Page 73 of Pretty Lies & Ugly Truths

He bends down to retrieve my book, taking my hand before leading me into the house.

After dinner, I go upstairs, leaving Archer to do the dishes alone. I offered to help—like I always do—but just like every other time, he refused. I normally would put up a fuss, but tonight, I don’t argue. That gives me enough time to put my plan in motion.

I pile my hair in a messy bun on top of my head before jumping in the shower, scrubbing and shaving as fast as I can. Stepping out onto the heated tile floors, I towel dry, letting my hair down so it falls in loose waves down my back.

I turn to face the mirror, taking in my naked body fully for the first time since the shooting. My eyes travel down to my belly at the raised red scar just below my left rib. My fingers trail over it lightly, feeling the rough and bumpy texture.

Although it’s not exactly ugly, it’s large enough that it causes my insecurities to gnaw at me, making me want to back out. I’m afraid of what I will do if I see disgust or pity in Archer’s eyes, or worse—rejection.

Before I can reach for my towel again, I hear Archer come into the bedroom.

No backing out now. I take a deep breath before opening the bathroom door, leaving the towel where it lies.

At first, he has his back to me as he begins to undressfor bed, but he stops mid-sentence when he turns to find me there naked in the doorway. I watch as his eyes darken, the black overtaking the grey as they roam greedily over my body.

That gives me the confidence I need to continue with my plan. I saunter my way over to where he stands, swaying my hips as I go.

He’s already removed his shirt, and I use this to my advantage, running my hands up his muscular biceps and over his shoulders before raking my short nails down his tattooed chest to the waistband of his jeans.

This time, when my fingers start to undo the button, he doesn’t stop me.

“What are you up to Little Rose?” he asks, in that deep, gravelly voice that has my nipples tightening, and sending a wave of arousal directly between my legs. I lift one shoulder, playing coy as I continue my act of seduction, slowly dragging his zipper down.

His nostrils flare, and he hisses through his teeth as I rub my hand down the front of his jeans, stroking over his hard cock. He doesn’t touch me, though; he just continues to stand there, his hands curled into tight fists at his side.

Now that won’t do. I start to slip my fingers inside his briefs.

“Maggie—stop. We can’t,” he says, sounding pained, and I immediately withdraw my touch. My arms come up to hug my chest, my cheeks scalding from the sting of his rejection—again.

“Why not? Do you not want me anymore?” I hatehow small my voice sounds. “Is it the scar?” I ask on a whisper, unable to meet his eyes.

I can feel the heat emanating from his body as he steps into me, taking my arms in his strong hands and moving them to uncover my body before dropping to his knees. I look down at him questioningly, taken aback by the depth of emotion on his face.

“Is that what you think? That I wouldn’t want you anymore because of this?” he says, lips brushing lightly as he rains tiny kisses down across my hypersensitive flesh. “You are beautiful to me—always.Nothing could ever change that. This scar means that you’re alive. That you get to spend another day on this Earth. It’s a testament to what you were willing to sacrifice for me. It is a gift I do not deserve but will spend every day for the rest of my life trying to be worthy of.”

The tears that sprang to my eyes begin to spill over, and he wipes them away with his thumbs. “I love you, Maggie. Every perfect inch of you. Don’t ever hide yourself from me.”

“I love you too,” I respond, combing my fingers through his dark blonde hair, wondering just how I got so lucky. “Then why won’t you touch me?”

“I don’t want to rush you,” he answers, looking away. “I’m afraid I might hurt you.”

“Please—touch me,” I say, placing his hands on my breasts. “You heard the doctor today. He said it was fine. I am all cleared. I promise I’m not going to break, Archer. It’s been weeks. I need to feel you. Please… I’m begging you.”

He palms my breasts, caressing me lightly before using his fingers to pinch and roll my nipples between them. My head falls back in ecstasy at his touch, my pussy clenching around nothing, desperate to be filled by him.

“Remember what I said about begging. You never need to beg with me. I promise, I will give you what you need.” I let out a loud moan, as the warmth of his mouth circles my nipple, sucking and nibbling with his teeth.

He pulls off with a pop, grinning up at me as his rough palms skim down my sides. They wrap around my backside, giving me a firm squeeze before lightly smacking my ass cheek.

“Lift up for me,” he instructs, gripping me under my right thigh and hoisting it up over one of his broad shoulders. I go up onto my toes, trying to keep my balance as I stand only on one foot.

Using his thumbs, he opens me up to him before bringing his mouth to my pussy, his tongue flicking over my clit. I cry out, hands latching on to the back of head, fingers tangling in his hair. It feels so good, almost too good. The feeling is so intense, I can’t decide if I want to keep him there forever or push him away.

“My God, how I’ve missed your taste.” His thumb strokes my clit, and it’s almost embarrassing how close I am already. “I want you to come for me. First, I want to taste you as you come on my tongue. Then, I’m gonna fuck you until you come all over my cock.”

“Yes…please. I’m so close. I, ah—” I moan as he brings his mouth to me once again, feasting on me like I’m his last meal.

I scream as my orgasm barrels through me. Archer tightens his grip as my leg tries to buckle, and he works to bring me down from that high.

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