“There aren't any on your boat,” I point out. That's one of the things I remember noticing from when I was on there. At least he wouldn't have had to watch me go through his things.
“Uh, actually, there is now.”
“Oh.” I sit up straighter again, fidgeting with my fingers and the band-aide he put on me earlier. “I'm really sorry for going on your boat like that. And for all the bad things I thought about you. And for all of the things the people in town do to you. It's sowrong.”
“Remi, I've seen some true serial rapists over the years. Believe me when I say, the people around here are behaving exactly how I'd expect them to behave toward any one of them.”
“But you're notone of them.”
“They don't know that.”
“They should.” I shift to face him again. “I wish there was some way to convince them.”
“I've given up on anything like that.”
I lower my gaze. I guess he's had a lot longer than me to come to terms with his life and accept the injustice.
Well, at least he has one person on his side now, one person who doesn't see him as an evil predator. It makes me feel good knowing that I just might make a difference in his life.
“You fought so hard to keep me away. Are you angry that I'm here and know the truth now?”
He holds my gaze for a moment, and then the side of his mouth tips up the slightest bit. “No. I'm not angry.”
“Good.” I lean my head on his shoulder again, noting that he didn't tense up like the last time. “How did you ever survive in prison?”
“You and your fucking questions,” he says on an exhale, but there is no annoyance in his tone. “I almost didn't survive. The first few months were the worst. I was scared, alone, depressed. And I didn't know the rules.”
“Rules?”
I feel him nod his head. “There are rules amongst the inmates, and I hadn't learned them yet. Rapists aren't exactly well-liked in there either, so when I unknowingly crossed paths with the wrong person, let's just say I'm lucky to be alive.”
“Seriously?”
“Yeah. Fortunately for me, my behemoth of a cellmate stepped in and saved me. He never believed that I was guilty. I don't know why that was. I never said it to him out loud. But nevertheless, even though he hated me – he hated everyone – he protected me until I bulked up enough that I could take care of myself.”
“That's . . . I just, can't even imagine.”
We sit for a moment in silence while I digest all of this new information.
Finally, my thoughts drift back to the reason we ended up here in the first place. I had kissed him.
I lift my head off his shoulder and turn my face toward his. He's so incredibly handsome, and I must admit that my attraction to him has multiplied ten-fold since finding out what he's been through. His ocean eyes meet mine, and there's no war within myself now about what I should do.
I lift my hand and slide it along his neck, all the way to the back of his head, and then pull it close so that our lips can meet. This time, he's not as rigid.
He doesn't grab me and stick his tongue into my mouth – I suspect it may be some time before he does anything like that. But he does move his lips, learning fast the way I like it.
Thoughts of the world around us drift away as I get lost in his kisses. His pressure increases, moving his lips over mine, and I suck gently at his bottom lip. A low groan rumbles from his chest, and all too quickly, he's pulling away.
“It's, um, been, uh . . . you should probably take some time to let all of this sink in,” he sputters in a gravelly tone while smoothing a hand down the front of his shirt.
I nod, trying to slow down my breathing and simmering the need between my legs. I don't need time to let anything sink in to know that this is what I want, but I have a feeling it's for him. He needs the time, and I'm willing to accommodate him. Tonight has been a game-changer for both of us.
I lay my head back down on his shoulder and place my arm across his stomach. He doesn't wrap his arm around me or anything, but that's okay. If I was his first kiss, then I doubt he has any experience with girlsat all.
It's a little hard to imagine, with him looking the way he does, all bulky and manly.
Plus, I have a very nice view of the large bulge in his jeans.
