Page 122 of Tangled In Lies

His lips crash on mine. I think he’s trying to give me time to adjust to his considerable girth and length. But his control seems to slip halfway through, and he thrusts in all the way.

I gasp into his mouth, and he stills, mumbling, “Shit, baby, I’m so sorry.”

He starts to pull back, but I cling to him.

“I’m okay, I’m okay. Just give me a moment.”

“Fuuuuck, you’re so tight.”

I want to point out it’s probably more because he’s so big, but who cares? I’m deliciously full, and it’s the best feeling ever.

“Okay, I think I’m good.” I dig my heels into his ass.

I’m aching for him to move, and he finally rewards me with unrushed deep thrusts. A gasp escapes me every time he bottoms out and his pelvis hits mine.

My hands find their way back into his hair. Pressing into his scalp. I don’t know if he can feel my next orgasm build, or if it’s his own, but our kisses become more demanding.

He thrusts faster, harder. “Shit, you feel so good. I can’t hold on much longer.”

I say, “Then don’t,” and kiss him with everything I’ve got.

Either the words or actions spur him on because his movements become almost punishing, and I love every second of it.

He releases and groans loudly, triggering my orgasm.

“Jesus Christ, Angel, that was?—”

He half collapses on top of me, and I don’t mind one bit, muttering a weak, “Yeah” as we both try to catch our breaths.

Phoenix rolls us to the side and tucks me against him, pressing his lips to mine in a tender kiss.

“That was so much better than I ever imagined it would be.”

His words sink in, and I swallow. “You’ve imagined us together?”

Phoenix chuckles. “Only a million times since I first saw you.”

I should be flattered, euphoric even, that it was never one-sided like I thought, that I didn’t imagine our attraction back then. But all my brain can think about is I’m responsible for him missing out on three years of his life. He’ll never get the time back, and his past also still haunts him in his dreams. The knowledge chokes me.

“Hey, what’s the sad face for?” He brushes my hair back and cradles my cheek.

“I don’t know how you’ll ever be able to forgive me for what I did.” All the strength I felt earlier, all the bravado and positivity are suddenly gone. I feel more like my old shell again, those nasty thoughts infiltrating my piece of happiness and smashing it to smithereens.

Phoenix blows out a breath. “I was so angry with you when I found out you were the reason I was in prison. Absolutely livid. I channeled that into rage and plans for revenge. Although, I think deep down inside, I knew you’d never dosomething so callous to me. But it was easier to hate you than to deal with the pain.”

Agony blooms in my chest.

“Listen,” he pauses. “We both have a shit ton of baggage to work through and to disentangle, but I want to do that with you by my side. There’s nothing to forgive. We both drew the short straw, and the only person who deserves forgiveness is you from yourself.”

He touches his forehead to mine and clutches me to him while I fall apart.

“Plus, I would have never met Holden and his ugly ass otherwise.”

Unable to help myself, I chuckle.

He wipes away any remaining tears and stares into my eyes. “I’m sorry you’re hurting.”

I sniffle. “I’m really sorry for what happened.”

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