Page 147 of Love Bleeds Red
I climb onto the side of the bed next to her, still giving her space. “That’s understandable, what they did was so fucking not okay. I’m sure your body will take a long time to come down from the adrenaline.”
She cradles her face in her hands, her voice a whisper. “I hate this. I hate that I can’t do simple things like take out trash without falling apart. I hate that I need rescuing.”
Her pain is a knife in my chest. “It’s not you. What happened tonight won’t happen again, I?—”
“You don’t know that.” She sighs, and meets my gaze. “I wish I was strong.”
I have so many things to say. So many ways to tell her she is strong. Fuck. She’s stronger than anyone I know. But right now, I know that more words won’t help.
“Can I hold you?” I ask as I guide a loose strand of hair from her face.
She nods, and slides over to make room for me.
Instead of turning with her back against my chest like usual, she stays facing me so we’re side by side. I toy with her hair, smoothing it away so I can look into her eyes. They’re still red and swollen from crying and it makes me want to find those assholes all over again.
She reaches out and rests her palm on my chest, feeling the rhythm of my heart beating. We’re quiet for a long time but it’s not uncomfortable. It’s calm, like we’re finally able to breathe together. The space between us is charged like always… that constant pull to get closer… to let her feel how much I love her. But I won’t push her, not tonight.
“Leon,” she whispers, as her fingers trace small circles on my chest. “I’m tired.”
“You should try to sleep?—”
“No.” She shakes her head, and curls her fingers in the hem of my shirt. “I’m tired of feeling like I have no control over my life. Tired of things just happening to me. Tired of being scared all the time. Tonight, those guys... they tried to take my choice away. Again.” Her voice grows steadier. “But I’m here now. Safe. With you. And for once, I want to choose what happens next.”
I choke on a breath as she reaches her hand under my shirt, sliding it along my stomach.
“Bailey...”
“I want you,” she says softly. “I want to remember who I am underneath all the fear and pain.”
Her fingertips glide upwards against every ridge of my abs, sliding against my nipples before traveling lower again. I’m trembling under her touch, barely holding myself together.
“I want to feel strong again,” she continues. “And beautiful.”
Before I can respond, she rests her hand on the band of my boxer briefs, and slides in closer so there’s no space between us. Her eyes blaze as she presses her lips to mine. It’s different from the other kisses we’ve shared. This one is purposeful, claiming. She kisses me like she means it, like she’s choosing it, and it’s the most perfect thing I’ve ever felt.
When we break apart to catch our breaths, she rests her forehead against mine.
“Show me I’m not broken. Help me remember what it feels like to be touched by someone who cares.”
My heart pounds as I search her face, making sure this is what she really wants. “Are you sure?” I ask, needing to hear her say it one more time.
“Yes, please, Leon… touch me.” She slips her hand into my boxers, wrapping her fingers around my cock.
“Bailey,” I groan out her name like a prayer.
“Yes?” she asks innocently, stroking my length.
“Fuck, baby… Bailey… I’ll come if you do that.”
She hums, this throaty, sexy sound that drives me wild. I suck in a breath and force myself to regain some composure.
“Clothes off,” I say. “I don’t want anything between us.”
Her hand leaves my boxers and she wastes no time in stripping off her pajamas. A part of me is still being cautious. Still waiting for her to change her mind. But then she’s completely bare for me. Her perky tits looking delicious, her curves glowing in the dim light, those thighs slightly parted so I can see her perfect pussy. Fucking hell, I’m nervous… I feel like a virgin again.
“Now you,” she says, looking up at me with those big blue eyes.
I pull my shirt off and toss it on the floor, then slide my boxers off next. A satisfied smile pulls at her lips, giving me the courage I need.
