

“I’m sick of taking things slow.” She banged her fist down on her thigh. “I’m tired of living with fear. I don’t want to wait anymore. I’m fed up with being the crazy woman who jumps at her own shadow!”

“You have to be patient, Natalya.”

“When have you ever known me to be patient?” she asked with a wry grin.

“Well, that’s true. But there is no point in pushing yourself into something you’re not ready for.”

“But I am ready.” She turned toward him. “I want you, Aedan.”

“What?” He looked shocked.

“I wantyou. I want to fuck you. I want to lick every goddamn inch of you and screw you until our brains explode.”

“Uh, I think I’ll come back later.”

Natalya turned to stare in horror at Declan, who was standing in the doorway. He winked at her.

“Get out,” Aedan said in a tight voice, not taking his gaze from her.

Declan quickly left.

Holy. Heck.

“Wow, that was embarrassing.”

“Don’t worry about him,” Aedan said impatiently. “Natalya, are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m damn well sure. I’m not fragile, Aedan. I know I must seem that way to you. But I know what I want, and I want you.”

“About fucking time,” he muttered before he took her into his arms and kissed her.

It was a soul-stealing, toe-curling, scorching kiss that turned her body to mush. He pulled her onto his lap, his hands holding her tightly against his firm body.

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