Chapter 28 #2
I followed him into the kitchen, and he flipped on the lights as I jumped up on the counter, and he poured us each a glass of water.
“I’m happy Rico and Zane are moving out.”
He handed me a glass and moved to stand between my legs. “Yeah. I think it will be good for them.”
“Something you want to tell me about the house?” I peered over the edge of the glass as I took a sip.
“That fucking loose-lipped brother of mine can’t keep his damn mouth shut, can he?”
I chuckled. “Why should he? Why is it a secret?”
“Because I knew it would be turned into a big deal. I didn’t want you to freak out. The house came up for sale, and I’ve been looking for a new property. Your brothers were looking to rent one. It was a win for both of us.”
I nodded. “I wouldn’t freak out about it. It’s very nice of you to do that for them. Hell, you’ve done so much for Rico, and I’m just—I’m grateful.”
“What is that? The Ruby Rose isn’t pissed off that someone did something nice for her?” His voice was all tease as his large hand moved to the side of my neck. His thumb tipped my chin up so my gaze would meet his.
“Calling me The Ruby Rose is just creepy.” I smiled.
“Ah, I’m creepy now, huh?”
My gaze searched his for the longest time, feeling that overwhelming feeling take over again. The lump in my throat was there. My eyes were blinking rapidly as I pushed away the tears that threatened to fall.
“Thank you, Wild River.”
“You’re welcome, Queenie.”
Say something. Ask him how he feels. Tear off the bandage.
“Are you upset that I’m leaving?” I whispered.
He studied me, his thumb stroking along my jawline. “I’m never upset to see you living your dreams. We knew the score when we started this. I’m fine, so don’t you worry about me.”
“You’re probably relieved.”
He nodded the slightest bit. “Are you relieved? You ready to go and chase your dreams and all that shit?”
“Sure.” My heart was beating so loud in my ears that I couldn’t think straight.
“That’s all I need to hear.” He scooped me up off the counter and carried me down the hall to his bedroom.
River was always carrying me around, and normally, if a man wanted to carry me through his home, I would want to kick him in the balls for treating me like a helpless woman.
But when River took care of me, it never felt like that.
It never felt like he didn’t think that I could take care of myself.
It felt like he wanted to worship me, care for me—not because I couldn’t do it for myself, but because he just wanted the opportunity to do it, too.
“You sore from all that painting?” he asked after he dropped me onto the bed.
“Not sore at all.” I waggled my brows.
“How about you let me taste you first? And then I’ll let you ride me into oblivion.”
“How can I say no to that?” My voice was all tease, but the anticipation already had me squirming.
He reached for the top of my jean shorts and unbuttoned the button before pulling down the zipper. He tugged them down my legs, then ran his fingers over the lace of my pink panties.
“I love your fucking body. I love your pink lace panties and your military boots. You’re such a walking contradiction, and I fucking love it,” he said, finding my hands and pinning them above my head. “Keep these right here.”
His words had my head spinning once again.
I love you.
I wanted to say it. For the first time in my life, I wanted to tell a man that I loved him. Because I loved River in a way I never knew was possible.
But saying it would change everything.
Walk away now and no one will get hurt beyond repair.
I closed my eyes as he pulled my panties down my legs. I kept my arms above my head where he’d left them.
His head settled between my thighs as his tongue swiped across my clit, and I gasped. My hand came down to tangle in his hair, and he stopped and looked up at me.
“Hands above your head or you don’t get to come. I want you to feel everything that I’m giving you. I don’t want you guiding me where you want me. I know what you want, Queenie. I want you to trust that.”
I raised my arm back above my head, intertwining my fingers to keep them there, and I gave him the slightest nod.
And River delivered exactly as he promised.
His tongue, his lips, his fingers—it was pure ecstasy.
He knew my body.
He knew my mind.
He knew what I needed and how to please me.
My entire body started to shake. I squeezed my hands together, desperate to reach for him, yet not allowing myself to.
Because I did trust him.
More than I’d ever trusted anyone.
His tongue was pure torture. Moving and teasing me over and over. He slipped a finger in, and his lips covered my clit, and he sucked hard, causing me to arch and buck in response.
He slipped in another finger, and lights sparked behind my eyes.
My lips parted on a cry, and I shattered.
I went over the edge with the most powerful orgasm of my life.
And he held me right there, riding out every last bit of pleasure.
I knew in that moment that I was ruined for all future men.
Because this man owned me.
He owned my body, and he owned my heart.
Two things I’d never planned to give away.