Page 91 of Luci’s Lullaby

My pulse races as the heat from his body warms mine. “You wanted them?”

“They’re yours, I wanted to keep them.” He wads them in his hand. “Do you want them back?”

My brows pull tight. “Is this part of some sick panty collection you have?”

“I only have yours.” His eyes burn with desire.

My breath hitches. “Oh. No, you can keep them.”

“By the way, I want the ones you have on.” He shoves the purple ones into his pocket.

I blink rapidly. “What do you mean? I’m not taking them off.”

“You won’t have to.” Desire pools in the exact pair of panties he’s wanting.

“O-okay.” I wet my lips because they’re the only thing on my body that’s dry.

He leans in, running his nose from my jaw to my ear. “You’re the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”

“Yeah?” My breasts heave as his words send me spiraling in a fit of desire.

“You look so fuckin’ good in my clothes; the only other way I like you is without clothes.” His lips brush my earlobe.

I shudder, drowning in his words. “Alden…”

A cry from the bedroom makes me jump, and I step away from him. “I’ll get her.” He grazes my arm with his as he walks past me. “By the way, your nipples look amazing in my shirt.”

I throw my hands over my chest, gulping for air. My lungs feel as though they’re going to constrict from lack of oxygen.

“I’m in so deep.” I bury my face in my hands.

Pulling myself together, I start picking the house up. I have to do something to keep my mind busy and work out the knot in my stomach. I settle on the couch with my Kindle, reading one of my old favorites.

“What’cha reading?” Alden falls down into the seat beside me.

I cock my brow. “The Scarlet Letter.”

“Terrible book, pick another one.” He grimaces.

“It’s a classic.” I glare at him.

He wrinkles his nose. “They were all prudes.”

“The word is Puritans.” I leer at him. “Not everyone is so cavalier about their sex life.”

He glowers. “You still believe I’m screwing whatever I can? After all this time?”

“It’s not been that long,” My eyes dart to his. “Some people don’t have sex for years. Some people only have one or two partners.”

“You’re telling me you’ve only had sex with a couple people?” He lifts a brow.

I writhe in my seat. “Yes, I’m not ashamed of it.”

“How many times have you had sex?” He studies me as I wriggle.

“I’m not telling you.”

“All I’m trying to say is no, I’m not proud of my past. I was stupid, mean, and had no respect for them or myself. If for one second I had any thought things would go this way, I would’ve never been with all those women.” The corner of his mouth turns down.