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"There's no worry of that," I snapped, more strongly than I'd meant to.
Don’t worry, our sleepovers and picnics and sweet text messages and cuddles are all completely and utterly feelings-less.
"I just need to check with Lily about our plans," I added. A white lie.
"Well. If you're sure about the feelings-y stuff, it would be great to have you along."
I pursed my lips. Cole seemed positive that he didn't have feelings for me. That was a good thing. So why did I feel annoyed?
I pretended to check something on my phone. "Oh, okay, well it turns out I am free. So, yeah. Family funfair trip tomorrow."
"Great!" He flashed me one of his heart-melting smiles. "I really appreciate it, El. I don't know exactly what it is about being around a thousand screaming, crying, sugar-dosed kids, and a bunch of rusty old death-trap rides that makes me anxious, but it'll be better with you there."
He reached out and squeezed my paint-stained hand. "You know, there's something kind of sexy about you being covered in paint."
"Oh really? You’re a fan of Unicorn’s Whisper, huh?"
"Mmhmm." He stepped closer, and the smell of him hit me. Pine. Salt. Spice.
Instantly, my heart tripped over itself. My voice cracked as I said, "You know, I could do with a little break."
"Naughty. I ought to spank you for trying to get time off work."
My face warmed at the thought of it. "You wouldn't dare."
Very deliberately, Cole plucked the paintbrush from between my fingers and put it down on a nearby folded newspaper. "You sure that's a bet you want to make?"
I looked up at him, watching the way his eyes danced over me. Then I let my eyes do the same, taking in the muscles straining beneath his t-shirt. The slight bulge at his groin. How was I meant to keep my hands off him? "High stakes," I whispered.
Cole's hands circled my waist, then shifted down to cup my ass. I gasped as he squeezed and tugged me into him.
I felt the hardness at his crotch almost instantly. Maybe this was his way of resetting our boundaries. Some filthy, kinky sex to remind me that this was all about coming, not commitment. Whatever his thinking, as he nipped at my neck with his straight white teeth, I wasn't complaining.
Cole unbuttoned my shorts and tugged them down while I wrestled his tight shirt off his muscular form. I kissed his rock-hard abs, feeling that familiar ache grow in me, the ache that only Cole knew how to cure.
"I want you so bad," he growled into my ear. "Do you know how hard you make me all day long?" He kissed my neck. "Seeing your body move and flex in those tiny outfits. Watching that thick white paint drip down your skin." He pressed a drop of paint on my forearm, smudging it with his fingerprint. "And you want to prolong my torture by having us take a break?" My panties were off, forgotten on the floor, as his tough hands roamed over the soft surface of my butt.
"I'm so sorry, sir," I said, playing into this little power fantasy that was fast developing.
"Sorry won't cut it." There was a whip crack as his palm spanked my ass, and I gasped. It hurt, but only a little. More than anything, it just made more lust radiate around my body.
I bit my lip, blinking up at him. "I've learned my lesson."
Cole shook his head. "There's other stuff you need to learn, too."
As he knelt down and pushed my legs apart, I moaned with anticipation. I throbbed where he'd spanked me, and now I tingled where he licked me, too.
I lost myself in my desire, falling deeper and deeper into an abyss that I wasn’t going to be able to climb out of. And when I came, I cried out with more than just lust. I cried out because I knew that it was too late: his brand was visible on my soul. As clear as an angry red hand-print on cream-white flesh.
***
Friday was funfair day. The moment we arrived at the colorful carnival set up along the coast, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. Bright lights flashed, cheery music played, and the sweet scent of cotton candy and popcorn filled the air.
As a child, I loved getting lost in the excitement here. It was more than just the atmosphere and the rides, though. It was Dad. No matter how hard work had been, no matter how tough it was for him to bring me up alone, he was always in a good mood at the funfair. Coming here was like stepping into an alternate universe. One where Dad and I could forget life's hardships for a few carefree hours.
"Wow!" Lexi and Rhea squealed in unison as they took in the sights and sounds around them.
Cole looked less enthusiastic but mustered a smile for his girls.
