Page 24

“No.” He rose from the couch and came toward me. Pulling me to my feet, he cupped my cheek. “Never feel ashamed over laughing. I’m just surprised. I haven’t heard a sound leave you yet. Thank you for giving that to me.”

Covering his hand against my cheek, I pushed my face into his big palm. His thumb brushed along the edge of my jaw, dipping lower to run under it.

“Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?” he asked, his voice low.

I shook my head.

“Well, you are, Ainsley.” He took a step closer. “So fucking beautiful.”

Tilting my head back, I stared up into his dark eyes. They were filled with lust, desire, and so much more. Feelings I had never seen before. Not directed toward me anyway. I had seen Jaron look at Piper like this, like she was the only who mattered in his world. Besides their daughter and unborn baby, she was. She was his life and he the same for her. I wanted that. But I had never gone out and looked for it because the guys at the center were just as broken as I was. And any of the guys who worked there had their own shit to deal with.

“Ainsley.” Cyrus’s voice was low and deep. With his hand against my cheek, he didn’t take it further.

Licking along my bottom lip, I watched as his nostrils flared. He caught the movement, a low rumble leaving from somewhere deep inside of him.

Placing my hand on his chest, I felt the beating of his heart beneath my palm. My mouth tingled, itching to feel his running along mine. To feel his tongue deep in my mouth like our moment at the deli. But that had been different. It was all for show anyway, since I had been followed. Wasn’t it? It wasn’t like he actually wanted to kiss me. Did he?

“Your move, baby.” Cyrus’s hand dipped lower, wrapping around my throat. No air was cut off as he stared deep into my eyes, but the move alone made me feel safe and protected.

I fisted his hoodie, pulling him toward me.

He lowered his mouth to mine, the kiss soft and gentle. Not like the man standing in front of me. He was rough around the edges but was kinder than I expected. It just proved you shouldn’t judge someone based on their exterior.

Although the kiss was just a peck, I breathed him in as best I could. I took his strength and power, embracing it to the point everything fell away around us.

Cyrus pulled away, placing a soft peck on my nose and then my forehead. “Let’s play one of your games.”

Blowing out a slow breath, I nodded. Lowering to my knees, I rummaged through my games before finding the one I liked playing the most.

“What’s your favorite type of game to play?”

I looked up, finding him standing only a few feet away. He was looking at the rows of movies I had on a small bookcase.

But when I looked down, I suddenly realized the position I was in. On my knees. In front of him. It looked bad. Very bad.

Jumping to my feet, I hugged the game against my chest, taking a step back.

His head whipped around. “What’s wrong?” He came toward me, but I only continued backing up. “Ainsley, stop.”

My back hit the wall, my eyes closing tight. Memories rushed through me. Painful, agonizing, downright brutal memories. They controlled and took, not giving me any sort of solace in return. One man specifically ruined my life, while the others watched or assisted. Because of him, I had nightmares. Because of him, I wasn’t the woman I once was. Because of him, I would never see my parents again. Because of him I wouldn’t be able to tell them how much I loved and missed them and how sorry I was.

“Breathe, baby.” Cyrus’s gentle voice slid through me. The game was pulled from my clutches and replaced with rough calloused hands. “Open your eyes.”

Doing as I was told; I was met by Cyrus’s handsome face. I noticed then how his nose was a little crooked. A faint light pink scar sat on his upper cheek. Maybe from being hit too hard.

“What just happened?” he asked, releasing my hands so I could answer him.

I wasn’t thinking,I signed slowly for him when really, I just wanted to rush the words out, so we could forget this ever happened in the first place.I didn’t want you wondering if I was hinting for more. I’m not ready. Not for that. Not for any of that. I like when you kiss me, but I can’t handle anything else, Cyrus. I’m sorry. Please don’t think—

Cyrus grabbed my hands, pulling me against him. He wrapped his arms around my body, hugging me tight. “I would never think that of you. I don’t know who hurt you, but you have nothing to worry about. Not when it comes to me.” He leaned back, cupping my face. “I like you, Ainsley, and I would like to take you on a date. If you’ll let me.”

I nodded.

“Also, what just happened, was not your fault. I would never hint for more. Not like that. Not when we just met. I’m sorry for making you uncomfortable and for scaring you.”

Before he could say any more, I grabbed his hoodie and threw my arms around his thick neck. I wanted to thank him for having patience with me. Sure, we only saw each other less than a handful of times so far but that was beside the point. I knew how some guys worked. I shouldn’t have assumed that Cyrus would be the same way, but I didn’t know him enough to know how he was with his partners.

“You’re welcome, pet,” he murmured, placing a soft peck on my cheek.