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The second I did, the overwhelming waves of uncontrollable lust crashed over me, catching me off guard. It was as if my body could sense him before my mind even registered his presence. Like I was made for him, and him alone.
“Don’t hurt me,” I pleaded softly. I didn’t even realize the words had passed from my lips until I felt his hand glide up my back to rest around my neck. Tilting my head back, I stared into his fathomless blue eyes, only to see worry, then tenderness.
Why did I let that slip out? I knew Eugene would never hurt me. But the fear of him abandoning our friendship blossomed in my mind, causing my heart to race.
His eyes softened while he caressed my cheek. “Shug, I’d rather throw myself in front of a bus than harm one hair on your head. You’re safe with me. Always.”
My breath left me in a rush as he seemed to read my thoughts. His response wasn’t what I expected from him. He could have lied to me, told me what I wanted to hear to get what he wanted, but I knew he was telling me the truth. I felt it deep in my soul, and yet I couldn’t wrap my head around what he said. Of all the things that he could have said, offering himself to protect me was not one of them.
I was just Sugar Potter.
The whore of Rosewood. Everyone knew that. I was nothing special. Just a fun-time gal. Someone to pass the time with.
No, I had heard wrong.
He didn’t just say he would die for me.
“Stop it, Shug,” he said firmly. “You are worth it. You are everything to me. I need you to believe that.”
I fought for breath. The question, coming out in a shallow whisper, almost strangled me. “Why did you say that?”
Eugene stroked my back while his other hand massaged my neck before slowly skimming down my arms, finally resting just above my waist. A scant inch further and his hand would caress the sloping curve of my ass.
“Because I love you,” he whispered, his eyes following the path of his hand.
Shaking my head, I muttered, “You can’t love me.”
“Yes, I can, and I will continue to say it until my words sink in, baby. I, Eugene Michael James, am in love with you, Sugar Anne Potter. I have been since we were six years old, and I will continue to love you until the day I die. I love you, Shug. Only you.”
As he spoke, he leaned closer to me.
I remained still, my heart pounding with surprise, apprehension, and anticipation, while I waited for him to make his move. His face inched towards mine. There was an invigorating aroma of mint on his breath, mingled with the fragrance of his shampoo and soap, and a distinct scent that could only belong to my best friend, Eugene.
My tongue flicked out, wetting my suddenly dry lips. My heart raced, the moment closing in on me as I blocked out all other thoughts. I couldn’t help the small, almost imperceptible gasp when his incandescent words sank in.
He loved me.
Me.
The real me.
I felt a tear trickle down my cheek as I stared at the one man I believed in the most. He wasn’t perfect, but neither was I. He was my best friend, my confidant, the one who knew me the most, and I couldn’t fight him anymore.
I didn’t want to.
Like him, I’d kept my true feelings from him, knowing that nothing could come of it. That nothing ever would. I needed him to show me how it really felt to be loved, to be wanted, even if it was only for tonight.
His head leaned in closer to mine and I could feel the warmth of his breath gently grazing my cheek as he whispered words that my heart yearned for, but never received.
God help me, he felt so good against my skin.
“Please,” I moaned. I didn’t care if it sounded like I was pleading, begging. If only for tonight, I needed to feel like I mattered to someone.
With a slow, deliberate motion, he drew me nearer and softly stroked his fingers against my cheek. His fingers were rough and calloused, as he gently turned my face to meet his gaze. My tongue flicked out, wetting my lips one last time before his lips came down against mine. The moment our lips touched, I eagerly embraced him, savoring the sensation of his body pressed tightly against mine. I could feel the warmth of his lips against mine as my hand instinctively moved to hold the back of his head, keeping our mouths fused together.
My senses exploded, while every nerve ending ignited, almost as if Eugene knew just where to touch me. I couldn’t resist running my fingers along the muscles of his back, feeling his strength as he deepened the kiss. The heat of his body sent shivers down my spine as his fingers traced delicate patterns on my back, igniting a fiery desire within me. My body longed for his touch, yearned for the heat and connection. Every beat of my heart felt like a thunderous explosion in my chest, mirroring the intense arousal that consumed me.
His kisses were soft, almost as if he was cautious about overwhelming me or making me feel uneasy. The gentleness of him captivated me the most—the gradual unfolding of something extraordinary. In that moment, I allowed Eugene to set the tempo, silently pleading for him to comprehend my overwhelming need for him. I let him know by gripping his neck a little tighter, feeling the warmth of his skin against my fingertips. He responded to my urgency and delicately brushed his tongue against the inviting warmth of my mouth.
