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CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

S omething has happened.

I’m not sure what. I go over the whole dinner, what led up to it, and even when we left. Everything was so breathtaking and perfect. I have never experienced such a well-thought-out date or outing, and my mom is way over the top. She always spoiled me and gave me a good time, but Thatcher thought of every detail. He showed me everything he intended to, and now I am ready to show him how much it means to me. The first time we slept together was so hot, so desperate, and everything I could have wanted.

I wanted intimacy with him, and he provided me with it in spades. He has made me feel so treasured, and I know it’s bound to get even better. While I wish we hadn’t lost those three years, he’s right—we needed them. As tight-knit as our family is, the bonds of friends, family, and more were always super tangled. As I think back on my life with Thatcher, I can remember so many times one of us could have taken things further. How one would get annoyed with the other for not acting as if we were in a relationship, even though we never were. We allowed the lines to get entirely too blurred.

Until he crossed the line fully, but he didn’t bring me across it with him. He just freaked out, unloaded on me without communicating how he felt or that he wanted me.

I had no clue how deeply he felt for me, but now that I do, I won’t allow any more lines.

We are no longer just best friends; we are more. So much more.

So why has Thatcher gone radio silent on me?

I chance a glance over at him in the car, and his whole upper body is taut. His knuckles are white as he shifts and holds the steering wheel. His shoulders are back, the fabric straining against his large muscles, leaving me not only a bit hot at the sight but also completely confused.

What in the world changed?

“Did something happen with the call? Was that Olive?” I mention, speaking of the GM of the IceCats. I cross my legs so that the slit of the dress parts. I know he likes the peek of my thigh. He’s been staring at it every chance he gets. I’m pretty sure that’s why he bought me the dress.

I watch as he drags his eyes up my legs and then how he squirms in his seat, adjusting himself. I want to smile to myself, but I’m worried he’s second-guessing us. But why would he? That has to be in my head. But my brain is an idiot; she never caught on to the fact that he was in love with me for years.

He clears his throat. “Yeah, but no big deal. I’m being fined for the time off I took.”

My brows furrow deeply. “It doesn’t fall under FMLA?”

“It might. I have Eli on it.”

“Good. I’m sure he’ll know how to handle it.”

“If not, I’ll pay it. I don’t care,” he says, and then he slides his hand along my thigh, squeezing my warm flesh. “You two are worth it.”

See, brain? You’re dumb.

A satisfied smile pulls at my lips as I say, “Still, I’m sorry that everything got in the way of your career.”

“It’s a career, Audrina,” he says gruffly. “You and Arwen are my life.”

I press my lips together, my heart skipping a few beats before she steadies herself for the next swoon-worthy comment I’m sure he’ll throw my way. “I guess you don’t regret everything, then.”

He flashes me a dark look. “Why the hell would you say that?”

“You’ve gone quiet,” I point out, and he takes a deep breath, his fingers biting into my thigh as he pulls up in front of the house.

He puts the Spider in park and then exhales hard and long. I watch as his throat works, and he looks up at the house before he says, “I’m in my head.”

“About?”

“If I should take you upstairs to show you in more than one way how entirely I own your pussy,” he says, sending heat straight to said pussy. “Or if I should just walk you to your room and kiss you goodnight.”

I blink. “Why is the latter even an option?”

He looks at me, and why is he stressing over this? I can see it in his eyes, the downturn of his sweet mouth. I can’t help but smirk at him, but he doesn’t return it. “I don’t want you to think I expect sex after all the dazzling I just did.”

I snort. “You think mighty highly of yourself.”

He eyes me, knowing damn well he did dazzle me. “So, that wasn’t the best date of your life?”

We lock gazes. “The only one that matters.” He shoots me a wide grin, and I’m breathless at the possessiveness in his eyes. Needing him to continue looking at me like that, I ask, “Do you want to have sex with me?”

He groans, shifting in his seat once again. He drops his head to the steering wheel and grinds out, “More than I want to take my next breath.”

I nod, and then I throw the door open. He snaps his head up at that, gaping after me as I shut the door. I almost laugh at his shocked expression as I saunter toward the front door. I have way too much sway in my ass, but I want there to be no doubt what my intentions are. Just as I reach the front door, I hear the car door slam before he hauls ass up the steps. I don’t slow my ascent. If anything, I speed up, and I’m already climbing the staircase when I hear the front door close.

“Taking off on me again?”

I look over my shoulder as I hit the landing, finding him at the bottom of the stairs with an unholy smirk on his face. “Maybe.”

I start for my room as he makes his way up the stairs, undoing his coat and then his cuff links. “Remember what happened last time?”

I smirk as I call out, “Sure, but it took you three years to find me.”

Just then, he cages me in his arms, pulling me tight into his body. His lips come to my ear, and he nuzzles his nose against my hair before he says, “Three years too long. But I caught you, didn’t I?” I’m unable to speak, so I nod. “That’s right, I did.” I cry out when he takes hold of the sides of the slit and tears the dress to my waist. My cry of shock turns into a needy moan when he cups my burning-hot center in his big hand.

He groans in my ear, pressing the heel of his hand into my clit before he murmurs, “Because I will always find you, Audrina.” I let out a porn-worthy moan, but nothing compares to the noise I make when he pulls aside the lace that covers my pussy to slide his finger into my slickness. We both groan at how easily his fingers enter me with one go. “So fucking wet because you are all mine, aren’t you?”

“Yes, please, moy . Please.”

He sinks his teeth into my neck as he groans loudly. “You naughty girl, trying to make me blow with that one word.” He licks the spot he bit. “I am yours, aren’t I? Only yours.”

“ Moy !” I cry out in agreement as he starts to stroke my clit with his other hand as he slowly fucks me with his fingers.

“Hold the banister, dushen’ka .” I do as he asks, arching my ass into his groin as he peppers my neck with kisses and continues to fuck my pussy with his thick fingers. “You’re going to come quick for me, aren’t you?” he groans against my neck. “You know what it does to me that no man has touched you in over three years. That I’m the last man to ever know how sweet this pussy is. That this pussy is all fucking mine.” He adds pressure to my clit, and my body burns with desire.

“Please!” I scream just as he squeezes my clit between his fingers, releasing a dirty chuckle against my neck.

“ Moy is right,” he murmurs as he works me like I’m the hockey stick he’s about to score with. “You’re all fucking mine.”

His possessiveness drives me over the edge, and I come so fucking hard I see stars behind my lids. I lean into him as he draws out my pleasure, stroking my entrance as he kisses up my jaw. I’m gasping for breath just as he is, while my body is vibrating with the need for more. I can feel his thick cock against my ass, throbbing, and I know it’s probably leaking just for me. I turn my head, and our mouths meet instantly, in a bruising kiss that I hope to feel forever. His tongue plays with mine, his fingers entering me again until I rise up on my toes, whimpering against his lips.

He pulls away only a breath to meet my gaze, pupils blown and lids heavy. My mouth quirks and I ask, “Still thinking of only kissing me goodnight?”

“Not a fucking chance.”