Page 25 of Hard to Love

“Good girl. And Thayer, this will be fast and hard,” I snarl in her ear just as I lift her.

She does exactly as I ask, pressing her palms flat against the wall as I slide into her hot, slick cunt. Lifting her as I pull back, I slam her down and meet her with a thrust of my own. Pounding her pussy until her ass slaps against my pelvis, with the only other sound filling the room being our grunts.

Fucking her so well, I know she’ll remember every time she sits down today, where I’ve been. She begins to clasp on to my cock, working me as deep as possible with each push. As she explodes with a shuddered release, she throws her head back, screaming my name. I release, whispering hers and my allegiance.

I claim her as mine in every possible way, as she has me. Rooting myself in her heart so she’ll never forget me. As I will never forget her. I thought I was in love once, but I’ve learned that it wasn't with the time spent with her. Love consumes you and somehow still makes it possible for you to breathe. It fights through each barrier to save you, even from yourself. A love I haven’t known all my life. A love that fills the voids.

Chapter Fourteen

Thayer

My legs go limp as my feet touch the shower floor, but Hardy never let's go. Keeping one arm tightly around me, he tugs my chin around for him to kiss me. Giving in to his mouth is the sweetest thing. Nothing I can control or want to.

“Let’s get you cleaned up; we still have work. We’ll both have some explaining to do, I believe,” he reminds me he rubs soap into a washcloth. “Spread ’em.” I gape at his demand, not really sure what he’s meaning.

“What?” Eyes wide with my mouth hung open just as wide.

“Hun, we need to wash me off you. Believe me, I would prefer to leave it, so other men will know you’re mine.” He takes my mouth as it continues to hang open, kissing me vigorously.

“I can do it,” I say, looking everywhere but at him.

“Are you embarrassed?” he asks, as if in shock. “We’ve been naked for nearly ten hours, doing all sorts of fuckery, and now, you’re getting shy?”

“No! It’s just…. you know - personal.”

“Thayer, it’s okay. I plan on sharing many things with you, including a lifetime of showers. Spread ’em.” I bite the corner of my lip, and his brow kicks to one side as he grins.

Twenty minutes later, we’re showered, and teeth are brushed. One is going to lay into me about being so late. After dressing, I start coffee for us both. Hardy walks into the room with worn-out jeans and a wife-beater, damn. Wish we could stay in bed all day.

“Hey, hun. Things went incredibly fast last night; we still need to talk.” Dropping my eyes to the floor, I jut my chin out, trying to be brave.

“I know, I’m sorry. I should have explained I was a virgin sooner. I understand you may not be ready for all of this, Hardy. I knew the risk when I did it, don’t worry about it.”

“I’m not talking about your virginity. I’m honored, which makes me feel weird, but I am. It means more to me than you may understand right now. What I need to say is, we need to talk about everything. Things from my past I haven’t shared with you and what all of it means to us.” Listening intently, I try to understand. It’s not happening.

“I’m not sure what you mean.” Refusing to look at him, I pretend to clean the kitchen. Taking me by the hand, he leads me to the front door.

“We need to talk, that’s it, hun. Stuff like I’ll need to bring Lulu once in a while if I stay over. I’ll need more clothes. We need to tell your family. I’m older than you, it may matter to them. Most importantly, Thayer, I have a past. It’s ugly. More than I’ve already told you, I need to be honest with you. Okay?” Searching his eyes, I see he’s worried. I nod.

“You’re right; we need to talk. We should’ve last night. Of course, Lulu can spend the night. Yes, let’s tell my family. As long as you’re honest with me, we’re good. Your past is just that, Hardy. Your past. I want it all with you, everything.” Stepping closer to me, he takes me in his arms.

“Sounds like a plan, hun.” Puckering his lips, he comes in for a kiss. I lean away as he narrows his eyes.

“Why do you keep calling me hun? I hate it, you realize that, right?” He tightens his hold, wrapping his hand around my neck to pull me closer.

“I do. I like it, hun.” He kisses me breathless before leaving.

Watching him leave makes me nervous. I went all-in last night with him, and I’m not sure if he can handle it. I’m not entirely sure I can. He intimidates me in so many ways good ways. But I can’t help to worry if I’m enough for him. He’s experienced things I never will.

Gathering my things, I leave for work. Again, I’m nervous as hell for fear of running into One. I don’t care if he knows, but Hardy isn’t so ready. I pray all the way to work they’ll be gone by the time I get there. They’re not. What’s worse? One sends me a text that he needs to see me. The fuck?

Walking into my office, I throw my things on a chair and try to calm my nerves. I’m sweating bullets, nice. I answer a few messages, trying to postpone the inevitable. One text again, this time with asap attached. Rolling my eyes, I straighten my clothes, grab my phone, and walk next door. They’re all here, great.

“Hey, what’s up?” I say, scanning the room quickly to spot Hardy in the corner, looking pissed. What the fuck?

“Did you not learn anything over the last six years? Or did you just forget, a job site injury must be reported? I don’t care how small it was; we have an example to set and procedure to follow.” He’s barking at me as if I work for him.

“First, I was trying to help since no one else saw it happen. Second, he’s a grown-ass man; ask him. Finally, Yes, I know. I apologize.” Lowering my eyes, I see Hardy’s standing now.