Chapter 16
Chapter Sixteen
Wilder
Looking out the window over the Vegas Strip, I contemplate texting Delilah and asking her to come over.
God, I’m a simp.
It’s only been a couple hours since we made a deal to take things slow, but that quickly turned into a game of who will crack first, and fuck me, I’m ready to crack now.
I want to kiss those luscious lips of hers, suck on her neck, and feel those curves against my palms.
More importantly, I want to spend time with her. Even if we’re sitting and talking. I love being around her no matter what we’re doing.
I miss that time when it’s all we did before we met in person and nothing was off-limits. That hasn’t been the focus of our friendship since then, but it’s what I crave the most.
…and edging her with my tongue until she comes all over my face.
But I promised to go at her pace, so until she’s ready for more, I’ll restrain myself.
Once we checked into the hotel, Delilah and her mom went to their room, Tripp and Magnolia went to theirs, and then I was left to go to mine alone. The NFR event started already, but everyone was too exhausted from traveling to go tonight.
Instead, we made plans to meet up tomorrow for brunch and then we’ll go to the convention center for the NFR Experience—a free fan festival with live music, shopping, and an autograph session with rodeo stars. Magnolia’s making us go since she didn’t get to last year.
Once she’s finished torturing us there, we’ll go to the Thomas & Mack Center. The arena is massive, and although it’ll be jam-packed, it’s a fun experience.
Since I didn’t want to eat out, I ordered room service and then took a hot shower. Now I’m bored out of my mind. I should go to bed and catch up on sleep, but I’m too wired. My brain won’t shut off and when that happens, I usually find something to distract myself.
Grabbing my boots, I sit on the edge of the bed and slide them on. Then I put on my Stetson hat and grab my room key.
I haven’t had a sip of alcohol in almost a month, so maybe a few beers will help relax me enough to pass out.
Except, when I open the door, the very woman living rent-free in my head greets me.
“Hey…” I blink to clear my vision to make sure she’s really standing in front of me. “What’re you doin’ here? You okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.” She notices my boots and hat. “You goin’ somewhere?”
“I was bored.” I shrug. “Was gonna go down to the casino and get a drink, maybe play some slots.”
“Oh, okay.” She takes a step back. “I don’t wanna interfere with your plans.”
Fuck my plans.
“You wanna come in?” I ask, opening the door wider. “Because I’d much rather spend time with you.”
“You would?”
“Yes.” I laugh, motioning for her to enter. “I didn’t text because I figured you were hangin’ out with your mom or too tired to do anythin’.”
I wait until she passes me, then close the door and follow her farther into the room.
“We got food, showered, and then she went to bed. I tried goin’ to sleep but…” She lifts her shoulders, then turns to face me. “My overactive brain wouldn’t let me.”
“That’s the same issue I was havin’…” I stand in front of her and tilt up her chin until her eyes lock on mine. “What would you like to do?”
Her tongue peeks out and my entire body goes hot.
“We could…um,” she mutters, then swallows hard. “Talk?”
I bite my lower lip to hold back my grin. Fuck, she’s adorable when she’s flustered.
“Sure, we can do that.” I release my hold on her, then sit on the bed and pat the open space next to me.
When she doesn’t move, I arch a brow. “Delly?”
She sighs and stands in between my legs. “I shoulda said somethin’ to you a long time ago.”
“About what?” Leaning back on my palms, I watch her expression change and worry about what her next words will be.
“Our history. That I was the girl from the crisis hotline. And why I kept quiet.”
Oh shit. She wants to have that conversation now? And here?
But I nod so she keeps going.
“I felt guilty for catchin’ feelings for you while you were goin’ through some of your darkest moments.
And I felt somewhat silly about it because I only knew you by voice.
When Waylon introduced us and I heard you speak, I was so conflicted on how to act.
I recognized it right away and was partly in shock.
Waylon had told me about some of your cuttin’ incidents, so it was easy to put the puzzle pieces together once we met in person. ”
“So you knew right away, too?” I sit up straighter, wanting to be closer to her.
“I wasn’t sure when you figured it out.”
“Right away. We talked for six months, sometimes up to five times a week. I heard your voice in my sleep. Every time I contemplated pickin’ up a razor, I’d hear you tellin’ me to put it down.
” I shake my head at the memories. “But I knew without a doubt it was you when you said I was saved by the burden of proof because you had said those same three words to me on the phone.”
“I can’t believe you remember that.”
I set my hat down next to me and brush my fingers through my hair. “Fuck, I was so pissed he found you before I did. Just my goddamn luck, too. The one and only person I’ve ever connected with was the one makin’ my brother happier than I’d ever seen him.”
Her eyes soften and she lowers them, choking back tears.
“I never expected to find you. You gave me a fake name, so you could’ve been anyone.”
Shit, I never realized she figured that out.
“But I was so happy to see how well you were doin’. Or at least how well you wanted people to think you were doin’. I couldn’t believe you were right in front of me, and I couldn’t say a damn thing without violatin’ the confidentiality agreement.”
“Did you have feelings for me while datin’ my brother?”
There would’ve been some crossover from our calls to when she started dating him, and I shouldn’t ask, but I selfishly want to know.
She winces, still not making eye contact.
“Kinda, yeah. I really did like Waylon when we first reunited. He was a great boyfriend and supported me during one of the worst times of my life. But after Harlow’s incident and my dad still needin’ a lot of help, I couldn’t put in the energy for a relationship. ”
“No one could blame you for needin’ to take time away and focus on ’em. You’re good at helpin’ people, Delly. Your voice was always so soothin’ to hear. It’s why I called so much. I knew I sounded pathetic, but I didn’t care as long as you picked up the phone.”
She finally looks at me. “I was devastated knowin’ you’d call in and have to hear I’d never be back. While I was cryin’ over Harlow in the ICU, I was also cryin’ for you. I worried so much that you’d relapse, and I wouldn’t be there for you.”
No longer able to keep my hands off her, I grip her hips and pull her onto my lap. She straddles my thighs, wrapping her arms around my neck, and it feels so good to be close to her like this.
It feels safe. Comforting. Like home.
“I called once a week askin’ for you in case you returned.
Even though they said you weren’t, I held onto hope that one day you’d be there and that was enough to keep me from cuttin’.
I knew if I got to hear your voice again, I wanted to be able to tell you I didn’t relapse. And because of you, I didn’t.”
Years later, I still haven’t, but it’s a daily struggle not to give in to the pain and darkness when they cripple my mind.
“I wish you had told me you knew who I was…” she whispers, leaning her forehead against mine, breathing harder than before. “So that I could’ve told you I knew, too.”
“Would that have made a difference? I had the impression you wanted to avoid this conversation.”
Her head pops up and she meets my eyes. “I-I dunno. I thought if I pretended there was nothin’ between us, I’d eventually move on and wouldn’t risk gettin’ hurt. You weren’t exactly…relationship material.”
“That’s true…” I reach up to brush loose strands of blond hair behind her ear. “But that’s because no one compared to you.”
She leans into my touch, her eyelids fighting to stay open. “Do you really mean that?”
“A thousand percent. I’ve never felt that way with anyone else. It was a blessin’ and a curse. I held onto that feelin’ and chased it for years, hoping it’d come around again. Turns out, it’s directly linked to you and only you.”
“Wilder…” she breathes out softly. “Will you kiss me, please?”
I cup the back of her neck, pushing us together, but stop before we can fully touch. “You sure, Delly? Once I kiss you, I won’t be able to stop. So I need you to be aware of what you’re askin’ me.”
“I’m sure…” she replies confidently. “Please, Wilder. Kiss me.”
And that’s all I need to hear before crashing our mouths together and sliding my tongue inside. She sucks on my piercing and moans when I tighten my arms around her waist, molding our bodies together.
Her fingers slide up into my hair, and I savor the feel of her lips and hands on me.
Kissing her again like this, without the confusion of what’s happening, makes it even better than the first time. It’s never felt like this for me—with anyone—but with Delilah, it’s heart-pounding, thrilling, electric.
Intoxicating.
Her soft, tender lips caress mine in a way that has me crying out for more.
When I feather kisses down her jaw, she rocks against my erection, and I growl at how amazing it feels. Her head falls back when I make contact with her neck and suck the sweetness off her skin. My palms squeeze her ass, encouraging her to grind on me harder.
My cock swells and it’s almost painful not to release it.
“Delly…” I whimper in her ear and she shivers. “I need to taste your pussy. Take off your clothes and sit on my face.”
“On your face?”
“Mm-hmm. I’ve been dreamin’ of it for far too long.”
“I’ve never experienced that with a tongue piercin’…” she says, then hesitates. “Does it hurt?”
I smirk, sliding my palms underneath her shirt because I need to feel her bare skin, which is hot to the touch.
“Oh, you’re gonna love it, baby. Lemme show you.”
She climbs off my lap and keeps her gaze on mine while she removes her jeans and panties. I’m in disbelief that this is happening, but I can’t move too fast. I told her we could take things slow, and I intend to keep that promise…after I make her come on my tongue.
Sliding up the bed, I lie back and then motion for her to climb up.
“All the way up, darlin’. Put that sweet cunt in my face,” I demand when she hesitates where to go, then maneuvers herself up my body.
“This angle seems like it’d be unflatterin’…” She looks down at me.
“Not from where I’ll be.” I chuckle, waggling my brows.
Wrapping my hands around her thighs, I hoist her up even more until my tongue sticks out and I steal a taste. “Perfect. Now sit.”
When she doesn’t go low enough, I pull her down further. She squeals, quickly grabbing onto the headboard. She tries to lift, but I squeeze my fingers tighter and keep her right where I want her.
My tongue lashes at her clit, the piercing rubbing against her in a way she’s never felt before, and by her squirming, she’s enjoying it.
“Oh, God…that feels—” She whimpers through the pleasure and the sound makes my dick harder.
Don’t come in my pants. Don’t come in my pants.
Sliding through her slit, I pierce her opening and devour her.
“Wilder, holy—” She gasps, her legs shaking next to my head. “Yes, right there.”
She rides my face, panting and moaning through waves of pleasure. I switch between licking and sucking and tease her clit until she cries out through her release.
Groaning through my own, the vibrations against her pussy set her off again and soon she’s panting through it with my name on her lips.
Her sweet juices make a mess on my chin, but I love it.
“Fuck, that was…” She falls on the bed next to me, trying to catch her breath. “My brain forgot words.”
Leaning up on my elbow, I roll toward her and cup her face.
“Hearin’ you scream my name is a dream come true. You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that.”
Bringing my mouth to hers, I sink inside and give her a taste.
“So fuckin’ good,” I murmur, threading my fingers through her hair and tightening my fist through the strands. Even though I want to bring her so much more pleasure, I hold back. “Christ, Delly. That was so worth the wait.”
She sits up, then lowers her hand to my belt buckle. “Lemme return the favor, cowboy.”
Before she can unzip my jeans, I stop her. “Um…you don’t need to do that. We’re supposed to be goin’ slow, remember?”
“You call what you did to me goin’ slow?”
“That was a preview. I’m respectin’ your wishes by not movin’ too fast. Otherwise, I’d be nine inches deep inside you by now.”
“Jesus, Wilder!” She playfully shoves my chest. “What’s the difference if we already did oral? You don’t want me to go down on you? I’ve already seen all of you, if that’s what you’re concerned about.”
“Uh, no…” I smirk, thinking about when she’ll get to experience my other piercings. “But I may have gotten a little too excited while eatin’ you out.”
Her eyes widen and she sucks in her lips. “Oh.”
“Don’t laugh!” I poke her side and she nearly flies off the bed when I try tickling her.
“Didn’t realize you had a speedy arrival time…” she muses, and I quickly roll on top of her.
Pushing her arms above her head, I pin her down with my hips and she wraps her thighs around mine. “I don’t, but you have no idea how hot it is to tongue-fuck that sweet little cunt of yours. Add in all that squirmin’ and moanin’ you did, and I couldn’t help it.”
Burying my face in her neck, I suck on the flesh underneath her ear, then whisper, “And when I get the pleasure of being inside you, I’ll make no apologies for how many times I make you come.
Because I plan to edge you over and over until I can’t hold back anymore.
Only after I’ve thoroughly touched every inch of you, left marks on your skin, and your throat is raw from screamin’ will I let myself go. ”
By the time I finish speaking, she’s panting in my ear and lifting her hips into my groin.
“But we’re not doin’ that tonight.”
“Oh my God, you suck.” She groans, throwing her head back.
I break into a smile, lifting off her. “And you owe me five hundred bucks for being the first to crack.”