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Yeah, fat fucking chance.
“Nope. Start talking.”
Why does he look so nervous? What is it, baby? It’s okay, I promise I—
“I’m a virgin.”
What. The. Fuck… What THE FUCK!?
“What did you just say?”
“I… I’ve never been with… anyone.”
Sage stared in stunned disbelief trying to process his words.
He’s a virgin. A virgin. The sexiest… strongest… what the fuck!?
Sage looked at the love of her life. He looked so vulnerable, almost lonely, like he was bracing for her to pull away or think less of him.
Oh my love… I would never.
She took a deep breath. Then another.
“I… before the… never. Not even… kissed. And then the… jail. And then the Navy. By the time I was deployed, sweetheart, I… I didn’t want to hurt anyone. I mean, chances were I could die and…”
Sage watched him, her face soft even as her heart broke for the man in her arms. He had been so alone for so long. She could only imagine.
He’s never been with anyone. He’s never even kissed anyone. I’m his first. Me. I get to be his first everything. Oh God…
“Baby girl? I’m… sorry if—”
She kissed him. Not fiercely. Not seductively. Just gently — so gently, as if the strongest man in the world could break. “Oh Cal…” she moaned softly, pressing herself against him.
That’s why he’s been almost shy at times. And here I thought I was the one who would… oh baby…
“Cal?”
He looked at her, holding her like she was the fragile one. It made her smile softly. When did I, as fucked up as I was… hmm, yeah… was, start feeling so damn strong?
It’s because of him. Because of my love.
“Yeah, princess?” he replied softly.
“I’m going to ask you something, okay? And if you don’t want to tell me, you don’t have to. But before I ask, I need you to know this…”
She kissed him again, soft and lingering, then hugged him tight.
“I… don’t care. I’m… I’m kinda flattered actually, ‘cause I’m… I’m kinda the same. You know, besides… well…”
His arms surrounded her immediately. She smiled into his chest.
Still protecting me…
“I love you, baby girl.”
She kissed him once more and whispered, “Cal? Will you tell me? About your life? About what happened?”
He looked at her for a long moment. His eyes closed, jaw flexing as she felt him tense slightly beneath her.
