Page 36 of His Surrender
“Something like that.”
“So I was the rebound guy?” he asked. “That’s shitty.”
“Hey, you’re the one you messaged me,” I said in defense. “And it’s not like you planned for this to last more than one night. You’re only in town until Sunday.”
The nice guy from earlier had fled in an instant. Nathan stood up and neared me, backing me up against the wall. He had several inches of height on me, so I had to tilt my head to meet his hardened gaze.
“I lied to you, you know,” he said, sliding his hand to my nape and holding it in a firm grip. “Back then. I broke up with you because I was bored. You were a good lay, though, which is why I hit you up for tonight.”
“I think you should leave,” I said, my voice steady despite the knot in my gut. So much for a painless breakup. Nathan wasn’t the man I’d thought he was. He had put on a show.
Which made me think of Jay again. He might’ve irritated me, but his honesty was refreshing—even when I wanted to slap him.
“You don’t want to fuck me first?” Nathan asked, pressing his body against me.
“No.”
“Ah, come on, Remi.” That’s when he crushed his lips to mine, his hand tightening on my nape.
I shoved against his chest, but it was like hitting a brick wall. He didn’t budge. “Get off me!”
“Stop being a tease,” he said, nibbling at my ear and sticking his knee between my legs to cage me in. “I bought your dinner and treated you well. Giving me a piece of ass is the least you could do.”
“Goddammit, Nate, I said back off.” My throat tightened just like his hand did on my neck. My anxiety began to spike.
“Stop fighting it,” he growled, grabbing my face. “You know you’ll like it. Just relax.”
“I said no!”
A heavy knock came at the door. Then another.
Nathan jumped, his grip on me slipping. I shoved him backward to escape his hold and bolted toward the door. I hadn’t been expecting anyone, but I was grateful for whoever it was in that moment. I opened the door, and the air left my lungs as I saw who stood on the other side. Jay. My eyes watered and my mouth popped open, but no words came out.
“Everything okay?” Jay asked, glaring at Nathan, who stood behind me. His green eyes then moved back to me. “Remi?”
I was shaking. I couldn’t stop. What would’ve happened had Jay not shown up beating on my door? I didn’t ask why he was at my apartment, and I didn’t care. I rushed forward and threw my arms around him. As his familiar scent hit me, tears fell from my eyes.
“It’s okay, darlin’. I’ve got you,” he whispered, wrapping his arm around me and rubbing my back. Then, his voice turned cold as he said, “Leave.”
Nathan shoved past us without a word, stomping down the steps.
“Let’s go inside,” Jay said, his voice soft. Comforting.
I let him guide me back inside the apartment, and he closed and locked the door behind us. He didn’t say a word as he led me to the couch and gently pushed me onto the cushions. Once I was seated, he pulled me back into his arms.
“I’ve got you,” he repeated, as my body trembled against him.
I felt like I was overreacting. Nathan hadn’t hurt me. We’d still been dressed, and all he’d done was kiss me and hold me tighter than I’d like. But the fear… god, the fear. It had me nearly paralyzed. My body had gone into survival mode so fast, and now that I was safe in Jay’s arms, I was shutting down. Unable to speak or move.
“It’s taking all I have not to go after him,” Jay growled. Though his voice was rough, his touch remained gentle as he rubbed circles on my back.
“Not worth it,” I managed to say, pressing my face against his neck. The tension was leaving my body, making me feel weightless, but tired. I closed my eyes and focused on each breath he took. Focused on his warmth. “Just… stay with me.”
“Okay.” Jay nuzzled my cheek and held me closer to his chest. “I’m not going anywhere.”
For a week—well, more like ever since the first night we’d ever talked—I had fought my feelings for him, cursed his name, and pushed him away so many times.
But now I wanted him to stay right where he was, my head resting in the crook of his neck as he kissed my temple.
