Something inside me shatters. The person they're describing is not the man I met in the woods. To think of him as a child abandoning asshole hurts my heart. I know it sounds crazy. I don't know him at all. He's still a stranger to me, obviously. But the night we shared together can’t be ignored. It may have been just sex, but I felt like I knew him.
The butterflies I felt were his. The tingles and chills were his. The flutter in my chest and warmth on my skin were all his. And now I don't know what to think.
I felt like there was something between us. I felt deep inside that we shared something special. My mind let me think that maybe, just maybe, our night would unfold into something more.
It's a lie. All of it is a lie.
Branson James is not the man I thought he was.
My eyes fall to my hands in my lap as my body rolls forward. “I'm going to take a bath,” I say, using the table to stand.
Ryder jumps from his chair, holding his arms out like I'm a baby learning to walk.
“I got it, Ryder,” I snap. He gives me a look but steps out of the way to let me pass.
I can't explain this to him. He'll never understand. And he'll probably try to go find the guy and ring his neck. Ryder will think he took advantage of me. That it wasn't me who threw myself at him, but the other way around.
I can feel both of them watching me as I hobble to the stairs and climb them slowly one at a time. Looking over my shoulder, Ryder is standing at the bottom.
“I'm just here in case you lose your balance.”
Rolling my eyes, I don't say a word to him as I reach the top and head to my room for some clean clothes. Bundling them up under my arm, I limp to the bathroom. Starting the water, I wait until it's steamy and hot, then start filling the tub.
A nice bath will do the trick.
Slipping into the water, I let my leg with the bandage hang over the side. Resting my head back, I close my eyes, and try to relax. But I can't. All I can think about is Branson.
His face pops up in my mind’s eye, flashing that big, gorgeous smile and perfectly chiseled jaw. I can still feel his hands on my body, and the heat of his lips against mine.
My fingers lightly touch my mouth, reliving the night all over again. My skin burns like fire as the memory plays like a movie.
His fingers digging into my hair and yanking my head back. I can feel it.
Raking my fingers through my hair, my head rolls on my shoulders reflexively. Slowly, the tips of my fingers slip down my neck and over my chest, finding my stiff nipple.
His tongue flicking against the perk bead and sucking my breast into his mouth. I can feel it.
Pinching my nipple, I bite my bottom lip, doing my best to contain the moan that wants out. I don't let it. I'm quiet, inhaling a slow breath. My fingers keep gliding, over my naval and through my lips until I hit my clit.
His thumb pressing against the needy button as he inserts a finger inside my heat. I can feel it.
Every single way he touched me, caressed me, and devoured me, I can still feel it all.
I slide a finger inside my folds and rock my hips. Fingering myself is the only way to end the desire pooling between my legs and the throb in my center.
The water sloshes around my chest as I fuck myself. Faster and faster I work my body, thinking about the man who saved me. The man who came to my rescue. The man who gave me a real adventure.
I went to be alone because I don't know where I belong. And I found a man who made me forget. He took all of my fears and worry away, even if it was just for a single night.
Sliding in a second finger, my other hand grips my breast and squeezes. Pinching my nipple. The smell of his cologne and our sex is in the steam, rising from the tub. My hand moves faster and faster, and my hips rock as I drive my clit into my palm.
I'm doing everything I can to not cry out with pleasure. Biting my tongue, I hold my breath as the orgasm rushes through me like an explosion. My toes curl and my eyes scrunch tight.
As the orgasm buzzes from my head to my feet, I open my eyes. Goosebumps are making my skin feel textured and my stomach is trembling. Even out of sight, Branson has the power to make me smile.