Page 103 of Addiction

“Tell that to my parents,” I whisper, rubbing my eyes with the back of my hand. “They cut me out because they believe it’s my fault.”

I know I’ve said too much when his back straightens, but as if he knows I don’t wish to speak any more of them, he doesn’t question me any further.

“Fuck what they think. What matters now is you, and what you believe. What happened to Jonny wasn’t your fault, Wade. Do you hear me? Life has a sick and twisted way of hurting people, and what you went through was the worst kind of pain. But it’s not on you.”

He grips my jaw, turning my head to look at him. “You hear me?”

“I hear you.”

“Good.” He kisses me tenderly, and I welcome the feeling that engulfs me with his touch.

Despite his strength and his physique, his touch is nothing but gentle.

“I’ve never told anyone that,” I murmur, pulling back to look at him and letting him know that what I shared is between us. “Not even Nora.”

“It’ll stay with me and only me,” he whispers. “I promise.”

He doesn’t have to tell me twice. The look in his eyes tells me to believe him—that I can trust him—which is nothing I didn’t already know or believe. But right now, it somehow means so much more than it ever did.

And it all goes back to that word ‘protection’. How can this man, with all his demons and insecurities have the power to make me feel everything I’ve never felt with anyone else?

I never knew I needed to feel secure until Asher walked into my life. Even when he was deep in his addiction, that first look, the first time I spoke to him, I can still remember feeling so overwhelmed by his presence. It—at the time—was unnerving. But now, here with him. It’s all I want. He is all I want. Damaged souls be damned: the man in front of me has quickly become my everything.

Needing to be closer, I turn and push myself off the floor. With one knee on the bed, I lean down and press my mouth to his, holding his chin in a firm grip. We shift up the mattress, and I press my hand on his chest to lower him to the bed. Like his body is a gift, I appreciate every cut of muscle, every scar that lines his skin, kissing a path of promises up his neck as I grind myself against him. I can feel him harden beneath me, his breathing getting heavier with each delicate trace I make over his body.

I don’t think Asher has ever felt cherished when it comes to connecting with a lover, so I want to make sure just how much he’s valued by me.

My dick twitches with the thought of taking him. I want to spread his legs and fuck him hard, slow and everything in between. I want to hear my name on his lips as he comes undone at my touch. I want to show him everything he’s been missing out on when it comes to being with a man.

My body is on fire with a need so great I feel like I’m about to burst—a desire that’s so deep it grips hold of me. I want him. All of him. Anyway I can have him. Jesus, there are so many things I could do right now. But I need him to take the lead here. I don’t want to push him if he’s not ready.

“I fucking love feeling you so hard against me,” I rasp, rolling my hips against him.

Wanting to feel him fully, I work my way down his body. He groans when I drag my tongue along the intense muscle of his hip before turning my attention to the other side. His fingers twist into my hair and pull, my name on his lips.

“Fuck, Wade.”

I know I wanted him to take the lead, but knowing he’s so turned on right now is so damn fucking hot.

When I graze my teeth against the fabric of his boxer briefs, his hips buck. “Take them off.”

I do as I’m ordered, tossing them aside before I turn my attention back to him. I spread his legs wide, wanting desperately to devour the puckered skin of his ass, but instead I run my tongue up his shaft and tease the tip before repeating my actions. He is so responsive it drives me crazy.

“You are too fucking sexy, Asher Nelson. You’ve no idea.”

“Come here. I need you to kiss me.”

I press my lips up his body before he grabs my jaw and drives his tongue into my mouth for a deep, ravenous kiss.

“I think it’s my turn,” he whispers, before flipping me on my back, his dark eyes raging with desire.

A split second of uncertainty crosses his features before what I can only assume is a plea for guidance takes over. I have to remind myself that although he’s opened up, there is still that innocent part of him.

Pure and unprepared.

I stroke the back of my hand over his cheek to reassure him. “This is your lead, remember. Use me how you want.”

A wicked grin tugs at his lips, right before he says, “Tell me when you’re going to come.”