Throttle Me (Men of Inked, #1)(41)

“Sugar,” I reached for her chin, drawing her shadowed eyes toward my face. “That’s not needy. Needy and clingy is if you’re up my ass all day and want to know my every move. Needy is when you show up at my house all hours of the night and at the shop during the day.” I shook my head and smirked at her. “You’re not needy. Wipe that shit from your mind.”

“If you say so. It’s just a new feeling for me. If I overstep or act like a crazy person, please tell me.” The worry in her eyes began to ease.

“Deal.” I kissed her forehead lingering over the soft flesh with my lips.

“What was your longest relationship?” I asked. I hadn’t been the pillar of normal relationship behavior since I lost Joni, but I had an inkling that she had been just as unlucky in love as I had been.

“Four months,” she whispered.

“Did you love him?”

“I think I loved him, but a week after I said those words to him, he left me. He’s the only man I’ve ever said that to – he broke my heart.” I rubbed my hand up her arms to soothe her while she spoke. “I’ve never really allowed myself to get that close to anyone after that. It was during my freshman year in college and after that breakup, I just spent my time studying and avoiding anything that felt like it could lead to a relationship.” She yawned and burrowed her body a little closer to mine.

“I understand heartbreak and wanting to guard your heart from the pain. I’ve lived it for more years than I’d like to admit.” I pulled her closer, leaving no space between us. “Let’s just take this slow. It’s best for both of us.”

“Slow,” she said, as she reached up and rubbed my face. I pulled her hand back to my chest and held it against my heart.

I could hear her breathing change as sleep took her. I closed my eyes, content and happy for the first time since Joni had last slept in my arms, I look forward to what tomorrow held.





Tattoos and Torment



“How’d it go with Mr. Piercings?” Sophia chuckled in the phone as I chewed my bagel.

“He gave me a little going away present this morning before he headed home to change.” I chomped down, letting the cream cheese slide across my tongue.

“Ooo, someone had a sleepover. I liked him, Suz. He looks badass, but I can see a kind heart underneath. Reminds me a bit of Kayden, but I hope without the other bullshit.”

I swallowed down the dry leftover bagel. “I almost messed everything up with him, Sophia.” I grabbed the glass of milk off the counter, taking a sip, while I waited for her to scream at me.

“Are you f*cking crazy? Why in the hell would you do that? What happened?” she yelled, her shrill voice causing my ear to throb.

“I just didn’t see us going anywhere and I didn’t want to get too attached to him. I ignored him yesterday and ended up going on a date with Derek instead.”

“Derek? What the f*ck, Suzy? You know that guy gives me the creeps.”

I sighed as I leaned against the counter, wanting to smash my head into the gray Formica for being so stupid. “I know. I just wanted to forget City – epic disaster that I’ll tell you about someday. Anyway, City came to my rescue and took me home.”

“Well thank Christ for small miracles.”

“He asked me to be his girlfriend, Sophia. Can you believe that?”

“I do. You’re an amazing girl, little mama. Any man would be lucky to have you as his woman. City was smart enough to realize it. Kayden was the same way with me, but his hard exterior melted. Sometimes you just have to roll with it to get to the good stuff. Nothing in life is risk free, Suzy.”

“I know, Sophia. My entire body vibrates when I’m around him and my stomach fills with butterflies. I’ve never felt that way with anyone and it scares the crap out of me. I tried to push him away, but he didn’t let me.”

“You must have some fine shit.”

I choked on my milk and it started to come out my nose as I wiped my face. “What in the heck are you talking about, woman?”

“Well, you tried to get rid of him and I know you usually hold true to your plan, so I know you didn’t relent first and he came to you. Most guys would just say f*ck that and walk away without looking back, but you must have something special that made him come back for more. Huh, who knew?” she giggled.

“Shut it, whore. We had a long talk about relationships and love when he brought me home. He’s been hurt before and hasn’t had a real girlfriend in years.”

“We’ve all been hurt before. It’s part of love. If you never hurt, then you’ve never truly been in love before, Suzy. What happened to him?”

“His fiancé died,” I said, putting my cup in the dishwasher. I leaned against the counter and rested the phone against my shoulder.

“Wow, that’s horrible. I couldn’t image losing Kayden. I’d be a complete and total mess. I don’t know if I’d love anyone the way I love him. I couldn’t allow myself to love anyone that way again if he was ripped from my life.”

“Yeah, I just wonder if he’ll be able to make room in his heart for me. I’ll always be competing with her for his love, I’m afraid.”

“It’s not a competition, sweetheart. There’s room for both of you. He’s taking a risk with you – just give him time to deal with his feelings. Don’t rush into the ‘L’ word.”