Page 90 of Vulnerate

I’ve only had one night with her in my bed, and she had tears in her eyes. That’s not enough and I’ll become a monk if she gives me this.

She hesitantly looks between my eyes. On anyone else hesitation would be a bad thing, but Dani’s default answer has been no all night. Combing her fingers through my hair above my ear, she smiles putting the world back in order and I’ve never heard sweeter acceptance.

“Pick me up in an hour?”

Tasting that curve, my own lips move up, but I don’t push my tongue into her mouth. I want that innocence in my life that only Dani possesses, for it to wash away the depravity and crimes.

THIRTY-FIVE

Daniela

Just sleep.

I keep repeating it to myself as my heart aches remembering how he misinterpreted my crush. He’s always an arrogant shithead but seeing him open and soft is like a hit to my defenses. I can sleep in the same bed as him and keep it innocent. It’s not a big deal. I’ve slept beside Tali for years and never done anything. Adding an extra layer of armor while I wait for him to pick me up, I switch my panties for boy shorts and find the most unflattering clothes I own.

The knock on my door makes me jump and I rush pulling on the rest of my clothes, so I don’t answer with my ass hanging out and undo all my hard work. Valentin stands on the other side, still in his suit and with a wide smile on his face. He doesn’t comment on the fact I’ve changed as he tips my chin up and plants a chaste kiss on my lips.Bad. I really should have purchased a spray bottle because I have to force myself away from him.

He holds my nape guiding me out and taking the keys from my hand. It’s so normal and weird at the same time. He doesn’t just pull my doorclosed but he also tests that it’s locked. A small detail that makes me feel protected. He keeps me at his side and kisses the top of my head as we walk out of my building. I’m sure he’s humming but it’s not a tune I recognize.

He doesn’t stop humming as we get into the car and the smile is still there framing his words.

“We’ll have our date in the morning.”

I pull my hand back and hold on to the door despite his careful driving and I can’t stop myself from arguing,

“I said I’d think about it.”

The arrogant fuck shrugs like it’s already a yes.How doesn’t he understand that this won’t work. It’s messed up and weird, even if my sister isn’t in his life he still has a child with her. It’s even more fucked up that he was taken advantage of.

He stops at a random fast food place but doesn’t get out the car as he types out a message for whatever he’s organized. Turning to me when he’s finished, he strokes down my cheek with his knuckles.

“I owe you a pizza.”

He’s so cute like this. I hate him. He leans across the car like he sense my thoughts and kisses the corner of my lips. Everything about Valentin is made to tease my senses. His personality and his looks, it’s all purposely built just for me. He’s the only person who I’ve been interested in prior to knowing them.

The tap against his window breaks us apart. He doesn’t move enough for me to see who it is and passes the box over to me. Relaxing back in his seat, he holds my nape with one hand and drives with the other as he puts me at ease over the incorrect topic.

“There’s no mushrooms on it.”

I can’t think with his thumb stroking the side of my neck. When his hand flexes massaging my skin, I sit back and close my eyes, the seat comes alive replicating the movements down my back and under my thighs.

He moves his thumb up to rest behind my ear, and his soothing voice mixes with the tranquility floating through me.

“You tired, Dani mine?”

Swallowing around the comfort that would make me a liar, I open my eyes and see signs for Great Falls.

“Not tired. Where are you going?”

He looks up from the road and holds my chin between his thumb and finger. There’s nervousness on his features and it’s wrong.

“Wanted you all to myself for a little longer.”

Seeing my confusion, he explains that Tali is still awake and then sits straighter to convey the seriousness of his dumbass order. “I don’t want you sleeping with him again, or anyone who isn’t me.”

He makes it sound dirty when it’s never been anything but innocent. We don’t even go under the covers together with Tali running hot and my need to have them. His knuckles bleed white as he chokes the steering wheel and voices my own thoughts.

“I know it’s just sleeping but you’ll sleep in our bed only.”

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