Total pages in book: 164
Estimated words: 152853 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 764(@200wpm)___ 611(@250wpm)___ 510(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 152853 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 764(@200wpm)___ 611(@250wpm)___ 510(@300wpm)
Release comes over me all at once, and I empty my balls on the shower curtain, panting and groaning and wishing there was some other way to have what I crave. This needs to end before jerking off isn’t enough anymore. I’m already dangerously close to that point now that I know the taste of her lips and the electricity of her touch.
It doesn’t take long to clean up after myself, then wash off. Steam billows into the hall when I open the door, wearing a towel around my waist. I look toward her room, but the door still stands open the way it did earlier. What is she up to? Why do I care so damn much?
Once I’m dressed and on my way downstairs, I remember exactly why it’s important to care. She’s sitting on the sofa, arms folded, legs crossed, and the top leg swings dangerously fast. The girl is cooking something up. She doesn’t bother hiding it.
“It’s about time you came down today—rather, tonight.” She hurls it like an insult, as if that’s a crime. I’m reminded of somebody else who used to sit like that. Waiting. Silent accusations which wouldn’t be silent for long hanging in the air.
“Says the girl who spent two straight days in her room.” I cross my arms the way she does. “Some of us still have to work. What’s this about? I don’t have all night.” My stomach growls as if on cue, and I realize I haven’t eaten since early this morning once I gave up on trying to sleep.
“I’ve made a decision.”
“Congratulations.”
“I’m going out again.”
“The fuck you are.”
“Does it seem like I’m looking for your approval?” She didn’t sound so snide last night when she begged for my touch. The reminder is ready to drop off the tip of my tongue before I get hold of myself.
“You’re out of your goddamn mind, then. Have you forgotten what happened last time? Do you need me to remind you?”
“My memory’s just fine, thank you.”
“Then what gives? Why would you do that to yourself?”
“Because I have to try. I have to. Don’t you get it?”
All I can do is roll my eyes at her ignorance. “No way. You’re not going anywhere.”
“I’m not asking permission.”
“Why are you so goddamn determined to hurt yourself? Can you at least tell me that?”
“Why don’t you try answering a question for me instead? Why are you so determined to hold me back?”
“Oh, so protecting you is holding you back now? I guess you’ve forgotten the way you sobbed in that fucking alley.”
Damn me to hell for the satisfaction that rushes through me like wildfire when she flinches. I’m tired, dammit, exhausted after trying like hell to help somebody who can’t be bothered to help herself. “I’m not letting you put yourself through that again.”
“I need this. I need to keep trying. And I’m going whether or not you want me to — so you can either come with me like you did before, or you can leave me on my own.”
What is it going to take? Clearly, nothing I say makes a damn bit of difference. And that’s what makes my blood boil. What makes me want to cross the room and haul her to her feet by her hair. I want to shake her until she understands. Whatever it takes. Somehow, I’ve got to get through to her.
“I have a better idea.” I cross the room, savoring how she stiffens her spine and sticks her chin out like she isn’t afraid as my shadow falls across her face. She’d better be afraid. “How about I tie you up and spank your ass for being a disobedient little brat? How does that sound?”
Fuck me. It’s out of my mouth and there’s no taking it back before it hits me. For all I know, that’s precisely the kind of shit Kristoff did to her. What the hell is wrong with me, threatening something like that when just last night I woke up with my heart in my throat thanks to her screams?
My jaw clenches against the wave of regret that threatens to drown me. “I’m—”
Before I can get it out, she shrugs. “Don’t bother making threats we both know you’re unable to keep.”
“Excuse me? You’re making a lot of assumptions.”
“And so are you. You’re assuming I care about your empty threats – and don’t pretend they’re not empty because we both know they are.”
“You might be surprised.”
“Somehow, I doubt it. Remember, I’m damaged goods you can’t bring yourself to touch. Have you forgotten already?”
“I never said that. Stop putting words in my mouth.”
“Save your breath,” she retorts with a shrug. This snide little bitch. I might as well talk to a wall. “I don’t care if you don’t want me. I’m sure there’s a man somewhere who does. It’s just a matter of finding him.”