Page 58 of These Jagged Edges

Breathing hard he leans down. "Woman, put those fingers in my goddamn mouth."

I know he won't touch me unless I tell him to and since he started this little game, it's only fair I finish it. "No, now give me what Iwant.”

Maddox's green eyes widen for a split second as he realizes what I want. "You cruel little vixen." He places both hands on the wall above my head as he looks down at me. "I bet you’re drenched aren’t you baby? God, I want to see your little hand working that fat pussy."

He leans down, his breath hot against my ear. "I wish I was on my knees right now licking every drop as it runs down those thick ass thighs. I'd put my fingers deep in you, and while you rode my fingers, I'd lick your clit driving you fucking crazy, and if you didn't squirt the first time you came, I wouldn't stop until you did."

"Maddox!" I can feel my orgasm close and knowing I can't be quiet I yank his hand off the wall and over my mouth. My other hand works my clit faster and faster.

He tightens his hand over my mouth just enough to stifle the noises I'm making as he demands I come for him.

I detonate against him. As my body still trembles from the intense orgasm, Maddox slowly removes my hand out of my shorts and licks my fingers clean.

"Some people might call that anobsession you know."

"No, baby, it’s more than an obsession. But it taste even better because that pussy is mine.”

I can feel his hardness digging into my belly. I make a move to grab him, and he swats my hand away. "Let it serve as a reminder to never tease you."

I laugh as he awkwardly adjusts himself before gathering all the clean laundry and putting it into the basket before stepping out to help with the pool. Serves him right.

Every time we touch, it feels like more than just physical desire—it’s as if each moment of intimacy pulls us closer, binding us in ways I never imagined two people could be. I used to think sex was just about release, a way to escape. But with Maddox, it’s something else entirely. It’s a connection, electric and alive, sparking between us like a live wire. With every kiss, every caress, trust deepens, and layer by layer, that connection grows stronger, drawing us into a closeness that goes far beyond anything I’ve ever known.

Once the pool is up and the water’s on both boys can’t get in fast enough, they don’t care that it isn’t filled up. Their smile rivals Christmas morning. After thanking Vic for the twelfth time, he decides to join them and soon Mercy and Maddox follow. I stand at the kitchen window watching them as they play in a pool much too small to accommodate them all. They all look so happy and carefree like one big family.

As I watch them, I realize they are my family. As my heart swells and my eyes mist, I realize I have everything I’ve always wanted. A smart part of me screams not to get comfortable but I choose to silence it. Instead, I focus on the sweet sound of my children's laughter and make a quick wish to live in this moment forever.

Thingsat the cafe have finally died down since Joe hired Allison. So far, it's proved to be a good decision. Shecaught on quickly and people seem to like her. Allison stays to herself which is fine. I’m not going to force conversation on her and make her uncomfortable. I know it took more than she ever thought herself capable of working here, let alone deciding to live here. Like Vic has said, the woman has brass balls and you can’t help but respect that.

After finishing up the pies, I yell a quick bye to Joe and Waylon before heading out. I pull the clip out of my hair when I realize I left a pen in there earlier and now it's tangled up. I try to yank it free.

"Shit!" That fucker is really stuck in there. Putting my purse on the hood of my car I set about trying to free the pen out of hair. I stand there cursing when every pull tugs at those fine baby hairs on my head. The back door to the cafe opens suddenly and an ashen faced Allison rushes out and hurries around the side of the building facing the alley. Forgetting the pen, I follow behind her. Not too quick though, I don’t want to scare her.

"Allison?" I call out softly.

I make it to the corner of the building when I hear her talking in urgent hushed tones. "I’m not your whore anymore! You got your money now leave me alone!" I don't know what the person on the other end of the phone says but whatever it is causes Allison to slump her shoulders and hang her head, ending the call.

"Are you okay?"

Allison spins around her eyes wide.

"You heard." Her voice is small. Her detached tone makes my chest tighten. I’ve used that same tone more times than I can count.

"I was trying to get this damned pen out of my hair when I noticed you run around the building. Are you okay?"

Without warning, Allison turns and empties the contents from this morning's breakfast on the side of the building. Stepping closer, I rub small circles on her back until she's done. Wiping her mouth on the sleeve of her shirt she straightens.

"I've done many things?—"

"Allison," I cut her off. "I'm not standing here to judge you for anything you've done or lived through. We all have things we hold close. I followed you over here because I'm worried about you." I offer her a kind smile.

Allison gives me a wary look before seeing the sincerity in my words. "Thank you."

"If you ever need someone to talk to, I'll listen." I offer the olive branch, because someone needed to.

"I'm sure Maddox would love that," she says softly, refusing to meet my gaze.

"Let's get one thing clear, Maddox doesn’t control any part of my life. Including who I do or do not talk to. I'm not going to stand here and pretend that there isn't more damage than good between the two of you. You've been through something that only the two of you can understand, but as long as you're not here to hurt him, I'm good."

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