Page 57 of After Us (Next Generation 6)

I went up to it, glancing up at him.

He held his hand out, waiting.

Taking a chance, I grabbed hold of it, letting him pull me into the shower with him. Before I had a chance to wrap my head around the fact that I was showering with him, he captured my mouth in a hard, bruising kiss.

Jaron pushed me up against the wall, sliding his hands down the sides of my body. Goosebumps followed in their path, making my skin tingle.

As much as I wanted to take this further because I always did when it came to him, I waited for his permission. I needed his control at this very moment. I couldn’t explain why. Maybe I never would be able to but for now, I was his. To do with as he pleased.

Taking the hint, Jaron released me, gave my mouth a final peck, and started undoing the braid. Once my hair was loose, he pulled me under the hot water. He ran his hands through my hair, wetting it before reaching for the shampoo. He poured some into his palm and massaged his fingers through the soaked strands.

I sighed, the scent of lavender wafting through my senses.

He gave me a small smile, kneading his fingers into my head. His cock twitched between us, but he never took it further. He never even hinted. Not that he had to. But this was different. It was a silent apology of sorts. For letting his temper get the best of him, making him leave me and his daughter. For coming back to me but for it not being easy. For being hard to get along with. Maybe even for loving me as hard as he did. Even though we hadn’t said those three little words yet, I knew how he felt about me. He wouldn’t have killed Brody if he hadn’t.

“I’m sorry.”

My eyes opened, not realizing I had closed them.

Jaron searched my face, like he was looking for a sign. Any sign. When he couldn’t find one, he continued, “I’m sorry for what I’ve put you through.” His hands stopped, his grip on my head tightening as he held it in place.

With his rough hold, I couldn’t get away and I was forced to listen. “Jaron.”

“No, just…” He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and opened them.

My chest tightened at the desperation coming from him.

“I need you to know that I’m not going anywhere. I know I’ve told you that already and I also know that words can only do so much, but I promise that I’ll show you. I’ll show you and Brynlee that I’m here. I’m yours. Forever, Piper.”

“And I’m yours,” I whispered.

We finished the shower in silence, washing each other and connecting in a way we hadn’t yet. I could feel his soul entwining with mine.

Once we were done, we dried each other off.

He would smirk, his hands lingering a little too long in spots that were now claimed by him.

I shivered.

His smirk grew.

“You’re a tease.” I laughed lightly.

Jaron only winked, leading me to the bed and pulling back the covers.

I was thankful that it was late but still early enough that we could hopefully get some sleep before Brynlee woke up. I just wanted to feel Jaron beside me. I wanted our words and even our silence to speak for itself.

Crawling onto the bed, I slid beneath the covers as Jaron joined me. I went to curl away from him when he wrapped himself around me. “Don’t think so,” he murmured, pulling me against him.

“You know every time we sleep together, something happens,” I reminded him, pushing my ass into his waist.

“If that’s what you want, I’ll give it to you, Piper. Never be ashamed for wanting to fuck your man.” He pushed me onto my side, throwing his leg over mine.

I sighed, curling the blankets up and around us. “Later,” I whispered.

A light chuckle left him. “Definitely later, baby.”

I rolled back over and turned my head toward him.

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