Forever You're Mine (MINE #4)(34)

Things were falling into place. The only thing that would make me happier would be if Winston were home. He seemed better last week when I went to visit, but he’s still not convinced he’ll ever be free, leaving me to question it as well. I took Cannon inside with me so he could meet my brother, and Winston was polite enough, but I could see the pain in his eyes each time they caught mine. He wished things were different.

We all did.

The heat was stifling, making it impossible to be outside for long periods of time. Maybe a swim would cool me off. Memories flooded my senses as I walked down the hill towards the deck, the smell of honeysuckle and pine accompanied by a night filled with desire and passion. I smiled, thinking about the bruises that still painted my back, but God it was worth it. He made love to me right here under the stars just a few days ago. By far, one of the best nights of my life.

The afternoon sun bathed me in all its scorching glory, as I shimmied out of my shorts and stripped off my top. I debated whether to go back in and change into my suit or embrace my newfound independence with arms wide open. A thrill ran down my spine as I slipped off my panties and unsnapped the front clasp of my bra.

With a running start, I dove in head first. The sun had warmed the top layer but the shaded spots were nice and cool. I backstroked lazily around the lake, enjoying the serene sounds and tranquility it offered.

“What the f*ck, Cora?”

A scream ripped from my throat and my heart sank to my stomach as I spun around quickly, coming face to face with an extremely angry Cannon. “How did you sneak up on me like that? I never even heard you.”

“Why the hell are you naked?” he asked, swimming toward me as I as swam away.

Why is he looking at me like that?

I raised a brow and looked around at the hundreds of trees surrounding the lake. “Relax, I don’t think anyone can see me, babe. Besides, what are you doing here anyway? I thought you had a session today?”

Cannon had started seeing a therapist designated by the VA. At first he didn’t want to do it, said it hurt too much, but it was getting easier for him. I couldn’t imagine what he had to relive during those sessions. Well, I could. But I’m pretty sure it was nowhere near the reality he once faced.

“Doc was sick today.”

“Oh.”

His jaw ticked mercilessly as he began swimming towards me. “Why are you so upset?” I asked, moving further away. The hard look on his face made my skin prickle with anticipation.

And fear.

“For starters, my woman is outside in the middle of the goddamn day, where anyone can see, showing the whole f*cking world what’s mine. When I catch you, I’m lightin’ your ass on fire.”

I struck out, thinking I could swim faster than him. But he was quick. Scary quick. “Ahhhh,” I yelled as he grabbed me by my ankle and pulled me towards him.

“Wrap your legs around me,” he demanded but it wasn’t sexy or hot. He was pissed. “Do it now or I swear you’ll get it far worse than I’m already gonna give you.” I did what I was told and with a clenched jaw, he swam us back to the bank and marched out of the water. I went to unlock my legs, but he smacked my bare, wet ass.

Twice.

Hard.

The sound echoed off the water and trees, rippling down my spine. “You f*ckin’ stay put.” The way he was talking to me absolutely should not turn me on, but God help me it did.

I wanted to slap him and f*ck him all at once.

How’s that even possible?

He stalked toward the house. One arm banded diagonal across my back, he cupped my neck and with his other he cradled my ass. I could feel the rage vibrating around me. “Why are you so upset?”

“You know why.”

My blood simmered, but I kept my voice calm, trying my best to understand what it was exactly I did wrong. “Cannon, I live in the middle of nowhere. Who the hell is gonna see me out here? The trees?” I wrapped my arms tighter around his shoulders and held his eyes as he stepped up onto the porch. “And as memory serves, we were both naked in that very same water just the other night.”

His hands gripped the skin of my ass hard and squeezed. “When I got here, the guy from the electric company was doing his meter check. The * was standing right there watching you with a goddamn hard on.” He nodded towards the side of the house, his nose flaring in disgust. It was awkward to be wrapped in his arms when he was this angry.

Humiliation burned both of my cheeks. “Shit, I didn’t think. I…”

“Let go,” he said abruptly as we made it inside.

I unlocked my legs, dropping them to the floor. His underwear was soaked. He slid them down his legs into a sopping mess on the hardwood floor. His cock was hard and thick, pointing right at me like an angry sword.

I collected a few steps back, hoping he didn’t intend to f*ck me while he was this mad. Then again, I kind of hoped for it. Fear trickled up my spine and I had to swallow against the overwhelming assault. His hand caught my wrist, jerking me forward to collide with his hard chest before spinning me around. His front molding to my back as one arm wrapped around my chest, while his other hand fell between my legs.

Oh God.

His mouth found my ear, while his seeking fingers glided back and forth through my wet slit. “Mine.” He growled and the heat of his breath and the claim made me even wetter. A finger twisted my left nipple. “All f*ckin’ mine.” Then he palmed my full breast before filling me with two fingers.