websites, all dedicated to how bondage and submission can help heal and provide therapy. PTSD can and usually is controlling, you and I both know that.”
I scoffed, rolling my eyes. “I haven’t seen the men who hurt me and murdered my mom in years. Most of them disappeared under my father’s influence. But I can still feel them. Touching me. Hurting me. Digging their fingers into my skin. Burning the tattoo on my back. I don’t know what happened to them but I’m not stupid. I’m sure my dad had his people take them out. I was oblivious to all of it. To everything that went on. I wasn’t well when those men were finally stopped.” I sat forward, resting my head in my hands. “I don’t want to remember. I’ve seen so many doctors in my life. People think they understand. They look at you with pity. Feeling sorry for you and your shitty life.”
“When I first met Morgan, she was kind. Like a fucking praying mantis,” he grumbled. “She preyed on the weak. But it was hidden by a soft exterior.”
“Matteo,” I turned to face him. “You couldn’t have known that she would turn into an evil bitch. You didn’t know any better.”
“I should have known!” he snapped. “God, Marketa. The things she did. The things I’ve done. Why do you love me? How could you allow yourself to fall in love with a monster?”
The vulnerability I saw in his eyes broke my heart. He was like a little boy, learning that his puppy died. I couldn’t take it. If I ever met Morgan, if she ever laid a hand on Matteo again, I would end her. I wouldn’t need my father’s men to do it for me. I would handle it all on my own. A possessive need for Matteo consumed me. I had never been Dominant but the urge to protect him in any way I could, took over every single thought.
“Mae?” Matteo raised an eyebrow.
“I love you because I was born to. My mama told me when I was a little girl that there would be a man who would take my breath away. He would invade my life. He would be the sustenance that feeds my soul. You,” I grabbed his hands, holding them in my lap. “You are my soul. I know we’ve only been dating for a couple of months, but, Matteo, I love you with every single inch of me. I can feel you every time I move. Not because you used me like only you can but because I can feel your love for me. It caresses my skin. My chest aches with love. You have taught me so much in such a short time and I look forward to learning more from you.”
At that point, Matteo pulled me into his arms, knocking his laptop off the bed.
“Mat—”
He shut me up with a hard kiss, taking control of my body for the next hour.
I loved him. He loved me. And he showed me the best way he knew how. By taking complete control and by me giving in.
Mae
Matteo: I want you to spend the weekend with me.
Me: I’m supposed to work but I can talk to Cello.
Matteo: Please.
I frowned, hesitating before responding.
Me: Are you okay?
Matteo. Yes. I miss you.
Me: I miss you too.
“Mae? Are you home, girl?” A light knock sounded on my bedroom door before Nika peaked her head into my room.
“Hi.” I smiled at her.
Me: Nika is home.
Matteo: Good. Let me know what Cello says.
Me: I will, my love.
Matteo: I love you, beautiful girl.
Me: I love you. More than the air I breathe.
Matteo: You better.
I muffled a laugh, shaking my head before letting out a contented sigh. “I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever,” I told my best friend, placing my phone on the nightstand.
“I know.” Nika slid onto the bed, sitting against the headboard beside me.
“I only see you at work,” I pointed out. “Is everything okay?”
Her cheeks flushed, her eyes glancing down at her hands in her lap.
“What’s going on?”
“I met someone.”
My eyes widened. “That’s wonderful!”
“It is.” She shrugged. “It’s new and fresh. I want to tell you everything and I will but right now I want to keep it to myself.”
“I understand.” I reached for her hand, slipping my fingers between hers. “I wanted to say that I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“I haven’t been a decent friend,” I confessed.
“You’re in a new relationship. All of your time is focused on Matteo. It’s to be expected.”
“No.