Page 82 of Exes and Oh Hell No

“You knew…” her voice shakes.

She clears her throat, her gaze going around the room again while my thumb skates over her thrumming pulse.

It reminds me of hummingbird wings.

“I knew what?” My voice is deep, somewhat distorted by the mask.

She shivers from the sound, her pulse kicking up another notch.

“You knew I would run.”

I cock my head, staring at her, not saying a word.

Waiting for her to come to the correct conclusion.

“You… you… knew.” Her eyes stare into mine.

I see the truth in them, but she needs to get there.

Her breathing is rapid, nearing a panic attack.

I give one single nod.

“Breathe, Harper. In… and hold. Now, slowly out.”

Slowly, her breathing steadies, the pace syncing with mine.

A smile lights up my face behind the mask.

Further proof that she belongs with me.

“You knew I was going to run. Y-You planned this.”

I nod again. “Very good, Harper.”

“Ford, this is crazy. What you did tonight?—”

“Is it?” I step closer, pressing myself tightly against her. “Look at you, Harper. The flush of your cheeks. Your bright eyes. The way your pulse pounds fast and erratic.”

My hand slides to her heart. “The way it frantically beats.”

She swallows hard, slowly shaking her head.

But her eyes say something different.

She wants this.

She likes it.

But she thinks she shouldn’t.

That it makes her abnormal.

My hand cups her pussy through her sweatpants, feeling the warmth of her through the material. “Don’t deny it, hummingbird. I can see it.”

Her breath rasps from her lips. “We shouldn’t.”

“No?” I raise my brows, massaging her in gentle circles.

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