Page 45 of Beyond the Hate

“I wish,” she mumbles. “My stepdad pushed and cajoled my mom until she agreed I’d compete in the beauty contests, too. But I wasn’t allowed to compete with my glasses on. The first time I went on stage I tripped on a step I didn’t see and ended up sprawled across the floor. My stepdad was humiliated. And it was all the fault of my glasses.”

“Darcy and Regan nearly peed themselves laughing and I never heard the end of it. Seriously. We can’t have a conversation without them bringing it up. They think it’s hilarious.”

I frown. “What about your mom? Didn’t she stop them?”

She glances away but not before I notice the pain in her eyes. “My stepdad bullies my mom. She thinks she loves him but really she’s just afraid to be on her own.”

Which explains why Paisley has an independent streak a mile wide.

I pinch her chin and force her to meet my gaze. “I’m sorry, Lace. I’m sorry for everything. I’m sorry your family are a bunch of assholes. I’m sorry your mom didn’t protect you. I’m sorry I teased you about your glasses. I’m just plain sorry.”

“I already forgave you. There’s no need to do a big apology.”

She’s joking but the pain in her hazel eyes is breaking my heart. I can’t stand the sight of her pain. I do the only thing I can think of.

I meld my lips to hers.

Chapter 15

“Hell, yeah.” ~ Eli’s only thought

Eli

Paisley’s lips are as soft as they look. I trace her lips with my tongue.

“Let me in, Lace.”

She sighs before opening. I sink into her mouth. She tastes of coffee and sweetness with a bite of the exotic. And I can’t get enough of it. I palm her neck as I explore her. I want to memorize every inch, every crevice.

She grasps my biceps and melts into me. She isn’t a silent participant, though. Not my Paisley. Her tongue searches for mine and we duel for supremacy.

I growl and tighten my hold on her neck. I love how independent she is but in the bedroom, I’m in charge.

She doesn’t relent. Of course not. I lift her up and place her on my lap. Where she belongs.

I drag her forward until her core is pressed against my hardness. She startles before pushing away from me. “We shouldn’t be doing this.”

Her lips are swollen from my kisses, strands of her hair have escaped her ponytail, and her glasses are askew. She’s never been more beautiful.

I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “Why not?”

“Why not? Are you deliberately being obtuse?”

She pushes against me, but I don’t let her go. If I give her any space, she’ll flee. Not happening.

“Stay with me. Why am I being obtuse?”

She leans as far away from me as possible while still sitting in my lap and crosses her arms over her chest. “You’re going to pretend you want me?”

I lift my hips to press my hard length against her. “Biology doesn’t lie.”

She scowls at me. “There’s a difference between you physically wanting me and you emotionally wanting me.”

I nod. “Okay. Let me clear up any confusion. I want you, Paisley.”

She rolls her eyes. “Don’t lie to get laid. It’s beneath you.”

“I’m not lying. I want you.” She snorts. “Why don’t you believe me?”

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