Chapter 19 #2
Her fingers thread through my hair, gripping tightly, holding me exactly where she wants me as I lap and suck at her clit.
My earlier headache is long forgotten as I work two fingers in and out of her—turns out Selene’s perfect pussy is the ultimate hangover cure, and I can’t get enough.
Her free hand disappears under the t-shirt to pluck at her right nipple.
My hips rock forward, unbidden, and I give in to temptation.
With my free hand, I shove my jeans and boxers further down my hips, then remove my fingers from Selene’s core just long enough to spread her wetness over my dick.
Before she can complain, I thrust them right back in, crooking them to stroke over the sensitive spot inside her.
My left hand jerks my cock with sure, rough strokes while my mouth lavishes Selene’s clit with attention.
As her inner walls flutter around me, her gasps and moans turn to desperate encouragement.
“Yes, fuck, there. Jared, stars, I’m so close, please.
” I moan against her, my orgasm building, but I want her to come first. Redoubling my efforts, I keep going until Selene cries out, her thighs shaking and inner walls spasming around my fingers.
Feeling her fall apart at my touch tips me over the edge, and I join her, swept away on a sea of pleasure.
Resting my head in the groove at her hip, I wait for my racing heartbeat to slow.
Selene strokes my hair, her breathing gradually returning to normal, and I bask in the tender moment.
While I regret the events that drove me to Crystal Lake, I’d live through it all a thousand times over as long as it led me here to Selene.
“What time do you have to be at the shop today?” I ask as I finish getting redressed after our shower.
Selene glances at the time on her phone. “I’m closing again tonight, so I’ve got a couple of hours. Why? You angling for round two?” she teases, toying with the hem of my t-shirt.
“Tempting as that sounds, I was thinking I could take you out for breakfast. How about pancakes at the diner?” On cue, her stomach growls. Laughing, I press a kiss to her forehead. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
Bonfire-orange leaves crunch under our feet as we walk towards the diner in companionable silence, both of us enjoying the crisp autumn morning. As we cut through the town square, the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. I freeze.
Thanks to our interlocked fingers, my sudden stop jolts Selene backward. “What’s wrong?”
Trepidation trickles down my spine. We’re being watched. Frantically, I scan the Saturday morning crowds, searching for the culprit. My chest tightens painfully, my anxiety ratcheting higher the longer I go without spotting anyone looking our way.
“Jared, you’re scaring me. What’s happening?” Selene turns my face to hers, cupping my cheeks, her blue eyes filled with worry.
“Someone’s watching us. I can feel it.”
She glances over her shoulder. “OK. Hey, it’s fine, Jared, we’re fine.”
Why doesn’t she believe me? “No, no, someone’s watching,” I insist. What if The Raven found his way around the wards?
“I know, but it’s OK. Remember last night? The Devil’s Brew? You caused a bit of a stir at the bar—I’m not surprised you’re getting a few looks this morning.”
“It’s… it’s because of last night?” I try to grasp onto the rational explanation, but panic has it dissipating through my fingers like smoke.
“Yeah, you know how much this town loves to gossip. Just breathe with me, can you do that?” She presses my palm to her chest, anchoring me. I keep my eyes locked on hers, hanging on for dear life until my galloping heartbeat slows to a trot.
Wrapping my arms around her, I tuck my chin into the space between her neck and shoulder. “I’m sorry,” I mumble into the exposed skin where the collar of the flannel shirt she borrowed from me has slid down.
She reaches up to stroke my hair. “Hey, none of that. You’ve got nothing to be sorry for.”
After another long moment, I step back, a brittle smile in place. “I’m OK now. Let’s go get your pancakes.”
“Are you sure? The diner’s going to be busy. We can go home if you’ll feel better without a crowd.”
I take a beat to consider her offer. “No. I really am alright.” Selene still doesn’t look convinced, so I continue, “I promise I’ll be fine. Come on.” I tug on her hand, and she relents.
Tucked into a cherry-red vinyl booth in the back corner of the busy diner where we had our first date, Selene places our order with the bubbly server, knowing I’m not ready to interact with anyone else yet.
When we’re alone again, I take a deep breath, steeling my nerves. “About earlier. I should explain.”
Selene reaches across the table to rest a reassuring hand over mine. “You don’t have to tell me anything unless you’re ready. All I need to know is if you’re OK. Are you?”
Am I? A month ago I’d have said yes without pause because I was so determined not to let The Raven win, and admitting there were any lingering consequences from my attack felt like admitting defeat. Now… now everything’s different.
“Not yet. But I’m getting there.” I flip my clasped hands to cradle hers. “This helps.”
That soft smile of hers reserved just for me tugs up the corners of her lips. “I’m glad.”