Page 27

I had no idea that even being in a kneeling position would conjure up images from whatever it was that she went through. It wasn’t something I would do and definitely not until she let me.

Giving Ainsley some reprieve, I stopped tickling her.

She wiped under her eyes, a huge smile on her face.

Her shirt was wrinkled and out of place, her hair was a mess around her head but fuck me, she was stunning.

Thank you,she signed, mouthing the words at the same time.

I kissed the spot by her ear. “You’re welcome, baby.”

Stepping away from her, I mentally patted myself on the back when I saw the shiver rippling through her.

Heading to the couch, I picked up a controller and moved through the game until I came to the two-player option.

Ainsley joined me, gently nudging me in the shoulder.

I smiled down at her, wrapped an arm around her middle, and pulled her against me.

She sighed, her body relaxing at my touch.

We played like that for hours. She kicked my ass most times but to be fair, I hadn’t played a video game in years.

Eventually, Ainsley started yawning. I realized then that it was pushing almost four in the morning. I turned off the game and went to pick her up from the couch when she jumped away from me.

“I’m just going to put you to bed. Did you want to walk instead?” I asked her gently.

She nodded, chewing her bottom lip.

Holding out my hand, I waited. This was all her. I made my first move by kissing her. It was her turn to make the second by giving me even a small sliver of her trust.

She tentatively placed her hand in mine, letting me help her to her feet. I kissed the back of her knuckles.

“I just wanted to thank you for tonight, pet,” I murmured.

Ainsley pulled her hand from mine and cupped my cheek.Thank you.

When she disappeared down the hall, the sound of her door shutting a moment later made me release a breath I didn’t realize I had been holding this whole time.

I had a lot of work cut out for me when it came to earning her trust but it was something I strived for.

I was going to head home but after having a couple glasses of wine, I decided to stay and sleep on her couch. I didn’t want to overstay my welcome, but I also wanted to be safe.

Quietly closing the door behind me, I made my way back out to the living room.

Turning off the light, I laid on the couch, sent Ainsley a text that I was still there so she wouldn’t be startled in the morning. I also texted Sammy, letting him know that I wasn’t coming home. Like usual, he was still up and made some remark about me finally getting laid. I only rolled my eyes and didn’t respond.

I made a mental note to talk to him about the way he had been looking at her the first time we met. It didn’t make sense, but I couldn’t dwell on it. Tonight, had been the best night I’d ever had with a woman. Especially one I hadn’t slept with. As much as I wanted her, I meant what I said when I told her I wouldn’t pressure her.

This was Ainsley’s show. She was in control.

Whenever she gave the go-ahead, I would be there.

Ready and willing and I would show her that not all men are monsters.

Cyrus

“Sammy! Sammy! Whereareyou? Cyrus, where’s your brother?”