Page 67 of Stripped

"No, you don't. That's what you want people to believe." His hand traced the curve of her cheek. "And you don't need to prove yourself to me. I see your value."

"What do you want?" She tried pushing him on his back, so she could be on top, but he was too strong and forced them to remain on their sides.

"Fine. I want to be the main player in my life. I've always been on the sidelines, watching or providing security to other people while they live out their dreams. I want the dream now."

"So, you don't want to protect me anymore?"

"I want to protect you but not because I get paid. I want to protect you and take care of you because you're mine."

"But I'm not yours." She tried forcing him away, but he held her tight, the soft rhythm as he moved in and out of her becoming overpowering.

"You're mine."

A tear slid down her cheek. She didn't want him to say things like that. She belonged to no one.

"There you are," he said, wiping it away. "I knew you were in there."

The words were spoken softly, but they cracked through her, opening up a barrage of feelings and leaving her defenseless.

"Primrose, look at me."

She opened her eyes, locking in on his, and glimpsed a part of his soul as he claimed the last private bit of herself.

"Shh," he whispered. "I've got you." He held her head to his chest as they rode out the silent waves of ecstasy. When their bodies finally separated, he turned her, wrapping himself around her in a protective shell. "I'll handle Alex tomorrow. You don't have to worry about anything."

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