Chapter 28
BLADE
This is so fucking wrong, but it’s out of my control.
Delilah is kissing me as if she means every touch, every flick of her tongue, and every sweet press of her hand.
I’m a man who would find it impossible to say no to this if I tried.
She is fast becoming the only thing in my world, and I can deny her nothing.
But this isn’t right.
She is tormented by the past. Abused by people who should have known better, and I will not be one of them.
But she’s fucking naked and on top of me and my cock is raging. It would be so easy, and I’m aware it will take superhuman strength to play the gentleman right now.
“Darlin’–”
I attempt to throw some hard facts at the situation, and she smiles softly. “I can guess what you’re going to say, and well, I appreciate that.”
She rolls to her side and gazes across at me.
“You’ll say this isn’t right; I disagree.
What isn’t right is being forced into having sex with strangers.
What isn’t right is being beaten on repeat by your husband, who you were undoubtedly forced to marry, and then discarded like a used rag to be abused by a woman who should have known better.
I may not possess my memory, but I already know this is probably the first time in my life I’m choosing what happens next.
It’s powerful, Blade. Having the right to ask. ”
My heart breaks, her sweet innocence like cotton candy weaving through my soul. I shift to face her. Marveling that such a woman would even look at me, let alone want to, well, fuck me.
“I hate your past, darlin’.” I take a deep breath. “If I could change it, I would make it my life’s mission. You are offering me something I crave, but I would hate myself in the morning. I’m not like your husband, or those fuckers he let abuse you. I well–”
Fuck, this is deep shit and I’m not used to it.
“Well?”
Her warm smile relaxes me, and I soften my gaze.
“I care about you, darlin’ and it wouldn’t be without feelings on my part. Just saying.”
Her eyes shine and, in this moment, she appears the happiest I have ever seen her.
“I have feelings too, Blade.”
Her soft giggle makes me smile.
“I can honestly say that the only good memories in my life are the ones I made with you.”
Fuck! There are no words to answer that, and she moves a little closer. “I appreciate you holding back, and I’m not even sure you want to, but well, if something were to happen, it wouldn’t be because I don’t want it to.”
She smiles. “Anyway, I’m terrifying you, and that wasn’t my intention. Perhaps we should sleep on it but Blade–”
“Yes, darlin’.”
She chuckles sweetly, “Let’s sleep on it together. That couch looked way too small for you.”
“I can’t say no to you, darlin’.”
With one last lingering glance at her sweet lips, I tear myself away from her and head for the shower. It will surely be a cold one tonight because right now, all I want is to sink balls deep into this woman and never leave.
* * *
After one of the most frustrating nights of my life, I wake up next to the most beautiful woman in the world. Delilah is sleeping peacefully, her legs trapping mine, her arm draped across my chest, snuggled into my side, a soft smile on her face.
I can’t move out of fear of disturbing her, and my heart races as I stare at her, imprinting every moment of this on my mind. I can’t remember ever waking up beside a woman before. I’m usually long gone by the time the sun does its morning rounds.
But here we are, and I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s right to take things slow—for her.
I can’t even call her Delilah anymore. Or Aspen, because she is a stranger to me. I wonder what name she will choose to use? It will be interesting to find out.
Her fingers trail across my chest and her eyes flicker open, a soft smile lighting her face.
“Morning, Blade.”
“Morning, darlin’.”
My voice is soft, as if I don’t want to disturb the peace, and she sighs with contentment.
“Thank you for letting me sleep over.”
I chuckle. “Anytime, darlin’.”
My arm drapes over her, and I pull her closer, for some reason loving this type of intimacy.
Her lashes dust her porcelain skin, and she says in a whisper, “I wonder what the day will bring?”
“Who knows? Perhaps you’d like to take a ride into town for supplies. I could show you the area.”
“I would love that.”
Her smile lights up her face, and I nod. “But first, breakfast. We should shower, dress and head for the cafeteria. They serve a mean breakfast at the Rubicon.”
She nods, a dreamy smile on her face.
“That sounds amazing.”
* * *
We set off thirty minutes later. One coffee down, which Delilah made while I took a shower after hers. As we walk, I wish I could hold her hand, but it’s too soon for that. In the mountains, it was natural. Here it’s a statement.
We enter the room and I don’t miss the amusement on a few of the Reaper’s and whores’ faces, but I couldn’t give a fuck what they think. I suppose it’s unusual for me to walk in with a lady, but I’m proud that lady is Delilah.
“Is that Razor and Sunday?”
Delilah points to my brother and his girl sitting at a table by the window, and I nod.
“We’ll sit with them.”
“They must have sorted it out.”
I don’t want to burst Delilah’s bubble because it’s doubtful anything happened last night other than the usual. My brother is worse than me when it comes to declaring feelings, and I doubt Sunday got more than his dick last night.
We head toward them, and Delilah smiles shyly at Razor and sweetly at Sunday.
“Hey, here they are.”
Sunday points to the chair beside her.
“Sit here, honey. Finally, somebody to have an actual conversation with.”
I don’t miss her pointed glare at my brother, who is merely wolfing down his food, oblivious to anyone.
“What can I get you, darlin’?”
“Surprise me.”
Her sweet smile softens every one of my hard edges, and I can finally understand why Ryder King is so different around his wife. Not that we are a thing, but it wouldn’t be the worst thing, and for a self-confessed bachelor, nobody is more surprised by that than me.
I leave Delilah chatting to Sunday, and as I approach the counter, Lou grins.
“She’s a nice girl, Blade.”
“She is.”
I give nothing away, and Lou dishes some eggs onto a plate and remarks, “You know, many Reapers met their old ladies under similar circumstances. Just saying.”
“I’m pleased for them.”
“Word of warning, though.”
She lowers her voice and leans a little closer. “If you do, well, like her, don’t be a fool like your brother. He’s about to lose the most important woman in his life because he won’t admit how much he cares.”
“He’s always been an ass, Lou. I don’t have to tell you that.”
“Then don’t be an identical ass. Delilah is a sweet girl who went through a rough time. Sometimes that makes us stronger, sometimes it destroys us. I’ve a feeling it’s the former where it concerns that little lady.”
“The trouble is, Lou.”
I huff a deep breath. “I’m trying to do the right thing and not add to her problems.”
“Then don’t become one of them. Be the solution instead. You can’t go wrong then.”
She winks and serves two identical plates, and as I carry them to the table, I wonder if I am the solution or merely a stepping stone and, like my brother, will watch her walk away one day, never having told her how I felt.