Read Online Warped by Alicia Taylor - Free Book Online Page B

But I can’t. I hold her tightly as she cries and she doesn’t realise how much it fucking cuts me deep to see her like this, to know I’m the cause of her pain.
    I thought she was going to say it then, what I’ve been waiting to hear. Three little fucking measly words that I can’t wait to hear from her sweet lips. I know it’s hard for her now, especially after Leona’s kiss but I want them so bad. I feel like a fucking bitch for needing them so much.
    “Beauty, you don’t need to say it. You’re not ready. I already know how you feel,” I say into her hair. She lifts her head away from my neck to look up at me.
    She looks lost. My beautiful Ella is hurting and confused. I wish she’d just tell me what’s going through that mind of hers. Just hit me or shout until she can really forgive me for what she saw. Her stunning emerald eyes are red rimmed and puffy. Her cute button nose is running. She looks fucking breathtaking no matter what state she’s in. 
    “I love you.” I whisper, hoping she can hear the truth in my words. Sweeping the hair out of her face, I tuck it behind her ears. “What do you need, beauty?”
    “You. Just you. Damon, can you... just hold... me?” she asks in a small voice. It makes me fucking bleed to know she thinks she has to ask something like that of me.
    “Always.” I scoop her up into my arms and carry her to the lounge. We lie down on the sofa where I pull her close to me, tucking her against me.
    Those fucking emerald eyes captivate me. I can’t look away when she looks at me like this. I have to keep that connection open. Her eyes say more than any I love you’s could. They express to me that it’s not only me that feels what we share. They let me know that she’s mine.
    It doesn’t take long before her eyes flutter shut and stay that way. I don’t stop looking at her. I just enjoy having her in my arms. I don’t want to lose her, I fucking can’t lose her. When she finds out about my past she’s going to want to run. I need to make sure I have enough hold on her to catch her.
    When her breathing evens out and becomes steady, I lift her up and walk upstairs, careful not to jar her awake. I don’t give a shit about anything other than holding my girl.
    As long as I have this connection I don’t need anything else.
    Laying her on the bed and stripping her clothes off, I try my best not to wake her. She stirs slightly but I’m too much of a selfish bastard, I need her naked flesh against mine, her warmth soaking into my frozen heart. Only Ella has been able to thaw my heart and soul.
    She’s the fucking sun in my life.
    Quickly undressing, I slip into bed, pulling my beauty against me. Fucking heaven. I breathe her in as I drift off into a dreamless sleep.   
     

 
    CHAPTER TWELVE
    JUNE 18 TH 2014
     
    Walking down the stairs, I place my bag on the table and head towards Damon's office. He’s working from home today and I have arranged to have lunch with Tom so I’m not a distraction for him. And so I can make him jealous. It seems that Damon is easily distracted when I’m near. Truthfully, he has the same effect on me. I lose all train of thought whenever he’s close.
    That’s a problem. It shouldn’t be like this.
    Last night was a good night. The things he said to Leona made me relax a little, and gave me more doubts. Am I doing the right thing? Do I have all my facts straight? Damon doesn’t seem to be playing a game. What if I still have everything wrong? I need to get my head sorted and really think clearly about my options.
    Walking up to his office, I find the door open and peek my head inside. Damon is on the phone and it sounds like business, so I turn to leave but he calls my name, beckoning me to him.
    Crossing the threshold, I take him in and he does the same to me. He’s wearing workout shorts and nothing else. His hair is damp and his body is glistening with sweat. The plains of his muscles flex as he shifts position. My eyes dart to