Page 67

Felix Greyson

Three Months Later

Aurora sits on the edge of our bed, her long, black hair cascading over her back. It’s been three months since she woke up from that goddamn coma, and I’m still amazed at how she’s managed to push through the pain without even taking a single painkiller. That woman has strength like no other.

“Feeling better today?” I ask, trying to keep the concern out of my voice. I don’t want her to think I’m weak.

“Yeah,” she replies softly, rubbing her wrist where one of her many tattoos hides the old scars from her past. “I feel stronger every day.”

I can’t help but feel relieved. I expected her to be more messed up in the head after everything she went through, but somehow, she seems better than before she was kidnapped. How the hell does that work?

“Hey…” she looks up at me with those dark eyes, “… you know, I think my demons aren’t so bad now that I know they’re dead and can’t hurt me anymore.”

I nod, my heart heavy with the weight of what she’s been through. The monsters that haunted her nightmares are gone, their charred remains obliterated by the cleanup crew. I can’t bring myself to tell her about the discovery of her parents’ bodies in the milking building, hoping she won’t mention it and force me to relive that gruesome scene. The thought alone sends shivers down my spine.

“Good,” I say gruffly, clenching my fists. “You deserve some fucking peace, Aurora. You’ve been through enough shit.”

“Thanks, Felix.” She smiles at me, and I feel a warmth spreading through my chest. It isn’t often I get to see her smile, and I’ll do anything to protect it.

“Anytime, babe,” I reply, wrapping my arm around her shoulders and pulling her close. My dick twitches at her closeness, and my body burns with desire, a primal need I’ve been fighting for months. Four fucking months without touching Aurora, and it’s eating me alive. But I can’t bring myself to go there, not with her still healing. The thought of hurting her again claws at my insides, making me sick.

I come home after a job.

No more bringing that shit back here—now I keep it in the warehouse. This place is just for us, away from the violence and blood. I need it to be safe for her. I walk through the door, tired but wound tight, muscles aching for release.

“Hey,” she says softly, looking up from the book she’s reading. Her dark eyes meet mine, and my heart clenches. She’s so fucking beautiful, it hurts.

“Hey.” I grunt, forcing a smile. “How was your day?”

“Good. Wrote a few chapters,” she replies, setting her book aside. I’m so proud of her. She’s always pushing, even when it’s hard. I nod, impressed.

“Nice work, babe.” My voice is low and rough, trying to suppress the yearning that howls within. I strip off my clothes, feeling her eyes on me—heavy like an invisible touch. Her gaze sets my skin on fire and makes me want things I can’t have yet.

“Come to bed,” she whispers, her voice soft and inviting. It’s a siren’s call, dragging me closer. I crawl into bed beside her, the sheets cool against my overheated skin. I wrap my arms around her, careful not to put too much pressure on her still-healing body. She sighs, leaning into me, and I breathe in her scent.

“Missed you,” she murmurs, her breath tickling my chest. My heart swells, threatening to burst from my ribcage.

“Missed you, too, darling,” I choke out, fighting the urge to pull her closer and claim her in every way possible. But I can’t, not yet. Not until she’s ready. Not until I know I won’t hurt her again. So, I gently hold her like she’s the most precious thing in the world.

Aurora’s eyes flash with determination, her long, black hair fanned out like a dark halo around her head. She rolls us, straddling me, and I stiffen beneath her. Dammit, it’s impossible not to react to her touch.

“Tell me,” she demands, her hands gliding down mychest, tracing the contours of my muscles. “Why don’t you touch me anymore?”

“Darling, I can’t bear the thought of hurting you,” I admit, clenching my jaw. My fucking heart aches just thinking about it.

“Love can be painful, Felix,” she says softly, her dark eyes searching mine. “But I trust you. Don’t you trust yourself?”

I swallow hard, my throat tight. Trust? Hell, there is no trust when it comes to this shit. Not for me, anyway.

“Look at me,” she urges, one hand drifting up to cup her breast, her thumb brushing against her nipple. “I need you.”

My dick twitches, straining against my boxers. Fuck, she’s tempting me, making it harder to resist. But the thought of causing her more pain after everything she’s been through is too much.

“Dammit, Aurora, I can’t!” I growl out, trying to look away. But she grabs my chin, forcing me to meet her gaze.

“Then let me show you,” she insists, a fire in her eyes that won’t be extinguished. “Let me prove to you that we can find pleasure together.”

I watch as Aurora’s hands continue their exploration, the sight making my heart race. She slides her fingers lower, teasing her clit with slow circles before finally reaching her core. My breath hitches at the sight.