“Those, no. I expected those.”

His fingers ran down my sides.

“The rest scares you.”

“I don’t even know what half of this is, Aiden. But no, I’m not scared about most of it.”

“What exactly are you afraid of?”

Could I even bring that up? If I was going to do this with him, then I had to find a way to accept what he needed. I could do the submission thing. I could let him take control. Tie me up and be at his mercy. The other thing? I had no idea.

My face felt too hot. I knew my cheeks were burning.

“Do you really want to…”

“Want to what?”

I couldn’t say it. The word just wouldn’t come out. I took his hand and guided it behind me, rested it on my bum.

“Fuck me here?”

I heard him let out a breath. He didn’t move his hand.

“Yes.”

I almost choked. The last thing I’d ever expected. And my inexperience when it came to sex showed. Stupid naïve girl wanting to play with the adults.

“Aiden, I can accept all the other things.”

“But you won’t let me do that.”

“Is it really that important?”

His hand around my waist tightened.

“No, but you can think about it rather than just outright saying you won’t.”

Think about it? I’d never even considered the possibility anyone would want that from me until today.

“I guess so.”

“Now you’ve seen the truth, do you still want to stay with me? Do you want me like you say you do?”

I turned around, causing his hands to drop. I stared up into his grey eyes.

“Am I fucked up for wanting you? And don’t list the things you did to me when we met because we’re so far past that now.”

“Yes, you are. You shouldn’t want me. I’m not good for you. You’re innocent and here all I want to do is corrupt you.”

I came from a corrupt family. Corruption was in my blood at this stage. Aiden would set me free. He just couldn’t see it.

“Fine. If I’m fucked up, then so be it. I’m tired of fighting. Aren’t you?”

“Of course I’m fucking tired, Avery. Do you think I enjoy fighting with you?”

“Then stop pushing me away.”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair.