Page 53 of I Blame the Rival

“I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

I bite my lip, tears threatening to make an appearance, “How did you know I would be uncomfortable?”

How did you know I wasn’t normal?

Shifting to rest his head on the pillow, Skylar looks at me with swollen lips and flushed cheeks. There’s no judgement in his gaze, but I find myself holding my breath all the same.

“The first night we met you shied away from my touch.” He lifts a narrow shoulder, “For years my mom flinched when someone came too close, her body instinctively reacting from years of abuse. I figured it might be a similar situation for you.”

My bottom lip starts to tremble, “Am I that obvious?”

“No. I just happen to know what to look for.”

I close my eyes, fighting not to let a single tear slip out. Skylar presses his thumb against my bottom lip and his voice drops to a whisper.

“It’s okay, Flower. Your secret is safe with me.”

Losing the battle, I feel a tear run down my cheek. Here I am, wrapped up in the only person who understands me, and I can’t let go of the past long enough to enjoy this moment.

I am so tired of being the broken girl.

Peeling my eyes open, I find Skylar studying me. His white hair seems to glow against the dark pillowcase, a polar opposite to the dark strands covering my own. A flicker of desire sneaks its way down my body as I stare at the beautiful boy beside me.

I don’t want to be broken anymore.

Not with Skylar.

“Can you touch me?” The blush returns with a vengeance but I don’t break eye contact, “Please?”

For a terrifying moment, I think he’s going to say no. Dropping my gaze to prolong the mortification, I watch Skylar’s chest collapse on an exhale.

“You never have to say please.” He clears his throat, the gravel in it making my heartbeat quicken, “Not when you’re with me.”

I open my mouth to apologize then quickly close it. Skylar smiles in approval.

“How do you want to do this?” He pauses, “I mean, where do you want me to touch you?”

“Everywhere.”

My immediate response has Skylar muttering a curse. He closes his eyes, his lips silently moving as if he’s giving himself a pep talk. A giggle slips out of my mouth and the sound has Skylar glancing at me with bright eyes.

“Okay. I’m ready.”

He doesn’t ask if I’m ready, we both know I’m not. Fear races through my system as I shift over and lie back, struggling to breathe as the memories flood back in.

Jerrell, stop. You’re hurting me.

Shh, it’ll feel better in a moment.

No, please. Just stop.

It’ll get better, baby. Just push through for me, okay?

“Flower?”

Skylar’s soft voice breaks through the darkness. Gulping down a breath, I focus on the patience and understanding shining through his mismatched eyes.

This won’t be like last time.

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