Page 39 of Harbor (The Wanderers 3)

He angled his head to one side to deepen the kiss, taking from her but giving her everything at the same time.

She wiggled her arm free of the covers and reached for him, grabbing his biceps while he continued kissing her. He was strong and broad while being soft and gentle at the same time. He wouldn’t hurt her. Not intentionally. Not ever.

Finally, he was the one to break the connection. He pulled back slowly, nibbling along her lips and then continuing a path to her ear.

She shivered when his breath hit her ear, and he whispered. “Thank you, sweetheart.”

She didn’t let go of him as he lifted his head to stare down at her. “You’re alive, Maya. You have so much to give. Don’t deny yourself life’s pleasures. If you do, they win.”

She gasped.

“Those assholes took something from you, but you’re the one letting them keep it. Take it back. Claim it back. Don’t let them win.”

She was panting, blinking at him, pondering his words. Was he right? Was she giving those men power over her?

Yes. She was. She didn’t even know who they were. She’d never really seen their faces. She wouldn’t be able to identify them if she ever came upon them again. And still, she let them destroy her.

Fuck.

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