My skin prickles at his words and I head for the bathroom, his next words stopping me.
“And don’t bother with that.”
I glance over my shoulder. “With what?”
“Whatever is in your hand. I want you completely naked when you come to bed.”
“I thought it was my birthday.”
“It’s mine too,” he says with a selfish smile. “But don’t worry. You’ll benefit from my wishes. Trust me.”
If I only could trust him, is what I want to say.
But I don’t.
Thirty-Two
Whit
Seeing Summer sitting at the family table when I entered the room with Leticia by my side had shocked me. She was the last person I expected to be there. Though I should’ve known. I love my sister, but she’s a secret schemer. She knew bringing Summer Savage for Thanksgiving break would tilt the entire family on its axis.
Mother is beside herself at having to host the daughter of her ex-husband’s mistress for a week. Father is most likely interested in getting in Summer’s pants. He already conquered the mother, why not conquer the daughter too? I know how he thinks. We’re similar, him and me.
I won’t let that happen.
And then there’s me.
My earlier interactions with Summer at school had set me on edge. Made me angry. I’d fully planned on demanding Leticia give me a blow job tonight. I wanted her to prove she wants to be with me. She’s agreeable, but we haven’t done much beyond share an occasional kiss, and that was a while ago.
I wouldn’t have fucked her. Not yet. But I would’ve probably imagined Summer’s lips wrapped tight around my dick the entire time I was with Leticia.
Jesus, I have issues. All of them stem from my need for Summer.
Didn’t have to demand a blow job from Leticia tonight though. Seeing Summer had done something to me. It did something to her too. She flew out of the room and I waited barely a minute before I went chasing after her. Like I couldn’t resist.
I suppose I can’t.
Fucking her in the bathroom had been necessary. Once I came inside her, I calmed. I could get through the torturous dinner. Deal with Leticia’s fawning ways and whispery words of encouragement. The girl is dying for me to make it official. Her parents want us married as soon as possible, as does my mother. Father is the one who told me to pump the brakes and enjoy myself before I get tied down. Before we left the restaurant, he mentioned if I was really smart, I should try and marry for love.
Fucking hilarious, that guy.
I pace around the guest bedroom and go to the giant window, flinging back the thick silk curtains. It’s coming down hard outside, the sound of the rain hitting the house loud in the quiet stillness. A streak of lightning crosses the sky, followed by a roll of thunder, reminding me of the night I protected Summer in the gardens, beat to shit by Elliot and his idiot friend.
That feels like a long time ago. A lot has happened since then.
Without thought, I take off my clothes, letting them all drop in a pile, until I’m completely naked. I go to the bed and slip beneath the covers, propping myself against the pile of pillows, the sheet and duvet draped across my lap. I wait patiently, watching the storm play out. Attuned to every sound that comes from behind the bathroom door.
The water shutting off. The glass shower door opening. I don’t wait for girls. I’ve never done this before. They come to me, we fuck, it’s over. For once, anticipation curls through me, settling in my cock, my balls. I’m going to push aside my needs tonight, and make this night good for her. I could tell she wasn’t lying when she said she forgot it was her birthday. My family is overwhelming. I am overwhelming. Savage is strong, but not always.
She needs to learn how to be stronger.
The bathroom door finally opens, and she steps into the room, wrapped in a stark white terrycloth robe my mother leaves for all guests to use, like we’re a goddamned hotel. Her hair is wet, her face scrubbed clean and her exposed skin is pink from the hot water.
I wonder if she’s pink everywhere.
“I said I wanted you naked,” I drawl, raking my gaze over her.
“I am.” Her fingers play with the knotted belt. “I just didn’t want to walk out of the bathroom naked.”
I raise a brow. “Why not?”
A flash of lightning illuminates the room, followed by a shaking boom of thunder. “It’s cold.”
I flip the covers back on the empty side of the bed. “Join me.” She makes to crawl on the bed, but I stop her. “Take the robe off.”
She slowly undoes the belt, the fabric parting, offering me a glimpse of her naked form. I watch, completely entranced as she shrugs the heavy robe off, letting it fall to the floor, revealing herself completely.
“Do I pass inspection?” she asks saucily.
“Come here,” I growl and she crawls under the covers, my fingers curling into her wet hair and pulling her to me so I can give her a scorching kiss. “What do you want?” I murmur against her lips.
She blinks open her eyes and pulls away. “What do you mean?”
“For your birthday. What do you want? I’ll give you whatever you desire.”
I think of all the things I want from her. I’d love for her to be on her knees for me and do whatever I demand of her. I’d love to take her ass. We’ve never done that, and I want to lay claim to the one spot no one else has ever touched. If she wants to sit on my face for hours, I’d comply, giving her so many orgasms she’d barely be able to walk after I was through with her.
“I want you to cuddle with me,” she finally answers, her voice small.
“What?” I frown, not understanding.
She shifts away from me, shrugging one bare, smooth shoulder. My gaze drops to her tits. Her nipples are hard, begging for my mouth. “I want you to hold me.”
When she remains quiet, I say, “And what else?”
“That’s it.”
“Really?” I sound skeptical.
“It’s not always about sex, Whit,” she says shyly.
“It is for me,” I return.
“Is it really though?”
I snap my jaw shut, contemplating her. Wondering what’s going on in that mysterious head of hers. She throws me for a loop every fucking time I think I have her all figured out.
It’s maddening.
“You want to cuddle?” I say it like it’s a dirty word.
She nods. “Please.”
I open my arms to her and she comes to me, her fragrant curves nestled close, her head resting on my shoulder as she places her hand on my chest. I wrap my arms around her and hold her there, hating how fast my heart beats from her nearness. Hating more that she can hear it, thanks to her cheek pressed against the center of my chest.
“You’re like a child, needing cuddles,” I say with a faint sneer.
She laughs, her nails skimming my chest. “I’m the same age as you. Exactly.”
“What time were you born?”
“Just after noon.”
“I was born at four in the morning. I’m older,” I say smugly.
“Not by much.”
“By just enough.”
“Mmm.” She readjusts herself before she settles in further, her hair tickling my face, her nose in my neck. “You’re so warm.”