Page 14 of Unbreakable Connection (Connections Duet)

“Location, right?”

“Yes, location. You live in England, and my life’s work is here in Italy. So how can we be together, living apart?”

“Bourne and Sabina are making it work,” I said.

“Bourne and Sabina are married and are expecting a baby. They don’t have to worry about location because they live happily on their island in wedded bliss. My bliss is my clinic and the work I do.”

“We will figure it out, I promise. For now, I’m here with you, and when you’re ready to talk about more, we will do that.”

“Edric, when I said I love you, that did not mean I was ready to uproot my entire life and leave Italy for you. I’m sorry if you believed that, but my life and work are here.”Her words were like bullets piercing my skin and causing irreparable damage. Ihave my work cut out for me, loving Ellen Chantal. My woman is looking at me now with regret and uncertainty; maybe it’s time I give her a test of my own.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Ellen

The look on Edric’s face after I described my work as my “bliss” had hurt his feelings; I know it did. However, after the words spilled out, I couldn’t take them back. The last few days have been emotional and exhausting, and something profound inside me wouldn’t want it any other way. I love that Edric is here, but I have to reclaim some of the control that I so quickly gave over to him. Edric said the only time he would ever dominate me would be in our bedroom, but if I gave an inch, he would take yards and yards of room to do what he wanted. Am I ready for a relationship? A real one where I am held accountable for my actions and my partner's feelings. It’s not something I am used to, and neither is he. He was quiet, and the silence in the room made me gnash my molars together. One of us eventually had to break, and normally I would never, especially when I am right, but he looks sad, and I can’t hurt him.

“Edric, please talk to me before I scream,” I said, touching his arm as he just sat there with an unexpressive stare. I waited five minutes, and still no response, so I went to stand up, and that’s when he pulled me back into his chest with his arms wrapping around my body like an anaconda snake. Damn, he was strong and felt so good. Is this what I wanted from him? Did I want to be punished that would satisfy a need inside me? Desires never explored with another man until Edric brought them to the surface.

“You are not going anywhere, little runner. Haven’t we worked that out already?”

“We did,” I responded, feeling his hand between my legs. I moaned as his skillful fingers found my wet folds. He pushed my panties aside and inserted one slowly, carefully, and in a way that I craved more. I moaned again, and he inserted another, causing me to buck against him. I was on the edge of having the best orgasm from only his fingers when he suddenly pulled them out, leaving me frustrated.

“What the fuck, Edric? Finish me,” did I just say those words? Oh, my goodness, I’m turning into some sex fiend around him.

“Let me ask you again, little runner, is this bliss? Or do I need to show you another way?” He confirmed what I suspected—he’s hurt and now returning the favor by breaking me in a twisted sex game. The insane part? I’m dying to know what he will do next.

“Answer me,” he whispered into my neck before biting my earlobe.

“Oh, my god, I need to come,” I shouted.

“I know what you need, and you will get everything once you answer my question. Now, is this bliss?”

I want to punch him really hard.“Yes, this act you are doing to me is blissful. Our lovemaking and hard fucking are blissful. What more do you want me to say?” I shouted again, and ifsmiles could be felt, I knew it was against my skin, with Edric enjoying my torment.

“Ellen,” he whispered.

“Yes,” I answered in a tone I don’t remember using because no man was ever worthy of it. I could feel the wetness pooling between my legs; I was so wet and turned on by this man. If I thought of my orgasm, I would have detonated right here on my own, but my sexy ex-military God of a man flipped us over, and now he was on top of me with his hands holding mine, thrusting his cock deep inside my body. “Oh, fuck me, Edric, fuck me so hard. Edric,” I continued to shout his name, and the more I screamed, the harder he fucked me until I saw stars.

“I got you, baby, and I’m never letting you go. I fucking love you so much; now come for me,” he took my body, mind, and spirit over the edge into blissful oblivion. Our bodies lay there, wrapped in each other, for a long time until I could feel myself drifting off. He sensed it because he’s always so aware of what I need. He cares for me as no one has ever before, and I want him to stay. When I opened my eyes again, it was morning. Another night in his arms. A blissful night with Edric. Shit! Now, he has me not only saying the magic word but believing in it, too.

“Good morning, baby; how did you sleep?” he asked as he pulled me closer to his chest.

“I think you know,” I whispered, and then he turned me to face him. “Thank you for yesterday.”

“You’re welcome, but you never have to thank me. I love you, and I’m here and will be here today, tomorrow, and the day after that.” He kissed me softly, and it was perfect. “Stay forever. Would you say yes if I asked you to? It’s been four days here with Edric, and I couldn’t imagine what would happen to me if he left. So tell him, Ellen!”I shouted silently, waiting for my heart to tell my brain to fuck off and ask Edric to stay. But, of course, I chickened out and held back, going for the safer option.

“I have a shift at the clinic today,” I blurted out.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea, especially since I haven’t had the opportunity to check in with my contacts.”

“I can’t stay here and hide from all the dangers that await outside my door. I have to return to my life.”

“I thought I was a part of your life,” he said, reaching for me, but I had already pulled away.

“You are; it’s just in a different part,” I said, regretting my words. I should have comforted Edric and told him I didn’t mean it, but I said it all wrong. I was breaking his heart, and while he was distracted, I quickly got out of bed before he tied me to it. I locked the door behind me and let out the breath I was holding. I heard him leave the bed and approach the door, jiggling the handle. He let out a frustrated breath and leaned his forehead against the door with a thump.

“Dammit, Ellen, you can’t shut me out when you just let me in,” he repeatedly asked me to open the door, and when I didn’t, I heard him hit it, sounding like his palm slapping the door. I didn’t jump because I knew he wouldn’t do anything to hurt me. He was angry, but I wasn’t in here shutting him out, not in the way he thinks. I took a shower and put in the extra effort at my appearance to give me the courage to face him.

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