Page 133 of Devil's Bargain

“It’s nothing.”

He brushes my hair off my neck and trails his fingertips over the fresh bruising Salt and Pepper enjoyed inflicting. “It’s because of the video I sent, isn’t it?”

I pick up another rock and throw that too. It skims the water twice. “It’s beautiful here.”

His lips are on my neck. He places a soft kiss right below my ear. “I love your smell.”

I’m holding my breath.

“I love your smile.”

My pulse pounds beneath his fingertips at the hollow of my neck.

“I love it when you brush your hair off your shoulder as you concentrate on a task in class.” His lips are back on my skin, kissing a hot path over my shoulder. “And the way you throw your head back when you laugh with your friends.” He skims his fingers up my neck and wraps them around my throat, but it’s a soft touch this time. “You laugh with your whole body but become self-conscious and bring your fingers to your lips to hide your smile. I don’t think you realize you do it.”

“Rick…”

He bands his arm around my waist, his nose in the crook of my neck. “Let me touch you the way you deserve to be touched.”

“Please,” I plead, “we can’t do this, Rick.” If he doesn’t stop this onslaught, I’ll break apart. I need to be strong. “Madelei—”

“Sshh!” His warm lips brush my cheek, and he covers my mouth with his hand, whispering, “Eyes on the water, babe.”

His hand snakes beneath my skirt and dips inside my panties. “You’re so fucking beautiful, April! I can’t stop noticing you in class. I see you even when you don’t talk; when you twirl a strand of your pink hair or pop your chewing gum as you stare through the window.”

He slides a finger inside my heat, making my knees buckle, but he holds me up with his arm around my waist and inserts a second finger. “I love that you’re unpredictable.”

The clouds overhead reflect on the water as they slowly move across the sky. I whimper beneath Rick’s hand while he plays my body like a finely tuned instrument.

“I love that you have bulletproof walls around your heart, but it’s fucking frustrating at times!” His breath is hot on my skin. “Let me in!”

I shake my head, my eyes rolling to the back of my head.

He pulls out and circles my clit before sinking back inside me. “I love how stubborn you are. The fire in your eyes.”

Three fingers.

“You’re not a jersey chaser.”

My legs tremble.

“Does it feel good, baby?”

Christ, yes!I nod my head.

“You’re so beautiful! You bring me to my fucking knees, April!”

Why is he doing this? Is he on a mission to break down my walls and storm my castle? I can’t let myself feel this way for him.

“That’s it, baby! I can feel you clenching.”

I roll my hips, my head on his shoulder.

His lips come down on mine, and he sweeps his tongue over my bottom lip before coaxing me to open for him. I swallow his deep groan and roll my hips in time with his thrusts.

“Come for me, baby,” he whispers against my lips.

It’s the match to my fire.

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