Page 176 of The Stranger

“You didn’t deserve that.”

“I know.”

“And you are the most sensual woman I have ever known. You could be brushing your teeth, and I’d find it deeply erotic.”

I pinch in a smile. “Pervert.”

“But you are so much more than that. Look at the person you have become. You chose a career that provides care to some of society’s most vulnerable members. You’re funny, and you’re smart, and you are good. So fuck that kid. And fuck that inner voice too,” he adds with a vehemence. “It’s not yours. Not anymore.”

44

LUC

She practically throws herself at me, scrambling up from the sofa so quickly her foot slips from the cushions.

“What the— ” I make an “Ouf” sound as her body crashes against mine, her dress blooming like a parachute as she climbs over my thighs. Her arms come around my neck, mine falling to the small of her back, neither of us able to get close enough for our joint satisfactions.

“You.” I wait for rest but it’s all she whispers. And it’s enough. Enough that she’s here. That she’s close. That our hearts beat in time.

Time. Ours is coming to an end.

I’ve tried, fuck, how I’ve tried to slow things down. To put a little distance between us. To make our days, hours, minutes somehow less. Less enjoyable. Less familiar. Less real. I’ve reminded myself time and time again that this thing between us is temporary. That I need to get it together before the children’s return. Dial the attraction between us down.

And look at how it’s working out.

All it takes is one glance, one word, and my good intentions become the promises of an addict. Next time. Just give me now. One more touch. One more taste of something I already know I shouldn’t have.

I need to be better. I need to resist. But my cock has already decided her positioning provides a world of possibilities.

I press a kiss to her cheek. Comforting, not carnal.

“I want to put you in my mouth,” she whispers.

And… so much for intentions.

“Fuck.” The curse leaves my mouth on an explosive breath. “Little flower,” I add, gathering her hair from my neck. “You don’t need⁠—”

“I’m not offering a thank you blow job, Luc.” Her chastisement is muffled against my chest.

“That’s not what I’m saying.”

“I love getting you off.”

“Well, I… give me a moment. My brain just went offline.”

“Really?” She pulls back at that, her face wreathed in a wide smile.

“That statement is right up there with, ‘Fuck me like you own me’.”

“I said that? Wow.” She lowers herself in my lap, and groan aches from me. “I don’t remember.”

“I do.” I remember every moment with you.

“Yeah?” She rocks her body over mine, the tips of her lush breasts teasing my chest.

“Every kiss and comment. Every promise and pull.”

“You’re on a promise now,” she whispers wickedly, sliding over my cock and making it pulse.