Page 23 of Coach's Pet

Stupid.

I’m so damn stupid.

How could I think what we did changed anything?

“Put your hands behind your back.” His voice is devoid of any emotion, and I sink deeper into myself.

There’s no point in fighting this, I know. “But…I…”

Gripping my neck tightly, he pulls me so that I’m face-to-face with him. “I didn’t ask you anything, and you told me you would do as I commanded. Now, put your fucking hands behind your back.”

He’s made it obvious what my position is.

Turning around, I give him my back and move my arms until my hands are touching each other. My lower lip trembles as the rough texture of the rope touches my raw skin. I can’t keep the gasp from coming out.

Jason ignores it. “We have a mile to walk to the truck. If you slow me down, I’ll drag you.”

There’s nothing left to say.

Or at least I can’t talk right now because I’m too emotional, and I know it would upset him. I simply nod, and he pulls me along behind him.

How did we get back here?

Thirteen

Goddamn it!I’m a fucking asshole. The feelings were too much, and I ran. Then, I had to become the cold bastard I’ve always been. It’s easier. My heart aches at the way Crucinda has shifted back into her fear. Hell, she has every right to do so.

My mind keeps thinking she’s lying to me, and the idea of trusting her scares the shit out of me. We walk at a clipped pace. One I know Crucinda won’t be able to keep up with. Her ankle truly is still swollen and needs time to heal.

“Jason.” Her calling my name makes me close my eyes. Hate for myself creeps into my soul, and I know I’m going to regret being this way to her later.

Stopping, I turn around and look at her. “What?”

Shit, I didn’t mean to snap. Crucinda’s head is down, and I can see she’s barely holding it together.

“I know you said you’d drag me if I didn’t keep up.” Her sad eyes meet mine. There’s a dignity about her that befuddles me. “So, I’m…”

Crucinda hiccups as I step closer to her. “I can’t keep up. I’m asking you to slow down.”

“Poor pebble.” I laugh, only making me look more like an ass by the second.

Standing next to her, I try to reel in my twisted and confused emotions. “Beg me.”

Fucked up as it may be, I want to hear the word please coming out of her mouth. This gets her attention, though. Her fiery eyes are back, and she stands there, head held high. There’s my pebble.

“Jase.” She licks her lips, and I feel my cock perk at her giving me a nickname. Hell, I’m going to have to tell Joey he can’t call me that anymore. I don’t need a hard-on every time I turn around.

Pushing my hands through her hair, I force her to keep eye contact with me. She’s crying, and my heart shatters.

Fuck me.

How can I be such a dick?

“I won’t beg you to slow down. But please, can we rest for a moment?”

“So defiant to not beg. But those pretty lips uttered the magic word.” Taking her in my arms, I carry her bridal for the last leg of the hike. I’m tired as hell by the time we make it to the truck.

Helping her stand on her feet, I think about being mean again to take out my frustration. Before I can get a word out, she kisses me. It’s sweet and way too short for my taste, but I see her smiling at me.

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