When You're Mine (MINE #3)(41)

Barrett jolted, his body tensing all over. Confusion danced in his eyes before desire eventually found its way there, and his hands found my face. He pushed me back, my ass settling on the heels of my feet. “What the hell are you doing?” he asked, his deep voice shivered with sleep and ice.

I searched his eyes, seeking a look, a flicker, something that would tell me he still loved me, he still wanted me.

Nothing.

“Barrett, I…”

“You what? You think we can f*ck and everything will be ok? That I’ll just fall back into your arms, into your life, only for you to kick me out or walk away when you get scared or shit gets real?”

Barrett’s hand wrapped around the back of my neck. Firm fingers grazing across my skin stoked the fire inside of my chest. I pressed forward, bringing my lips within inches of his. “I’ve realized what we have is more important to me than my fear. Please… please give me another chance.”

Then I saw it, buried beneath his broken heart.

Love.

I didn’t hesitate, closing the tiny gap between us. I pressed my lips to his, my strong love and desire feeding me the courage I needed to fight. Barrett remained motionless, sucking in a lungful of air through his nose while I tried to gain entry inside his mouth, inside of his heart. My own heart soared when my tongue finally met his and I melted into him, wrapping my arms around his shoulders and pulling him closer. His hands dropped to my hips, digging into my silk covered skin.

Just as quick as it began, it was over. Gently, but with two firm hands to my shoulders, Barrett pushed me away.

And it hurt like hell.

“I can’t,” he breathed, his chest heaving in time with mine.

Tears ran hot down my cheeks. I swallowed hard and pressed on. “Barrett, please. I’ll do whatever it takes,” I whispered.

He simply shook his head and shot up from the sofa. Rounding it, he went to the bathroom and slammed the door. I saw it in his eyes. He still loved me.

But was it enough?





Three essentials to happiness in life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.

~ Joseph Addison





Coffee in hand, I sat on Tabitha’s back porch, watching as dawn crept across the sky. After what happened earlier, I couldn’t go back to sleep. I thought about leaving. Had my keys and wallet in my hand when I decided to think some more. The battle had been ongoing for a while now.

Head vs. Heart.

I’d forgiven her for breaking my heart. But I wasn’t fool enough to let her do it again. I’d accepted the fact that this was all we would ever be. I’d accepted the fact that I would have to love her from afar because I knew my heart could never trust her again. But I’d been wrong.

So f*cking wrong.

My heart was well on its way to unlocking the door, again. What’s the old saying… third time’s a charm?

This might kill me.

Or…

Heal me.

Movement caught my eye and I twisted my head to see her step out onto the front porch. She had on a silk robe, cinched tight at the waist. Her flaming red hair hung messy and long. Those gorgeous green eyes were still half hidden with sleep. She stared at me for a moment, blinking a few times as if she didn’t believe I was still here, before walking to the rail to look out over the lake. Her hand moved to cover her belly and I saw a lone tear slide down her cheek. “I have so many regrets,” she said, swiping another runaway tear. “I’ve done things I’m not proud of. Selfish, careless things. I know I don’t deserve a man like you. I don’t deserve your love. But I need it, Barrett. I need you to love me.” One hand clutched her chest while the other stifled a sob.

My heart to immediately surrendered, content to give our love one more chance. I placed my cup on the table next to me and moved in behind her. She turned around slowly. A knot tangled in the back of my throat. Then a light so beautiful and bright shone, through her tear filled eyes. It was more powerful than anything I’d ever felt or seen, warming me in places I never knew even existed, burying a love deep within my soul. I took her lips. So perfect and sweet, these lips had the ability to make me laugh or make me cry. They held the power to destroy me, heal me, or bring me to my f*cking knees.

I walked us backwards, unknotting the silk holding her robe in place. I released her mouth, pushing the robe from her shoulders before taking a seat in the rocking chair behind me. My hands fell to her calves while heavy pants escaped her quivering mouth. Gliding my hands up, I found her panties, slowly sliding them down her legs. She stepped out while my fingers traveled across goose bumps on their way back up to her hips. I guided her down to my lap, settling her bent knees on either side of my thighs, straddling me. Her hands wove through my hair, bringing us eye to eye. Greedy hands roamed the soft skin of her ass, pressing her against me while my beating heart screamed for just one thing.

I laid a kiss on her chest then her lips. “Make me yours, baby.”

A smile appeared on her perfect lips and I stole it, sealing my mouth to hers. She fumbled between us, freeing me, and before I had time to catch my breath… I was inside of her. “I love you,” she whispered, her eyes focused on mine as those three powerful words dug their way down deep, signing a promise across my heart.

She began to rock back and forth, and so did the rocker. I slid the straps of her gown from her shoulders, exposing her breasts. I took her nipple inside my mouth, licking and sucking while I cupped both of her heavy breasts. I switched, her * wrapped around me so hot and tight, it was burning a hole in my chest. I took back her mouth, wrapping one arm around her waist, I held her in place. I rocked back and forth. Slow and steady, feeling and filling every single inch of her.