Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97944 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97944 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
“That’s not true. You have Fay and Theo. You have Harry.”
“I’ve only ever needed me.” I glance at his fists wrapped around the steering wheel, his knuckles stark white, then gaze out the window, thankful when we pull up to my building. I don’t run off this time and wait for him to park. I have yet to slide my shoes back on, and I don’t care. I get out barefoot and walk inside.
“Want me to carry you? There may be glass.”
“I’m good. I’ve walked up these stairs in much less.” My humor misses its mark, considering the heavy conversation we just had. The more silence between us, the sillier I feel for sharing. I’ve never even shared that shit with Fay.
Tate opens my door and instructs me to wait outside until he clears the place of the Boogeyman. “You hungry? I can order us something.”
“Thanks, but I think I’m just gonna crash. I’m in dire need of sleep.”
His eyes roam over my face, assessing me. He looks like he wants to argue, but he doesn’t. He dips his chin in a nod, and I wave him off, heading to my room. Forgoing my nightly routine, I whip off my clothes, snuggle into a large T-shirt, and climb into bed. I fall asleep within seconds.
Chapter five
Mindy
I can’t breathe. Something is pressed against the vein in my neck.
“I want you to spread for me. Soon, you will.”
I struggle but can’t move. I’m frozen. Hands. So many hands…
“Please don’t hurt me,” I cry out, but it’s silent.
I can’t hear my own voice.
No one can.
“I can finally slide into this tight pussy, Minds…”
“Stop. Please. Stop! Someone help me! Stop—”
“Mindy, wake up.”
“Leave me alone.” I fight the hands that hold me. “Please.”
“Mindy, wake up. You’re having a nightmare.”
“What…?” I blink, and Tate’s face comes into focus. “I’m…”
“It’s just a bad dream. You’re safe. No one’s hurting you. It’s only you and me.”
I stare into his eyes until I see the honesty. “No one is here.”
“No, babe. Just you and me.” I shake my head, wiping my hands down my face. “Shit. I’m sorry. I thought…never mind. I’m sorry I woke you.”
“Don’t be sorry. Are you okay?”
“Yes,” I say but can’t hide the tremors racking through me. “Thanks for checking on me.”
He’s assessing me again. Slowly, he nods and stands. “You know where I am if you need anything.” He turns, walking toward my door. “Tate—” I blurt out.
“Yeah?” He looks back at me over his shoulder before fully facing me.
“I… I—will you stay in here? Maybe until I fall back asleep?” I sound like a wuss. But that dream freaked me out.
“Yeah, sure.” He comes back, and my anxiousness settles. I move over, allowing him space. Kicking off his shoes, he climbs into bed with me. Once he’s settled, I curl into a ball and look up at his profile.
“You can ditch out once I fall asleep. I just… don’t want to be alone until then.” I close my eyes and focus on his breathing. Knowing I’m safe, I find sleep.
***
Alarm clocks are the devil.
That’s what I mumble when I wake from what may have been the best sleep of my life. Peeling my eyes open, I see why.
Shit.
Shit!
I’m sprawled out on my bed—not uncommon. What is uncommon is Tate under me. I squeeze my eyes shut. Crap. What did I do? You asked him to sleep with you—and he did. But he stayed. And now, I have him in a bear hug, my right leg slung over his thighs, my arm on his bulky chest, my head resting on his left pec. I stop freaking out for a second and bask in how nice this feels. Even though he’s made of steel, he’s super cozy. And he smells divine.
The alarm gets louder, and I slap at my phone, shutting it off. Instead of getting up, I go right back to where I was. I could get used to this. I wouldn’t even need to pay for heat. All I’d need is the warmth of his body. I bet morning sex with him would be phenomenal.
“You’re mumbling.”
Shit! “What? You’re awake?” It’s probably best I climb off him now. I raise my leg to abort ship when his large hand clamps onto my bare thigh, holding me in place. I lift my chin, and his breath skates along the top of my nose. When he speaks, his words come out low and growly. “I heard something about morning sex?” His lips curl into the sexiest smirk I’ve ever seen, and it does me in. I have this itch I’m dying for him to scratch. Guard dog or not, consequences be damned.
Raising myself with impressive quickness, I straddle him. My head dips, and I take exactly what I want: his full lips. He doesn’t miss a beat, cupping my ass and digging his fingers into my skin. A moan travels up my throat as he pulls me forward, the hardness of his cock rubbing between my already swollen flesh. He kisses me back, and this time, there’s no anger. Only intent. Lust. Need. My fingers slide into his hair, and I grab his thick, dark locks, bringing his mouth closer. His tongue fights for entrance, and I gladly open, allowing us to dance around one another. I work my hips back and forth, needing friction. Every thrust brings me closer to the edge. I doubt I’ll make it long enough to know what morning sex with him is like. I’m only at morning dry-humping, and it’s fucking fabulous.