Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 34187 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 171(@200wpm)___ 137(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34187 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 171(@200wpm)___ 137(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
“I waited in the truck like you said, but I didn’t want to. It was so hard watching the police take you away in handcuffs.” She shuddered, laying her head back on my chest and snuggling closer. She clutched my shirt tightly once again. “You saved me. When everyone else in my life was blinded by the wealth and privilege Paul’s lifestyle afforded them, you were the one who came to my rescue. You didn’t question if I was lying or if there had been a good reason for me being beat all to shit.” She sat up then, crossing her legs, tailor fashion. “I’ve replayed that night over and over in my mind, Xave. You knew. From the second I became aware of you, when I first looked into your eyes, I didn’t have to tell you what had happened. You just assumed.”
“Honey, I knew. Anyone with half a brain could tell what happened to you wasn’t an accident. Especially with the way you shied away from me when I stopped.”
“God, the rain was coming down so hard.” She gazed away from me, looking off in the distance, staring into the past. “The storm was probably the only reason I got away from the bastard that night.”
“Prissy fucker didn’t like gettin’ wet?”
“He was a coward,” she snapped. “Fucking terrified of storms.” Then Tillie winced and sighed. “That’s not fair. Lots of people are afraid of rough weather. But it’s the only reason I got out of the driveway.”
“I killed that son of a bitch too fuckin’ quick.” I hadn’t meant to mutter that out loud, but when Tillie gave me a faint smile, I decided maybe I hadn’t said something to scare her.
“When you stopped that night, I think I’d resigned myself to whatever happened. I didn’t want to be raped or beaten or anything. I just wanted it all to be over.”
“Christ, baby.” I reached for her then, pulling her on top of me so she straddled my hips. Wrapping my arms around her, I held her so tight I was afraid she wouldn’t be able to breathe, but when I loosened my hold, she whimpered.
“More.”
“Don’t let me hurt you, honey. I don’t ever want to hurt you.”
She shifted and moved higher in my arms so we were face-to-face. “And you never will, Xave. It’s just the kind of man you are.”
Then, to my complete and utter surprise, Tillie met my lips with hers.
Chapter Eight
Tillie
I don’t know why I kissed Xavier. One second I was lost in the nightmare of my past, the next I knew I’d die if I didn’t taste him. His lips were warm and firm against mine, a stark contrast to my hesitant touch. For a moment he froze, then his hand came up to cradle the back of my head, his fingers tangling in my hair as he returned the kiss with gentle restraint.
I could feel him holding back, careful not to frighten me, and that tenderness made something break loose inside me. I pressed closer, deepening the kiss, desperate to feel more of him. His other arm tightened around my waist, and he groaned softly against my mouth.
When we finally broke apart, it was Xavier who ended the kiss. We were both breathing heavily and I’m sure the desire in Xavier’s eyes mirrored my own. Still, because he was the man he was, Xavier had to make sure this was what I really wanted.
“Tillie,” he whispered, his voice rough. “You don’t have to do this. Not for me. Not because you think you owe me something.”
I shook my head, cupping his face between my palms. “I’m not. I want this. I want you.”
His expression was a mixture of hope and disbelief. “You’ve been through hell today. I don’t want you to do something you’ll regret when you’re thinking clearer.”
I couldn’t help but be amused. “I can’t tell you how many nights I lay in my bed by myself and dreamed you’d come to me. I’d wake up just as you were sliding your cock inside me and want to cry in frustration.” That made him suck in a breath, his eyes going wide. “Yeah, Xave. Do you want to know why I’m absolutely sure this is what I want?”
He swallowed, nervous. “I want to point out that bikers and convicts have a certain… reputation.” He looked and sounded like he was giving me a lecture, and I nearly smiled. “While I most certainly have the necessary equipment at or above the average size, I haven’t had sex since a month and three days before I went to prison.” I knew better than to smile, but it was getting harder and harder. “Do not take this first time to mean I’m gonna be a wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am kind of fuck. I might come before you the first time, but I swear by God Almighty you will come. Several times.”