Chapter 8
CHAPTER EIGHT
Zane
Cadence is putty in my arms now, her body pliant as she molds to me.
The second she walked out the door I knew two things…. First, my girl has been really hurt—and she is my girl—but second, I’m getting her back with the understanding she’s going to need some patience and love to heal.
I’ve got both.
I softly part her lips, my tongue sliding against hers as I hold her tightly in my arms. I’m not trying to seduce her. This kiss is meant to tell her that I’m still here.
Her fingers curl into my hair before she pulls back only far enough to say, “Let’s go to bed.”
I don’t need another invitation as I start moving again, pushing into the bedroom and laying her on the covers.
The little nightie she’s got on is silky and hugs her slender body as it slides over her skin.
I trace her curves, one knee on the bed as I bend down to plunder her mouth, tasting her over and over .
I’m determined to go slower tonight. This is meant to be lovemaking, not just sex, but our mouths grow hungrier and hungrier as she starts tugging on my hair to pull me closer.
I smile against her lips.
Cadence doesn’t lack in intensity and I love that about her.
At some point, we’ll discuss professional counseling. She’s a child of neglect and abuse, those are wounds that run too deep for just patience to cure.
But the chemistry between us is too strong to ignore, and I’ve always been a man who’s been up for a challenge.
And what I see under Cadence’s anger is a woman of strength and grit who could love with an intensity that would steal a man’s heart.
She keeps tugging me closer and I heed her pressure.
Her legs naturally part, my body settling between hers, her legs locking around the back of mine.
I’m trying to take this slow, to show Cadence this is about more than sex for me. It’s about building something stronger and more real.
But her passion can sweep a man down river, and before I know it, our hips are grinding together, my chest sliding over the silk of her lingerie.
I pull at the straps, freeing her breasts as I kiss down her neck, wanting to taste more of her skin.
She arches into me, so open I know I need to get us to the same place emotionally. When we’re on the same page, it’s magic.
I reach her breasts and suck one of her nipples into my mouth.
Cadence cries out, the nipple peaking against my tongue as her fingernails dig into my neck.
Cadence made a few good points today. Her well of pain runs deep, and we might need more warm-up time before I dig into it.
I can accept that.
Her feet slide up the back of my thighs, over my ass, before she works her toes into the waistband of my boxer briefs.
I’ve barely rumbled out my approval when she starts pulling the elastic down my hips using only her feet .
I lift up to help her, my cock springing free as the cloth settles around my thighs.
So much for making tender love.
Her nightie is around her waist, my underwear at my thighs when I plunge inside her, both of us groaning out our satisfaction.
She feels so good, her slick heat wrapped around my cock as her legs lock around my waist.
I bury my face in her neck, drawing in her scent. “Cadence,” I groan out, wanting to explain. But I can’t, I don’t have the words to describe why this is so different.
So instead, I gather her close, kissing her skin even as I pull out and plunge back in. Her hips meet mine, her lips pressing to my temple. “Zane,” she cries out, sounding pained. Almost frightened.
“I’m here,” I whisper into her skin, kissing up her neck and over her jaw until my lips touch hers. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Promise?” she asks and then I see the fear in her eyes. It makes my chest so tight, I can’t breathe. Is that why she pushes me away? Because she’s afraid I’ll leave?
I take that as a challenge.
I’m not going anywhere. “Promise.” I mean the word. I’m starting to understand Cadence and when she’s going to be tough. But I’m tough too.
I pull out and push back in, picking up the pace until we’re both moaning, getting so close that I squeeze my eyes shut, holding off, as Cadence’s pussy tightens like a vise.
Her fingers are frantic on my skin until she finally screams my name, breaking. The ripples of her orgasm unleash mine as I groan out my finish.
I collapse on top of her, gathering her close. Her arms wrap tight around my neck. “I’m not easy to like.”
I lift my head, prying my eyes open. “Who told you that?” Her words don’t scare me off. They make me ache for her.
“Trust me. I just know it.” She looks away and then I see them. Tears .
A man brutally attacked her yesterday and she didn’t cry. She’s not a person who shows vulnerability often. This wound runs deep.
“You need to give yourself more credit than that.” I frame her face in my hands, wanting her to understand. She’s got so much good.
“You want the truth, ask Ava. She’ll tell you. I hurt everyone who tries to get close to me. If you’re smart, Zane, you’ll quit now before it’s too late.”
I kiss her mouth, but mentally, I make a note. I’m not going to ask Ava how Cadence is bad. I’m going to ask Ava what she did to hurt Cadence so bad. Because clearly Cadence’s best friend is as bad for her as all those foster parents.
And that conversation is going to happen. But not tonight. Tonight, it’s my job to tell her, show her, I’m here for her and I’m not going anywhere.