Page 75 of Choosing Stella

“I have an IUD.”

His gaze stayed on mine.

“Okay.”

“The Network requires current testing. Mine is negative.”

“So is mine. My results are current and negative.”

I nodded.

“We used a condom last night because we’d just met.”

“Yes.”

“I don’t want one tonight.”

Geo didn’t move toward me.

“You’re sure?”

“Yes. I want to feel you without it.”

His jaw flexed.

“I want that too.”

“Then come with me.”

This time we went to his room without either of us running.

I closed the door behind us.

Geo stopped beside the bed, and I caught the hem of his shirt.

“Take this off.”

He did.

The scars across his ribs and shoulder were still there. They looked different now that I knew some of what lived behind them.

I touched the unmarked part of his chest instead.

Geo slid his hands beneath my shirt.

“Can I?”

“Yes.”

He pulled it over my head.

My bra followed.

I reached for his belt.

This time he didn’t stop me.

I opened it slowly, watching his face as I lowered his zipper.