I can accept that.
Her feet slide up the back of my thighs, over my ass, before she works her toes into the waistband of my boxer briefs.
I’ve barely rumbled out my approval when she starts pulling the elastic down my hips using only her feet.
I lift up to help her, my cock springing free as the cloth settles around my thighs.
So much for making tender love.
Her nightie is around her waist, my underwear at my thighs when I plunge inside her, both of us groaning out our satisfaction.
She feels so good, her slick heat wrapped around my cock as her legs lock around my waist.
I bury my face in her neck, drawing in her scent. “Cadence,” I groan out, wanting to explain. But I can’t, I don’t have the words to describe why this is so different.
So instead, I gather her close, kissing her skin even as I pull out and plunge back in. Her hips meet mine, her lips pressing to my temple. “Zane,” she cries out, sounding pained. Almost frightened.
“I’m here,” I whisper into her skin, kissing up her neck and over her jaw until my lips touch hers. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Promise?” she asks and then I see the fear in her eyes. It makes my chest so tight, I can’t breathe. Is that why she pushes me away? Because she’s afraid I’ll leave?
I take that as a challenge.
I’m not going anywhere. “Promise.” I mean the word. I’m starting to understand Cadence and when she’s going to be tough. But I’m tough too.
I pull out and push back in, picking up the pace until we’re both moaning, getting so close that I squeeze my eyes shut, holding off, as Cadence’s pussy tightens like a vise.
Her fingers are frantic on my skin until she finally screams my name, breaking. The ripples of her orgasm unleash mine as I groan out my finish.
I collapse on top of her, gathering her close. Her arms wrap tight around my neck. “I’m not easy to like.”
I lift my head, prying my eyes open. “Who told you that?” Her words don’t scare me off. They make me ache for her.
“Trust me. I just know it.” She looks away and then I see them. Tears.
A man brutally attacked her yesterday and she didn’t cry. She’s not a person who shows vulnerability often. This wound runs deep.
“You need to give yourself more credit than that.” I frame her face in my hands, wanting her to understand. She’s got so much good.
“You want the truth, ask Ava. She’ll tell you. I hurt everyone who tries to get close to me. If you’re smart, Zane, you’ll quit now before it’s too late.”
I kiss her mouth, but mentally, I make a note. I’m not going to ask Ava how Cadence is bad. I’m going to ask Ava what she did to hurt Cadence so bad. Because clearly Cadence’s best friend is as bad for her as all those foster parents.
And that conversation is going to happen. But not tonight. Tonight, it’s my job to tell her, show her, I’m here for her and I’m not going anywhere.
CHAPTER NINE
Cadence
The next weekpasses with a harmony that feels like a deep, long exhale.
I’m not sure I’ve ever relaxed like this. Zane cooks for me regularly, we eat, sleep, swim, and play.
There is no other word for it. From wrestling, to walking, to laughing, we just enjoy each other’s company.
I’ve never been so content in my own head. I don’t seek conflict, don’t search for ways to push him away. And I slowly feel the deep wound of hurt I carry begin to heal in a way I’ve never imagined.
He keeps asking me questions about my past. Some I answer, some I don’t, and when I don’t, he doesn’t press.