Page 37 of Scars of Silk

“You are so controlled all the time. But then…” I let my words trail off and she blushes.

“Do you think I’m perverted?”

“No. I think you're fucking hot.”

A small smile curves her lips. “It’s a fucked-up daddy complex.”

My eyes widen. I can’t control my expression, but she laughs and runs that hand along my face again.

“Not like that. My father runs our house like it’s a small army. I guess I learned young that…”

“That...?”

“That I could take that control and give it to whoever I pleased.”

I wince as her words punch my stomach. “Lots of others?”

She giggles and hides her face again. “No. Not that many.” When she looks up, her eyes flash with a question, but whatever it is she quickly stores it away.

“So what happens now?”

She tilts her head to the side. “The room is ours for the night. And I guess I’ve just told you it’s up to you what happens in here.” Her cheeks flame, but she stares me straight in the eye, her chin raised.

“Then I want to taste you.”

“You do?” An eyebrow quirks.

“Hell yes. But right now, I’ve got to get off this chair without losing my cred and crying in pain.”

Surprising me, she bursts out into loud laughter and wraps her arms around me tight. “How about I help you with that?”

This woman isn’t for real. And I’m pretty damn sure she’s not supposed to be mine.

Ten

Sienna

I don’t think there has ever been a time when I’ve snuggled into a man’s chest before. Or maybe it’s just been so damn long I’ve forgotten.

“What are you thinking?” I hold in a shiver as his lips brush my hair.

What am I thinking? Nothing sane, that’s for sure. I’m thinking this is nice—I mean nice? Hello… I’m wondering why this man wants to hurt himself and questioning why he isn’t talking to those who love him and would help. I’m wondering why this seems to be a recurring event in my life. Loving and losing, brutality and defeat.

“I’m thinking.” Licking my lips, I pause. I don’t even know how to articulate all the many thoughts I have. “Not much.”

“You lie.” He chuckles and shifts his body beneath mine.

“I’m thinking I’ll ache tomorrow.” I snort a laugh and hide my face against his chest, trying to hide the red tinge stinging my cheeks.

“More than me? Now don’t go stealing my thunder, darling.”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’d hate for you not to be wallowing in your injuries.”

He rolls us, hiding any pain he might feel, trapping me within the cage of his arms. “What injuries?”

His warm brown eyes smile down, and I lift a hand to run it through the sandy, shaggy lengths. I cock an eyebrow. “None I can see.”

His lips hover over mine, close enough I can taste us on his breath. “Why were you crying?”