Jacked (Trent Brothers #1)(125)

“I need to know something,” I asked, checking her arms again, assuring myself that the rope didn’t mar her skin. She seemed okay but I kissed her softly anyway because I needed to. I was physically drawn to her—that was a given. But the emotional pull was becoming just as natural.

“Hmm?”

A little redness remained, but she wasn’t chaffed, thank God. I wanted to see the truth in her eyes. “Why did you think I wouldn’t care to know what’s upsetting you?”

Her mouth curled down, and I lost her gaze to the back of the couch.

“Erin.”

She shrugged. “Most guys don’t. You’ve done so much for me today, I didn’t want to push it. Too much heavy is never a good thing.” She actually looked worried. “It’s a recipe for disaster.”

It was hard not to get pissed off. “Is that what the last guy had you believing?”

“Last guy?” She laughed. “Try every guy.”

Did she actually believe the words coming out of her mouth? Maybe I should kiss her; derail her from this path.

“Come on, Adam, you can’t honestly tell me that you want to deal with the heavy emotional stuff.”

She shifted, trying to sit up, but I had her pinned. “You serious?”

She looked at me like I was cracked. Maybe I was.

“What is it you think we’re doing here, Doc?”

“I don’t know. Dating? Getting to know one another?”

“And how do you figure we’ll do that? What? You just want to f*ck and keep it at that?”

“No, but isn’t that what all men want?”

I wiped a hand down my face. “Christ, Erin.”

“We just started dating. I wasn’t sure we were ready for things. I mean you met my entire family at my aunt and uncle’s viewing tonight. Any normal guy would have—”

I tipped her chin back up when she quit talking. “Would have what?”

“Just forget it,” she muttered contritely.

Now she was just testing my sanity. Her sharp inhale told me she was reading me correctly.

“Would have bolted by now.”

“I told you I’m not running, sweetheart.”

“It’s only been a week.”

“You know it’s been longer than that. You make it sound like we just hooked up last night.”

“I know, but—”

“But what?”

“Maybe I’m not ready to mess up a good thing.”

“Don’t what if it, Doc.”

“I can’t help it. Let’s just say I’ve learned my lesson the hard way. And we’re just getting to know each other’s moods. Like for instance, do you realize both times you’ve restrained me you were mad at me?”

I concentrated on my breathing while the reality of my actions slowly came into focus. She had me again. Is that the way she’s seen it from her end? “As much as I like that you call me out on my bullshit, I may have restrained you twice, but your safety has always been my top priority. And it was for both of our benefits. Besides, it beats the alternative.”

Her brow tipped up. “Which is?”

I untangled the thin, gold necklace pinched around her neck, slipping it away from her throat. “Not giving a shit. Would you rather have it that way?”

Her chin dipped. “No.”

“Good, ’cause I dealt with that crap before and I want no part of it. Not with you.” I leaned into her hand when she cupped my face. “Both times it effectively sorted our shit right out and—”

“And built trust?”

“You’re catching on.” I smiled.

“It’s not something I’m quick to give.”

“Me neither. But know this. When I want answers, I get them anyway I can. You challenge me. I challenge you. You’ll piss me off, and I’ll aggravate the shit out of you. I’m pretty sure that’s how this all works.”

I felt her soft giggle settle my worry; her smile warmed me right into my bones. I looked into her beautifully expressive eyes.

“Erin, I’ve never used Shibari quite like this before. But I know its power… ability… to enable your mind and your emotions to open up. This wasn’t just for you; it was for both of us. I want that with you.”

I kissed her arm when she reached to run her fingers through my hair. It was then, when she was gazing at me with all those things unsaid, enjoying the comfort and reassurance of her affection, when I realized how easy it was to breathe.

“I want that, too.” Her eyes searched mine. “But I don’t know how things are supposed to work.”

“Guess we’ll just have to figure that out as we go.”

“I take it you like me then.”

The way her breath hitched around her nervous laugh was adorable. I had to remind myself that this was new to both of us, but for now, I couldn’t keep my lips off her. Just the sweet scent of her hair alone had become something I craved. Her neck was equally as enticing.

“I think you already know the answer to that.”

Her fingers wove into my hair. “It’s still nice to hear.”

The way her eyes lit up and sparkled when I looked at her made showing my hand worth it, though I still enjoyed toying with her. “I’d rather show you.”