Page 326 of Now and Forever

His hips gently rolled, pumping slowly, lazily. “She’s not who I want.”

My hand touched over where his heart thumped enthusiastically. “Is she still in here?”

He paused, breathing hard. “Yes, I’m sorry that she is.”

I swallowed what little saliva I had left. “You’re going to end up hurting me, Cal. I’m scared.”

He pulled away from my neck and faced me, determined to get his way. “Tell me what can make this easier for you. I’m willing to compromise a great deal just to have you back.” A small smile pulled on the side of his lips. “Hell, I’ll even go as far as to not have sex with you as long as you come home and sleep next to me.”

Compromise, huh... “Even if I date other men?”

Gotcha.

He opened his mouth then shut it closed. “You want to see other men? Why? You have me. You don’t need anyone else.”

“If I’m risking being hurt to be with you, I want a piece of something that isn’t lost to me. I don’t want to be fully consumed by you and end up losing everything in the end.” I licked my lips, pausing as I sought his understanding. “Let me hang on to something—something that’s mine—a piece of myself that you can’t take away.”

A deep crease etched on his forehead, contemplating my proposal. He took about half a minute to make a decision. “Very well. As long as you promise that it’s only dating. No sex of any kind. No one gets to touch you—not even me—well, unless you give me permission then I’d be more than happy to oblige your requests.”

He truly was serious about compromise. “Are you sure you can handle your jealousy?” I had doubts, of course I did.

He didn’t even bother sugarcoating anything, though. “No, but I’m going to keep on trying.” His sincerity was felt and I took that as an answer.

“Then we have a deal.” It was a damn gamble, but I don’t think I’d ever forgive myself if I didn’t take this chance.

“Thank you, Stella.” He dropped delicious kisses all over my face.

“Again?”

His tongue was seeking, toying with my ear. “I think you need a few more shots of Callum in you so that you’ll be immune to other men.”

Arrogant bastard, I mused. “You’re mad.”

“Oh, you have no idea, my sweet.” His thrusts resumed. “When it comes to you, I’m nearing mental,” Callum said before sinking his teeth into my neck.

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