Shock - Marie Johnston Page 0,60
and the frantic way she’s rolling her hips, seeking her release. As she crests, I remove my finger, leave my thumb on her clit, and shove inside.
Her body clamps down on mine as she cries out, not bothering to cover the sound this time. She rides my dick and I force myself to remain still as she finishes.
When I sense she’s almost done, I let myself go. She’s molten around me, all wet, tight heat and it doesn’t take long before my own climax slams into me, nearly toppling me right over her.
I catch myself with my free hand and move my other hand enough that I’m not rubbing her too tender flesh. I sag overhead, still inside.
“Fuck, Lia. I love getting you off.”
She wraps around me and brings me close enough for a kiss. “I just so happen to like it too.”
I nibble her lips until I feel a stirring, a coiling that I’ve come to associate with Lia. I pull out and pick her up. The condom can be dealt with after I carry this treasure to bed. I have the rest of the night to show her how much she means to me.
Without her, I wouldn’t have had the extra time with Jayden, or the confidence to reconnect with my siblings. I wouldn’t have nights like this, ones when I don’t have to search for my clothes in the dark and creep out of some strange house or hotel before I’m asked for more than another orgasm.
This woman means the world to me, and with any luck, we’ve got many, many more nights like this to come.
Chapter 17
Lia
I jump into the shower to wash off the day. Ford and I took Jayden to Maggie’s house and helped pull weeds in the complex’s yard. I got more than a little dusty but managed to keep streaks of mud off my face, unlike both Ford and Jayden.
Jayden’s spending the night at Ford’s. Another overnighter for the pair. I’m thrilled for them. I was also invited, but since he hasn’t told Cass about the bedroom yet, I declined. Best to leave things as uncomplicated as possible until he has custody secured.
I’ve just finished getting dressed when my phone rings. One look at the display and I groan.
Mom.
Why can’t she be more like Maggie? Ford’s mom is so laid-back and accepting. She sees the world through a “How can I help you?” lens instead of “What can you do for me?”
I love my mother. I just wish she was more Mom and less State Senator Elaine Wescott.
“Hello.” I slide between the covers. It’s too soon to go to sleep and I haven’t eaten, but this conversation is going to exhaust me.
“Aurelia. I’m glad I caught you.”
I work three twelve-hour shifts a week. She rarely fails to “catch me.” Is she insinuating that I should be doing more with my life, that I should be busy when she calls? “What’s up?” Because I know she didn’t call to chat.
I pick at a loose string on my comforter. I have to remember that I can’t change her. I can’t change Dad, either. They love their life, they love their jobs. It’s not up to me to make them understand that I want the same, but different.
Mom’s breath hitches. Something’s coming and I’m not going to like it.
“We have the annual fundraising gala coming up.”
I chew the inside of my cheek. I missed last year’s. I had just started my job and refused to ask for time off to go work the crowd and avoid Samuel. I didn’t trust myself. Resisting him a year ago would’ve been next to impossible.
Funny how when I think of him now, the panic I used to feel at the thought of encountering him is gone. We have a lot of history and the future I planned to have with him was one for the ages, but that’s evaporated as thoroughly as last week’s rain shower.
Encountering him again is going to be uncomfortable. He’s messaged twice to check up on me and I’ve ignored him both times. Any interaction we have will be uncomfortable. Ford’s right. I should’ve stopped avoiding him and confronted the situation.
“I’d like you to come,” she says after I don’t immediately reply.
I don’t want to go, but I also miss them. I can change my life, but a part of me will always be that girl striving to live up to Mom and Dad’s expectations, wanting their approval. After the way things at the country