Page 490 of Hell Hath No Fury
“I’m not askin’ you to have any more, Bryn.”
“Yeah, but being with me would be a huge sacrifice for you,” I rasped. “Something you shouldn’t have to do.”
“Yeah? Would it?” he snapped. “Shouldn’t I?”
I threw my hands in the air. “Why are you all snarly with me?”
“Because you’re tellin’ me how I should feel,” he said.
Before I could say anything further, I heard Briggs call out, “Sorry, Mom, it’s me. I forgot my wallet.”
Harm raised an eyebrow and I huffed.
“No problem, honey,” I said, trying to keep my voice even.
Harm put some distance between us just as Briggs walked in, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek. “Love you.”
I forced a smile. “Love you too, baby.”
“Bye Harm.”
“See ya, bud.”
Briggs walked back out the door and I heard the lock turn before I faced Harm again. “I’m sorry.”
He sighed. “Me too.”
“I really don’t mean to tell you what you feel. I just don’t want to be hurt.”
He closed the distance between us. “Let’s break that down, then. Why do you think you’re gonna be the one gettin’ hurt here?”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m not even going to dignify that question with a response.”
He cupped my face. “Jesus, do you know how fuckin’ much I want to ram your asshole ex into a wall right now?”
“Get in line.”
“I’m not askin’ you to marry me, Bryn. I’m also not sayin’ that gettin’ into a sexual relationship doesn’t mean somethin’ to me, because it absolutely does. So, can we keep this on a level that’s somewhere in the middle?”
I leaned against him. “You’re going to have to help guide me on this, Harm, because I’m still getting out of the ‘sex outside of marriage’ is a mortal sin thing.”
He smiled gently. “Yeah, baby, I get it. And I’m not gonna take that for granted. But I don’t want you to freak out abouthow I’m feelin’ or what I’m thinkin’. Believe me, if I have somethin’ to share, I will.”
“Really?” I droned sarcastically. “I got the impression you were shy.”
He smirked. “But, we’re not doin’ this unless it’s something we’re both committed to. I don’t share.”
“Commence the locking on of the jaws.”
He made a chomping noise with his teeth, and I laughed.
“You gonna try this with me?” he asked.
“I’m terrified.”
“Me too.”
“You are?”
