not the shadowed valley of her breast that’s stolen my breath, but the angry red skin she exposes.
“What is happening? Tell me right now.”
She slaps her hands on the counter and drops her head. “I told you, I can’t wear clothes like this.”
My stomach is in my shoes. “I thought you were a fucking fashion victim, not that your skin would
peel off!” It’s my turn to spin in a circle as I look for options. Other than draping her in a toilet paper
dress, there is nothing here that can help us.
She’s moaning, and I carefully cup her elbow. My stomach rolls at the tiny sound of pain she
makes. “Come on, please, Maya. I’ll help, I promise, but you have to come with me.”
I guide her to the front desk and pin the poor girl working there with what I assume is a less-than-
charming look. “Get me a key to a suite right now.”
“Of…of course, Mr. Lee, right away.” She drops the keycard twice before she manages to
program it. She hands me the key. “Room 2701.”
I take it with a nod and guide Maya to the elevator. She’s sweating and shivering, and I want to
put my fist through a wall. All I can think about is stopping her pain.
I fucking did this.
The elevator takes way too long, but thankfully, we’re alone. All I can do is hover, wince, and
curse myself and this whole stupid situation. Why the fuck didn’t I just let her wear what she wanted?
Because I was trying to exert a little control in a relationship where I feel I have none.Damn
Colton and his Psychology degree. Life was easier when I could just blame everything on other
people and didn’t have to look in the mirror.
I scan the card and let us into the suite. The door is barely closed behind us, the room only lit by
the moonlight streaming through the windows across the room, before I put my hands on the two sides
of her gown, right over her breasts, and pull, careful not to put pressure on her skin as I do.
The material is strong.
I’m stronger.
It gives with a howl that doesn’t quite cover Maya’s gasp. I pull the remnants down her arms and
let everything pool at her feet. Her arms come up to cover her chest, but there’s still way too much
exposed.
I peer into her wild eyes. “What else? What do you need? How can I make this better?” It’s my
fucking fault. I was the one who insisted she dress up for this stupid party. “Maya, tell me. What do I
