Page 53 of Only Everything
She pushed hard against my chest, trying to put space between us, but I didn’t move or loosen my hold around her. Heat from her pussy was in inferno against my stomach, and it was all I felt as I breathed heavily through the anger.
“I told Steve I wasn’t interested.”
“Steve?” The name growled through my clenched teeth. “You’re on a first name basis with this asshole? Where’s the paper with his number on it? Did you throw it away?”
Tauren licked her lips, wiggling again. “That would show guilt. I have nothing to hide. It’s in my purse.”
My fingers dug into her hip as I moved my mouth closer to hers.
“Are you going to throw it away, or are you already looking for Emmett’s replacement?”
A fist hit into my chest, barely with any impact for how close I had her drawn into me. She threw her shoulders to the side to break free of my hold, managing to reach up and V her hand at my chin.
“You’re trying to hurt me. It’s not going to work.” Her fingers tightened, only to grow loose as she moved herhold so that she could caress up my cheek. “There will be no replacement. I have who I want.”
I swallowed hard. “Then, you want to be with me?”
“I am with you, Reid. I’m right here.”
The anger that had momentarily eased rushed back through.
“You know what I mean.You, as mine.”
“Am I not yours? What do I have to do? Announce myself as your girlfriend? Your wife? You want me to carry the title but can’t be happy that I’m here with you? Fuck the title for the moment.I’m here.” Her nails dug into my cheek. “Why is this not good enough?”
“It’s not the same.”
“I’m right here. Take me. Have me. Let go of the stupid words. What are they good for anyway? Did carving my name in your arms repeatedly make you feel any better? Did it make me more yours?”
“It will when it scars and stays with me. I can count on that. I can’t count on you.”
I regretted my words the moment I said them. Tauren’s head drew and tilted back, and tears filled her eyes.
“That’s not what I meant.”
“No, it is.”
“You run. You’ve proven that.”
“And instead of trusting me, which is what all relationships should have, you’re not letting me prove myself. Have I run since I’ve been here? Have I not been honest?”
“Tauren.”
“No. Reid, listen to what you’re saying. You want me to be more to you. To be titled as your girlfriend and maybe someday…”
“My wife.”
“But you don’t trust me. How are we ever going to have something that great without the foundation to build on it? Do you plan to force me as a last resort? Tie me up and make me a captive or slave instead of putting in the time and work it’ll take to become what you want the most?”
I glanced towards my hall where the room was, shifting as I eased my hold.
Did she know?
“I want you to stay. I want you to love me.”
“And you have that right now. I’m here. I love you. You’re afraid you’ll lose that?—”
“I’m not afraid,” I interrupted. “Iwon’tlose you again.”
