Page 101 of Vain

“Jesus fucking Christ, you feel like heaven.”

I grip her hips as she starts to move, praying for patience. The urge to take over is riding me hard. As much as I want to, this is her show, she’s in control. For now, at least.

“You like that, baby?”

“Yes, you feel amazing.”

She takes her time, riding me like she might never get a chance again, relishing every moment in case it’s her last. I’m about to lose my fucking mind by the time she finally picks up her pace. She throws her head back, her skin slick with sweat, her scars looking like battle armor as she comes, dragging me right over the ledge with her.

When her energy is zapped, she collapses over me, her breathing as ragged as mine.

“You look like a goddess when you take my dick like that.”

She lifts her head and grins. “A goddess, huh? Does this mean you’ll worship at my feet?”

“I’m going to worship something alright,” I say, flipping her over so that I can do just that.

Chapter Forty

MATILDA

I fall in love with the town and its residents right away. It feels like I’ve stepped into some kind of portal and all the assholes have disappeared. People seem genuinely happy to see me and overjoyed at having Aiden home, even if it is only for a visit. I’ve never had so many people offer to commit murder for me before. If I weren’t so enchanted by everyone, I think I’d be freaked out.

Cora’s name has come up several times, whispered with scorn or flat out cursed. I realize it has more to do with her hurting their prodigal son than me, but the woman made a serious error in judgment blasting us on TV. I hope it was worth it for her because once a bridge is burned, there’s no way back.

“So what do you think of Tempest?” Aiden asks as I finish my bite of caramel apple.

“Honestly, I love it here. And it’s not because people don’t know me. Obviously. We’ve been stopped a million times. But here I don’t feel like I’m swimming in a goldfish bowl. Here is like swimming in a huge tank where the other fish just don’t give a fuck.”

He laughs and points to the unoccupied bench. We weave around a couple of kids playing tag and sit down.

“Everyone loves you. I’m glad you have that.”

“I think they’re half in love with you too.”

I roll my eyes but take another bite so I don’t have to answer.

“Hey guys, having fun?” I see Wade and a stunning woman beside him, a little girl between them holding their hands.

I swallow and stand up. “Hey, Wade, it’s good to see you.”

“It’s good to see you too. Sorry to hear about all the shit you’re dealing with.”

“Wade,” hisses the woman. “Don’t bring shit up she’s probably trying to forget.”

“Woman, behave. You know I’m a straight shooter.”

“I’m gonna be shooting something in a damn minute. I’m so sorry, ignore my husband. He suffers from foot-in-mouth syndrome. I’m Olivia, Wade’s wife, and this little terror is our daughter, Mia.”

“Hi, Mia.” I wave at the girl hiding behind her dad’s leg. “It’s nice to meet you, Olivia.”

“Trust me, the pleasure’s all mine. I was so damn jealous when Wade said he got to meet you.”

I laugh and shake my head. “You were not missing much, trust me. It was a flying visit and we had to deal with Cora.”

She scowls. “That woman is a piece of work. I’m trying to convince Wade to arrest her.”

He pinches the bridge of his nose. “I can’t arrest her for going on a talk show.”