Page 115 of Steps

Stephen and Kenya go ahead. Varen slows me to astop at the stingrays, and we stand close together while admiring thecreatures.

Blue light from the display dances across ourfaces. Sadly, they appear as confined as I feel, unable to love Varen withoutrestrictions.

He traces my knuckles with his thumb and glancesdown at our interlocked hands. While observing him, I notice there’s a bit ofsadness in his features.

“I’m sorry,” I say.

Varen peers up with a scowl. “Sorry for what?”

“That you had to leave your home because of me.” Isigh. “You and your dad...”

“Toya.” He touches my cheek. “The second Irealized I’d fallen for you, I knew I couldn’t stay. There’s no way they’ll becomfortable with us having a relationship while living with them, so I left tobe with you. It was my choice.” He runs his thumb over my lips. “Don’t besorry, babe. I’m not. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

I look at the display, feeling his love but stilla bit guilty.

“What else is on your mind?” he asks teasingly.“You do this thing where you twist your mouth while thinking.”

Exhaling deeply, I turn back to him. “Just hopingyou never regret it.”

Varen shakes his head. “Never. This is what Iwant. You still feel the same, right?”

“I do,” I hurry to say. “I just feel bad that yourrelationship with your dad and sister are suffering because of our love.”

“My dad and I have been at oddsbefore youcame into the picture. Alison and I are fine.” He pulls me closer. “Don’tworry. I have no regrets.” Chills run down my spine as he hovers his lips nearmine and whispers, “You have no idea the kind of hold you have on my heart,Toya. If you push me away because of fear, I’ll fucking go insane.”

I swallow hard and try to calm my racing heart.The hunger in his eyes unleashes a scorching heat between my legs. “Varen?” Iwhisper.

“Hmm?” He arches a brow as he glides over my face.

“I really want…” I bite the corner of my lip, shy.

A cocky grin appears. “What exactly do you want?Say the words.”

I reply on a whimper, “I want you to fuck me.”

Varen growls under his breath. “Let’s go.” Heleads me out of the aquarium.

After sending a text to Kenya that we’ll meet herat the mall in an hour, Varen drives to his apartment, and we make out wildlyall the way up the stairs until bursting through his door.

Hurrying out of my dress and underwear, I climbonto the bed and arch over with my butt in the air. Varen flashes a desirousgrin when I look back at him.

“You are so fucking sexy.” Licking his lips, hecomes over and squeezes my butt cheeks.

I pant as he carries his fingers between the foldsof my vagina. I’m wet and ready for him.

When he doesn’t enter right away, I moan and saybreathlessly, “I want you.”

“You have me, baby.” He positions on the bed. “Youhave all of me.” Then he buries his bone.

“Ohh!” I cry out from sheer pleasure. Varen gripsmy waist as he thrusts his hips, filling me with love and utter ecstasy. Whenwe’ve both erupted, heturns me onto my back and kisses me tenderly.

“I love you,” I say on an exhale. “You have acrazy hold on me too.”

He smirks. “That was one damn good quickie, huh?”

A giggle bursts out of me.

We splay kisses all over each other, then dressand meet up with Kenya and Stephen at the shopping mall.

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