Page 67 of Done Waiting

“You experienced a helluva shock and I injected you with ketamine. I would’ve given you grace, but it really fucking hurt. I thought you knew me better than that.” I lean closer to her, one of my hands wiping the tears from her face. “I’ve stalked you. But when have I ever done anything sexual that you didn’t want me to do?”

She remains silent, staring into my eyes.

“That’s what hurt. In the truck, what I said. I fucking meant it. I’ve never forced myself on any woman in any way, nor would I. And I wouldn’t allow another man to do it in my presence.” I know she sees the hurt in my eyes because her expression crumples. Though I hate hurting her, she needs to understand how much she hurt me. “Even when I touched you earlier, you wanted it. You may not realize all the signals you send me, but trust me, baby girl, I’ve stalked you long enough to read them.” My voice lowers. “Did you tell me to stop anything I was doing in my truck earlier? Or what happened in the room tonight?”

Maddie shakes her head.

“If you would have told me to stop, I would have.” Maddie winces again but I’m not finished. “The thought of forcing myself on you or any other woman makes me sick. I have more respect for women than that. Even the whores I fucked in the past.”

She gasps and I can’t help the thrill that goes through me at the jealousy on her face. She swiped the tears from her cheek.

My fingers are gentle against her cheek. “Don’t get jealous, baby girl. My dick hasnotbeen inside anyone but you since the moment I first laid eyes on you over six months ago.”

Her muscles are still tense as she says, “And what about your other parts?”

I can’t suppress the smile that spreads across my face. “Yours, baby girl.Only yours.” Flipping my hand around, my knuckles graze her cheek. “I haven’t wanted anyone but you since I saw you. You’re all I could think of. I’d rather go home,wrap my hand around my dick, and beat off to thoughts of you than kiss, touch, or fuck anyone else.”

Her body relaxes, her face softening. When her lips part in a slight exhale, I know what she wants. And I give it to her.

Closing the distance, I press my lips against hers, showing her with my mouth what I just said with my words. A small sigh escapes her as her hands slide around my neck, pulling me closer, deepening the kiss.

When I finally pull away from her, I’m breathing heavily, my skin tingling from her touch. “It may not have been the best idea, but I had ketamine in my backpack. I’ve used it on some other people. Like those guys in the warehouse. I gave you a small dose to calm you down and get you out of there before you gave us away. Could I have taken him on in the state I was in? Maybe, but I didn’t want to chance it after being stabbed twice tonight. My focus was on getting you the hell out of there before he could get his hands on you.”

A mixture of emotions crossed her face—shock, relief, and fear. “I’m glad you got me out of there. I-I don’t remember who he is. A part of me screams that I know him, but his face alludes me.”

I give her a small smile. “You’ll remember. And it’s best you do, rather than me tell you.” Even though she seems fully convinced I didn’t rape and kill that woman, I want her to remember on her own. “You’ll know for sure it wasn’t me when you do.”

Disappointment crosses her face, but she nods. “I really am sorry, Jagger. You’re right. You’ve never pushed me to do anything I didn’t want to.” A small smile curls her lips up. “Even when you did those things earlier…” her cheeks are scarlet and it’s so fucking cute she’s too embarrassed to say the words.

My lips move to her ear. “When I fingered you and sucked your nipple until you came all over my hand.”

A shiver goes through her as she nods. Turning my head slightly, my lips press against her neck. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry I injected you with ketamine.”

Her hands push against my chest and I pull back, studying her face.

“Just promise you won’t do that again.”

“I can’t.” My response is instant, causing her mouth to drop open. “If there was no other option and you were in a situation where it was my only chance to save you, I’d take it.” My hand cups her cheek. “I’m always going to put your safety first.”

Her expression changes and before I can react, her lips press against mine, her hands winding around my neck.

Jesus Christ, this woman unravels me so quickly.The second her lips hit mine, I forget everything except her. I moan, pressing into her, wanting desperately to feel her naked skin beneath mine. But the copper scent of my blood hits my nostrils, knocking sense into me before I get carried away and fuck her on the bathroom counter while my brother, sister, and best friend stand in my living room.

Pulling back, I loosen my arm from around her waist, drawing my arm up to see the bandage soaked from my blood.

“Oh, Jagger.” Her hands grip my wrist, staring at my bloody bandage. “Let’s go get Abby to take care of this.”

I nod. “Are we good?”

Tearing her gaze from my wound, she looks surprised, then her features soften. “We’re good.” She sucks in a breath. “Thank you for saving me. Again.”

“Always, baby girl. That’s what I do.”

26

MADISON

We head back to the living room, my hand wrapped inside Jagger’s warm hand. His thumb caresses the palm of my hand, sensing my nervousness.

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