Page 62 of Devious Corruption

I should have been gentler.

Who am I kidding; I’ve never been a soft lover. None of the women I’ve fucked have ever wanted anything than the monster I am.

I run a washcloth under warm water and ring it out. I’ll clean her up, and tuck her in. It’s the middle of the night, and she’s had one hell of a night.

When I return to the bedroom, she’s lying on her side with her cat curled up beside her. Max scratches the cat’s ears. The purring this thing does is loud; I can hear it as soon as I step into the room.

Max notices me and her gaze moves to the damp washcloth.

“Thanks.” She reaches out for it, but I shake my head.

The cat looks up at me and I flick my chin indicating I want her to move. She narrows her eyes and takes her time, but she gets up and jumps over Maxine to lay on the other side of her.

“I don’t understand how she listens to you.” Maxine rolls to her back while pulling the torn sweatshirt together.

For a moment, I think she’s going to let me clean her without any argument, but she’s only turned so she can reach the damn cat again.

When I sit on the bed beside her, Maxine pins her knees together and puts her hand out.

“I can do it.”

“Just because you can doesn’t mean you’re allowed.”

Her eyes ignite. “Allowed?”

I put my hand on her knee. “Spread your legs so I can clean you. It was your first time, and I wasn’t gentle. I want to be sure you’re allright.”

A blush covers her from her neck all the way up to her ears. “I’m fine.”

I remain steadfast, settling a firm stare on her so she understands I’m not fucking around here. I don’t negotiate.

With a heavy sigh and an exaggerated eyeball she lets her knees fall to the sides. “Fine.”

It’s full of attitude, but we’re making progress, so I let it go.

Marion jumps onto Maxine’s chest as I wipe the washcloth over Maxine. “You’re not hurting?”

“Oh, god. We don’t have to talk about it.”

“It was your first time; it won’t hurt as much next time.”

“I know that. Just because I never had sex before tonight doesn’t mean I don’t know anything about sex.” She snaps her legs back together as soon as I lift the washcloth away.

She eyes the smears of blood on the cloth, her cheeks reddening a deeper shade.

“I never had a boyfriend long enough to get to the point— never mind.”

How this woman could have gotten this far without a man devouring her, is something I can’t understand. Aside from the fact that she’s gorgeous, she’s strong, independent, and full of fire. All of which has helped her survive up until now.

She sits up, cradling Marion in her lap, and swings her legs around me and over the side of the bed. “This is yourroom, Lev. I can’t take it. Let me use one of the other rooms.”

Tingling builds in my sinus. I clear my throat, getting up from the bed and moving to the other side of the room hoping it will pass. A few deep breaths, and I manage to tamp it down.

“You’re staying here.” I lean against the dresser as my phone starts vibrating in my back pocket.

“I don’t?—”

“No arguing. Enough arguing. You’re staying here.” I grab my phone and swipe open the notifications.