Beholden (The Belonging Duet, #2)(22)

“When you go to work, I’m stuck here with that annoying nurse hovering over me. Maybe you should stay home all day. Or quit your job and come work for me,” Jackson says smirking.

I laugh while shaking my head at his ridiculousness. “That’s not happening. The launch is in a week. I’ve been inundated with getting things ready.”

Jackson sighs and runs his hand down his face. “This isn’t the way I wanted it to be when we spent more than a night or two together. I didn’t want it to be because you had to help me f*cking get a glass of water. I sure as shit never saw you coming home to me because you had to.”

“Jackson,” I say softly. “That’s not fair. I want to be here. I could’ve let the nurse live here, or had you go stay with your family. I need you just as much—”

“Let me finish. This isn’t how I saw this going, Catherine. I’m the guy who takes care of you. Not the other way. Being at the mercy of someone else isn’t something I enjoy. All I can do are conference calls, video chats, and email, but even that’s hard with my one arm still not back to normal. I wanted to shower together for other reasons.” He raises a brow and smirks.

Smiling at him and wishing for the same thing doesn’t change the fact that it’s not how it is. “First, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t want to be. I love you, so get that through your thick head. I know you’re going through stuff. I get it. I need you to let me in. I’m trying. You have to lean on me. I want to be here for you, but I don’t know what else to do.”

“It’s on me, baby. All on me.” He pulls me close so I’m standing between his legs.

“Do you need something else?”

“No, I just need you.” He wraps his arm around my waist and places his head on my stomach. My hands tangle in his hair and I tenderly massage his scalp. I take in this moment and try to remember no matter how much of a jackass he can be, he’s alive.

“I’m here, Jackson. I’m not going anywhere.” My voice is soft and yet firm.

Jackson leans back looking into my eyes. “Lie with me.” There’s no request in his words.

I don’t miss the meaning in his words. It’s been weeks since we’ve been intimate, other than a few kisses here and there. “But your leg.”

“I’m not made of glass.”

“No, but you’re in pain …”

He slips his hand slowly up my shirt—well, his shirt. He insists on me wearing his t-shirts and button-downs since I’ve been staying here. I swear he’s marking his territory. I’m not complaining though. Every time I walk around in his shirt, watching his pupils dilate or his breath catch is enough for me.

Jackson’s hand caresses my breast and he rubs his thumb across my nipple. The small touch causes me to tremble.

“It’s been too long,” he groans as he lifts my shirt and presses his lips on my stomach.

He squeezes my nipple and my head falls back as I moan. It feels so good. His hands, his touch. “Jackson, we can’t.” My voice is weak and quivers with need.

“You let me worry about that, baby,” Jackson says as he kisses lower.

The feeling of his breath against my skin causes goose bumps to form everywhere he touches. It’s been so long. Far too long since I’ve had him and even this feels so good I could weep. “Please …” I trail off, unsure of what I’m pleading for.

Suddenly, I’m pulled forward as his hands grip my hips. My fingers instantly thread into his hair as he travels lower and slides my panties down agonizingly slowly. I should stop this, but it feels so good.

“I’ve missed this. I’ve missed you. I need you, Catherine.” Jackson’s voice breaks at the end.

“You have me,” I say as his finger suddenly enters me. The groan that escapes my throat is freeing. His thumb grazes my clit and I begin to shudder, his touch awakening every part of me.

“Always,” he says and I look into his eyes.

That one word causes my heart to accelerate. My need for him to take me, claim me, show me that I’m his bubbles up and grabs hold. “Prove it,” I say, surprising myself with my brazenness.

Jackson’s eyes harden as he presses his thumb against my clit, provoking a moan. “Oh, I’ll f*cking prove it. Lie down. Now,” he commands.

I remember he’s still injured and I hesitate. “Your leg and ar—”

“Get on the bed,” he cuts me off with his firm demand, leaving no room for discussion.

Trying to move carefully, I climb on the bed as apprehension fills me. I don’t want him to get hurt and I don’t want to tell him no. Jackson shifts on the bed so he’s lying on his back. He grips my leg pulling me closer to him. I gasp at the movement while his eyes fill with determination and mirth. “Climb on top of me,” he says gruffly.

I start to move slowly as worry fills me. This isn’t a good idea. He could hurt himself and the work he’s put in to get to this point would all be for naught. “I don’t think we should do this.” The words seep out as I sit on my knees debating this.

“I’m not going to break, baby,” Jackson says as he cups my cheek. “But I’m going to have you tonight. I need this just as much as you do. We’ll be careful,” he reassures, pulling my neck close to his. “If it gets to be too much we’ll stop. But I’m done talking now,” he says, and draws my lips to his.