Page 48 of Desperation

She giggled and then her gaze heated, the smile falling from her face. She slid out from under my body and stood, reaching for me wordlessly. I slipped my hand into hers, and she led me to the bathroom, shutting the door behind us before stepping up to the vanity. Her fingers dipped into the waistband of her shorts and my breath caught. I watched with rapt attention as she inched them down her legs, revealing the bare flesh underneath. She pulled her top over her head, placing her perfect, pink tipped breasts on display. I stalked toward her, pulling her naked body against me and covering her mouth with mine. She groaned into my kiss and shoved her fingers into my hair. I lifted her and placed her on the counter, stepping between her legs.

She spread them wide for me as I pushed my pants down my hips, my erection springing free. I rubbed it against her slick center, and her head fell back. I was ready to be inside her, to pound into her as she called my name, shuddering around me as she came apart, but first, I wanted a taste.

My head dipped, my lips feathering kisses across her skin from her chest, over her stomach, and then down to the apex of her thighs. She sucked in a breath when my tongue hit her clit. She looked magnificent sitting there, her body weeping and ready for me. I leaned down and braced her thighs against my shoulders as I devoured her. She let out low, muffled moans as her body convulsed with release. She was trying to be quiet, and I knew why, but I still wanted to hear my name on her lips.

I stood and tangled my hands in the hair at her nape, bringing her mouth to mine as I slid against her. Her body quaked with each graze of my cock against her clit, and finally I plunged inside. Her muscles clamped down on me immediately, and I stilled, willing myself not to go off too quickly.

I finally began to move, and it was like the first time all over again. I looked down so I could watch our bodies unite. I looked up and saw she was watching too. The bright lights of the bathroom made it hard not to look. I was entranced, not just by where our bodies connected, but by the softness in her eyes and love shining behind them. This was meant to be.Wewere meant to be.

Afterward, we laid in our rented bed, catching our breath. Our connection had been electric, explosive even. We were both sated, tired, and in desperate need of sleep. We drifted off, holding onto each other as if we feared one of us would slip away if we let go.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Hannah

The question of where Jameson and I would stay once we returned home was answered as soon as we rolled into town. Drake and his father hadn’t even been arraigned yet when Sandra found me. She was waiting at my old house when Devon and I pulled into the driveway.

The drive back had been tense and quiet. Over breakfast, Devon and I discussed where I would stay now that I was free of Drake. He wanted to put us up in a hotel until he could find me an apartment, but I couldn’t let him do that. I didn’t have any money or means to support Jameson and me, and I wouldn’t let him take on the financial responsibility of caring for us. I also didn’t want to be beholden to another man, dependent on him for every single thing I needed, not even Devon. When he offered to let us stay with him and his mom, his grimace told me that wasn’t a viable option either. It would’ve been awkward and, quite frankly, unfair to her. She wasn’t well, and having unwanted house guests was the last thing she needed.

So I would stay at the home I’d known the past three and a half years until I could figure out something else. In a few months, I would have my GED and a better chance at gaining employment. Eventually, college was on the agenda, but I needed to tackle one thing at a time. He hadn’t liked my answer. He didn’t want me to be alone in that house, but I saw no other choice. I couldn’t allow myself to fall back into the cycle I’d been in, even with someone who treated me right and wouldn’t try to keep me locked away.

“Hannah,” Sandra cried and covered her mouth with her hand. “My God, what happened to you, sweet girl?”

I ran to her, and she caught me, wrapping me in a tight embrace. She held me, running her hand soothingly over my hair and down my back. A choked sob broke loose at the motherly gesture. I hadn’t allowed myself to miss my mom for a long time, but in that moment, I felt it all. This was what I’d needed, the shoulder to cry on, the gentle comfort only a mother could provide. Sandra had been there for me in ways my own mother couldn’t, and I would be forever grateful.

“How did you know I’d be here?” I asked when I had finally composed myself enough to speak.

She pulled away and framed my face with her hands. “It was a lucky guess.” I gave her an inquisitive look, and she continued. “Hank called me.” I stiffened, my heart rate accelerating at the mention of Drake’s father. “He told me he’d been arrested and tried to get me to put my house up as collateral for his bail.” I’d never been to Sandra’s home, but I knew her late husband had ensured she would live comfortably without ever having to work another day in her life.

“I asked him what had happened, but he wouldn’t tell. He just said the feds had taken him into custody unlawfully and that he’d get it all sorted once he was out. I told him no.” Stunned, I remained silent. “I knew something was wrong. Everything about it felt off. When this young man,” she began, motioning to Devon, who was patiently waiting by his truck, “showed up here looking for Drake and confirmed that he’d hurt you, I got this sinking feeling in my gut. Then, when he panicked over Hank and Drake taking that hunting trip, I knew.” She swallowed hard, tears welling in her eyes again. “He was into something bad. I could feel it. And I knew he was aware of the abuse. Don’t ask me how. Maybe women’s intuition, but I felt it in my bones.”

She sniffled and wiped at her tears. “Anyway, after I refused to do what Hank asked, he got angry, told me to rethink my decision, and claimed his lawyer would contact me later. I tried calling you even though your phone’s been off, hoping that by some chance you’d pick up. When I still couldn’t get through, I thought you might come back here. So I drove over hoping to catch you. I’m so glad I did.”

“Me too.”

“Where are you going to go now? You’re not planning on staying here, are you?”

“I am. I’m not sure for how long since the house is only in Drake’s name, and I doubt he’ll allow me to live here after everything that’s happened.” Her eyes flicked behind me to where Devon stood. She knew there was more between us than him rescuing me. There was a question in her eyes she didn’t dare ask. “I was hoping to finish school and find a job so I could support Jameson and me. Once I save up some money, I can get a place of my own.” But if Drake found out and I was forced to leave, I didn’t know what I’d do.

She studied me for a moment, her head tilting to the side. When she spoke again, I nearly cried in relief. “Why don’t you come stay with me for a bit? At least until you’re done with school.”

“Really? Are you sure?”

“Yes, of course. That house is so lonely, and my children rarely come home to visit. It would be wonderful to have a little one to dote on again.” A dreamy look filled her eyes, and I knew right away what my answer would be. I suddenly felt like there was a place for me in this world.

“I-I don’t know what to say. Thank you.” I pulled her in for another hug, trying not to cry again even though they’d be happy tears this time.

“So, is that a yes?”

“Yes.” I chuckled, pulling away.

After giving us her address, Sandra left to prepare our room, and Devon and I went inside with Jameson in tow. The house was a mess. It appeared that Drake hadn’t bothered to do laundry or wash dishes the whole time I was gone, and there was an unrecognizable odor permeating the air. I gathered a few things for Jameson and me and took them out to the truck, taking a deep breath once I hit the cool, fresh air.

When I returned, Devon was gathering trash and shoving it into a big plastic bag. “I’m glad I won’t be staying here now.” He nodded his agreement but remained silent. Something was bothering him, but I hadn't worked up the courage yet to ask him what it was. I was too emotionally drained after the last couple days. “We should load up the crib and take it to Sandra's.”

“It’s pretty heavy. I can have one of the guys help me bring it out later. I should get you to Sandra’s house so you and Jameson can get settled in.” His expression was flat, his jaw tense, and my stomach knotted with anxiety. Something had changed this morning. He was disappointed I wouldn’t be staying with him, but I thought he understood my reasoning. He took the bag to the kitchen and deposited it into the receptacle. When he came back, he stood looking out the bay window and scrubbed his hand over his face.

“What is it?” I placed my hand on his arm, but he didn’t move to touch me back. That wasn’t like him. Whatever was on his mind, he needed to get it off his chest.

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