Page 38 of Tell Me Something

“Haylee, I—”

I wasn’t sure what he’d say next or why it was so important to me, but I dropped to my knees and dove for him with my hands and mouth, ignoring his protests.

“Jesus, Haylee, no. You don’t—”

Looking up through my eyelashes, I watched him wage the war between raw lust and whatever he’d been about to say. Working his length thoroughly with my mouth and tongue, I used my hand to pump him hard.

He tensed, and I realized standing probably wasn’t the most relaxed position. I broke contact, took his hand, and led him down the step to the couch. There I none too gently pushed him down and followed with my mouth again.

“Christ—”

I wasn’t listening; instead, I was frenzied with only one goal in mind. I wanted him to come. And maybe I wanted payback for his taking such control over me earlier. My fist worked his shaft while my mouth was greedy for his taste. I felt his thighs tremble and wondered if he was getting close. Sucking harder, I demanded it with my tongue working his length.

He started to come in my mouth, but abruptly pulled me up and thrust back inside of me. He completed his orgasm deep inside my pulsating core.

We were both left exhausted, situated half on the sofa and half on the floor.

He carefully slid out and sat up fully on the living room couch, watching me with hooded eyes while I stood up.

Walking over to where my dress lay, I dragged it up, situating the belt half-ass and zipping myself as best I could with shaking fingers.

“Listen, I—”

Holding up my hand, I fought the tears, knowing that I was overly emotional but not able to help it. “No, you don’t get to talk anymore tonight; instead, you can listen for a change. I didn’t tell you what was said in the restroom at first because I knew it would upset you and because I didn’t believe it. But you used sex as a weapon to bully me into telling you. I knew you were holding something back from me, but I was willing to let you take your time and tell me when you were ready.”

He swallowed hard.

“I need to go.” Grabbing my purse, I made a quick exit, rushing back into the elevator and down to my room. I fought my tears the entire way, but let them flow as I washed the makeup off my face and ran a hot bath. I knew I’d handled that poorly. I’d more than wanted the sex, but I hadn’t been prepared to deal with the overwhelming emotions afterwards.

Hearing the knock at the door, I chose to ignore it until it became pounding. Meanwhile, my phone was ringing. I turned off the water, threw on my robe, and opened the door, ready to give him a piece of my mind. Then I glanced at his face.

He looked devastated.

We stood there staring at each other for the longest time.

“You were in the bath?”

I could only nod, not trusting my voice.

“Come on.” He took my hand and led me back into my bathroom. Cupping my chin, he kissed me softly on the lips and then the forehead. Gently, he peeled off my robe.

After stepping into the tub, I eased down in the water and watched as he undressed from his tuxedo shirt and pants. He slid into the bath behind me, situating me between his legs and cradling my back against his strong, hard chest. I could feel him breathing in the scent of my hair.

“I know you probably want to be alone, but I had to know if you were okay.”

“You didn’t hurt me if that’s what you’re asking. Physically,” I clarified.

He rubbed my arms and seemed to struggle for words. “I was so convinced that you were backing me into a corner and have no excuse for the way I acted or how I lashed out at you. I behaved terribly.”

“You could start with actually saying I’m sorry.”

“I’m not very good with apologies.”

My temper completely snapped. “What’s so hard about two little words? It’s pretty easy. Here, I’ll even go first. I’m sorry that I didn’t want to tell you what Ana and Helen were gossiping about in the bathroom this evening. It took me off guard, and I knew that it would upset you. I simply didn’t think that I was doing anyone favors by spreading malicious rumors.”

He hugged my waist and buried his face in my neck. “I’m sorry.”

Breathing deep, I forced myself to relax back in his arms. “I hate that you told me about the pills like that. Something so personal and painful for you shouldn’t have been thrown out in anger.”