“It would be an excuse, though, to end it with the board. So none of what happened would be a problem anymore,” I admit my theory out loud, and his expression drops.

“I didn’t do this to you, Brook.” But even as he says it, it’s like he doesn’t believe himself. “You know I would never hurt you like this. You have to know that.”

I can’t say anything as I war inside my head with what to do. What’s right and wrong, and if either of those choices will protect me.

I don’t know. I don’t know anything anymore, and as I stare back at him, the little voice whispers that I know I want him at all. I know somewhere deep down inside me that Ro can make it all better.

“Come here and kiss me… my wife,” he tells me, and I can’t help it.

It’s like that single statement holds all the answers.

It starts with a kiss.

Doesn’t it always?

Seemingly emotional but so quickly it turns hot. His tongue finds mine, and the spark ignites between us. His hands roam my body, and I love it. I need it.

Fuck, I didn’t know how much I needed him.

My clothes come off first, but he’s quick to strip himself as well. And I help him with his belt, the leather singing in the air as I pull it away. The buckle clacks on the floor, and the rest of the clothes follow, making a path to the sofa.

He lays me down, all the while kissing along my neck and collarbone, then lower, suckling my breasts. Lust and desperation make my head cloudy.My nails scratch down his scalp as he travels lower.

The moment his lips find my clit, my back arches, and I moan out his name.

He licks and sucks as his hands grip my breasts, and I swear I can feel him everywhere. With all of New York witnesses beyond those large paned windows, I come undone under him.

I cry out his name as my orgasm sensitizes every inch of my heated skin.Before I know it, his lips are on mine, his hips widen my legs, and he buries himself deep inside me, all the while kissing me as if he needs the air in my lungs.

It’s far more intense than I’ve felt before.

Ever.

With any man, let alone the depths Ro has taken me in bed before.

He thrusts deep and deeper, grabbing my thigh and angling me how he wants me. I can’t do anything but hold on as my head spins with desire and the need for more. He fucks me so hard it nears the edge of pain. But the sweet sting and threat of agony is muted with the demanding pleasure he commands over my body each time.

Over and over, he fucks me in a way that feels like love to me. I swear it does. Even at this moment when I can barely think, I know it’s true. As the thought hits me, he kisses me again, moaning my name into my mouth.

I come nearly violently as he continues his relentless pace. His groan is deep as he buries his lips in the crook of my neck. He doesn’t stop as he races for his own release, pushing me higher and higher until I’m falling over the edge again.

He slams into me to the hilt, and I love the way he pulses as he finds his release. I love even more how he stares deep into my eyes and only closes them to kiss me. Passionately, wantingly, and with a deep need that my own desires echo.

My heart continues to beat wildly even after the pleasure subsides.

Even after he leaves a calming kiss on my shoulder.

Even after the cool air chills my skin in his absence as he heads to the bathroom.

I can’t help but stare across the room to the bathroom light with my head spinning. I can’t help the way I feel, and I can’t help how this all happened.

As he climbs back into bed and the bed groans, I know two things for certain.

I believe him

I’m madly in love with him, and I’ll take everything the world throws at me if only he’ll love me back.

CHAPTER22