Page 47 of Catalyst

I reach across the console and grab Adam’s arm, forcing him to release his tight hold on the steering wheel. I thread my fingers through his, needing the connection. “I need a few more minutes, then I’ll tell you everything.”

“You don’t have to tell me anything, darling. I’m sorry I let you go alone. I should’ve stayed with you the whole time, and nothing would’ve happened to you.”

A small smile curls up the corner of my mouth. Of course, he’d blame himself. He doesn’t even know what happened, and he’s going to take it all on his shoulders.

“Adam, it’s not your fault. I’ll admit, I am shaken up, but I handled it. And I’ll never go back there again.”

“Good. I’m glad I don’t have to be the bastard who forbids you from going there again.”

A laugh bubbles out, surprising me. “I’m glad I don’t have to punch you for saying something so ridiculous.”

Adam smiles. “I was only sort of kidding. I really don’t like your family, Ellie. They’re the bottom feeders of the world, using whatever means necessary to get ahead. You deserve the world, and anyone not willing to give it to you shouldn’t get a single moment of your time.”

I squeeze his hand, feeling grateful to have met this incredible man. For the first time in my life, I know what it’s like for someone to put me first. I’ve always been the afterthought. The one everyone forgets is even there. For the most part, I am okay with that. In the past, I didn’t want their attention because it usually ended with me getting in trouble for something I couldn’t control.

Adam standing up for me today solidified how little I’ve come to expect from the people who are supposed to support me no matter what. I no longer feel guilty for cutting ties with them forever.

I’ve always considered Katie and Sue to be my family, but for the first time, I’m realizing they support me more than my parents ever did. And I can be happy in the knowledge I’ve chosen the right people to surround me with the love I deserve.

I look over at Adam. Is he also going to be a part of my found family? He’s more than proven he’s capable of standing by my side, but is he here because he’s a genuinely nice guy, or does his feelings for me run deeper than that?

After what he did today, there’s no way I could stop myself from falling in love with him.

But will he ever feel the same for me?

* * *

I stare at Adam with suspicion and a small amount of hope in my expression.

On our way to the hotel, we stopped at a department store to buy clothes since we hadn’t planned to stay the night in the city. It turned into a competition to find the gaudiest outfit we could and only ended in us tearing up from laughing so hard. Adam put his foot down on actually buying the outfits, saying, “I wouldn’t be caught dead in this outfit, and therefore, it would be a waste to buy it.”

I giggled at him but relented to buying the regular clothes we’d already found. He was right about it being wasteful. Still, it would’ve been hilarious to see him walking around in the orange Hawaiian shirt he picked out.

Now, he’s carrying our shopping bags down the hotel hallway that seems to only have two doors on it. He also pushed the button to the top floor, and I have a feeling we are about to walk into straight lavishness.

Adam swipes our keycard against the door pad, then shoves the door open with his shoulder.

All I can do is gasp as I walk across the threshold. The entire room is white marble, the gold and black accents reflecting off the shiny surface. There’s a kitchen and a living room, and through the windows, I can see a flipping hot tub on the balcony.

“Adam.” I sigh and turn to look at the crazy man behind me. “This wasn’t exactly what I imagined when I suggested we stay the night.”

“I know. That’s why I did it.” Adam drops the bags onto the floor and pulls me into his chest. He runs his fingers down my temple, tucking a piece of hair that had escaped my chignon behind my ear. “I’m bound and determined to give you everything you’ve ever wanted, Ellie. And I won’t stop until you get it.”

I smile up at him. “What I’ve always wanted… has his arms wrapped around me right now. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Adam’s mouth descends on mine, emotion pouring from him with every swipe of his tongue. This kiss tells me everything he hasn’t said with his words, and it’s the confirmation I needed to know he feels the same way I do.

He wraps his hands around my thighs and lifts me into his arms, my feet hooking together at his lower back. We continue to kiss as he walks us toward the bedroom, and then I’m lowered onto the fluffy white comforter.

Adam hovers over me, his blue eyes blazing with need and affection. “You’ve turned me inside out, Ellie. To the point, I barely even know what’s up or down anymore. It’s terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. I can’t get enough of you.”

He kisses me before I can respond, his body pressing into mine as if he’s trying to keep me from running away. I have no intention of doing anything of the sort, and I tighten my legs around his waist, pulling his body harder against mine to prove it.

Adam moves to grab my hips, flipping me over without any warning. He efficiently lowers my zipper, then helps me stand, allowing the material to float down to my feet. He stands in front of me, still in his dark suit, and the stark lust in his eyes threatens to undo me before he even gets his hands on me.

I unclasp my bra, letting it fall to the floor, then hook my thumbs in my underwear and push them down my hips.

Being naked in front of Adam while he’s still fully clothed makes me feel more vulnerable than I’ve felt in a long time. It’s as if I’m sharing everything I am at this moment and hoping he still wants me, flaws and all.

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