Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 65862 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 329(@200wpm)___ 263(@250wpm)___ 220(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65862 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 329(@200wpm)___ 263(@250wpm)___ 220(@300wpm)
“I’m sorry,” he says, and his voice is filled with so much emotion. “I should have taken better care of you. I won’t mess up again.”
I look up at him in shock that he’s blaming himself for this. If anything, I feel terrible for causing him so much fear and unease. He could have died because of me, and now he’s trying to take responsibility for me almost getting myself killed. This could have ended so tragically for the both of us, but thanks to him we’re safe.
When I stop and think about it, I guess he did kidnap me, but I should have turned back when I saw the first strike of lightning. I’m terrified of storms, and I tried to run away in one. God, I’m an idiot. Instead of going back, all I did was put more distance between me and the house, making it so much worse. I don’t know what I was thinking. When I saw that first strike, all I thought about was getting back to Ryker, but that only pushed my legs to move faster. My brain was telling me one thing and my heart another. Even when I managed to get Diamond out of the barn, she was urging me back inside. She knew better than I did. The storm started as we left the barn, and the rain began to pour down so fast. After that, she wouldn’t go past the tree line. I could see the creek up ahead, but it didn’t look that deep to me. I thought I could somehow wade through it and make it across. But before I could even blink it was rushing in and up to my waist. I lost my footing, and all I had to grab on to was a nearby post. I keep thinking what would have happened if Ryker hadn’t shown up and saved me, and I don’t want to imagine it.
I place my hands on his chest and feel his strong heartbeat under my palm. I close my eyes and inhale his scent as the warm steam wraps around us. His strength and power make me feel safe and wanted. And in this moment, I allow my own heart to beat with his and let it lead this moment. No more thinking with my head. This time, I’m just going to feel.
He places a soft kiss on my forehead, followed by both cheeks. He’s kissing me slowly as if reassuring himself that I’m all right.
“I’m sorry, too,” I admit. “I didn't mean to put you in danger.” Even if Ryker did kidnap me and bring me here, he’s done nothing to hurt me. All he’s done is try to keep me safe and happy. When was the last time I had that? Ever?
I look up into his bright green eyes, and I empty my mind of worry. He leans down, and when I feel his warm full lips on mine, I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him closer. I don’t think, I just feel.
His mouth is strong, and I open up for him as he takes over. He owns my kiss and somehow marks my soul with his lips. I press myself against him, wanting more, not thinking about anything else but living in this moment.
But before I know what’s happening, he jerks back from me and steps away. A let out a small gasp of surprise. I’m shocked by my own behavior, but even more so when he turns around, facing away from me.
His breathing is heavy and I can tell he’s trying to get himself under control. I raise my hand to my lips, still feeling the pulse of him there. I shouldn’t want more of him, but this time I can’t find the will to care.
He turns to look back at me. “I’ve wanted you to kiss me back like that for so long.” He runs a hand through his hair, like he can hardly stay in his skin. “I need to take care of you right now, but it’s hard when you look at me like that. It makes me want to take you down to the bathroom floor and get on top of you.”
He takes another deep breath before he starts taking his own clothes off. For a long moment I wonder if that is what he’s going to do, and I swear I feel the pulse that was just on my lips between my legs. Will I let him? My body responds in the affirmative.
When he’s completely naked and comes back in front of me, he picks me up and carries me into the shower. He holds me under the warm water, and I feel all my muscles relax at once. Being this close to him and in his strong arms, it’s like my body knows it’s safe.