boss of you,” he repeats, a slow smirk curving his features. His body turns to face me, towering over me when he straightens to full height. “I seem to recall that differently, especially when we’re in your bedroom and you’re begging me to bury my cock deeper inside you. Hmm. Have you forgotten how much you moan my name when I lick you, or how you pull my hair to go faster, or plead for me to fuck you just the way I know you like?”
My thighs press together as heat sweeps over my body. He knows what he’s doing because he chuckles like this amuses him. But I don’t find his mood swings funny. “What does that have to do with anything?”
He leans closer, brushing his lips against my ear as he speaks. “I should have been the one to give you what you wanted today because I know what you want. Just like I know what you sound like when you come, what it feels like when you squeeze my cock with that tight pussy of yours, and how loud you get when you don’t have to hold back. You want freedom, Piper. You always have.”
When he draws back, I’m stunned speechless. He takes advantage of it and shoots me a wink, causing my lips to part. He’s never winked before. And it’s … wow. Between those words and that gesture, I’m not sure I can properly fathom a response, and he knows it. Which is why, this time, he walks away first.
Chapter Twelve
Ainsley holds my hand tightly as we walk toward the double doors of Aberdeen’s Rec Center. I look down at her with a comforting smile as I pull open the door covered in flyers of local events. One of them being the class we’re going to.
Before we can step inside, I hear my name called from behind me. There’s hesitation in the husky tone, and my spine straightens when I realize who it is. Turning, I watch Carter walk over in a pair of black joggers and oversized sweatshirt. My brows arch at the sight of his casual attire, but quickly notice the way his surprised features travel between me and the little girl beside me.
Clearing my throat, I watch as he takes hold of the door to keep it open. “Hey,” he says quietly, his lips pulling up as he looks down at Ainsley.
I shift my weight. “Hi.”
He tips his chin toward the entrance, following us in. When the door clicks shut behind us, he matches my steps. His hands are stuffed in the pockets of his pants as he stares down at the checkered red and white floor.
“What are you doing here?” My voice is quiet as I slow my steps, unsure of where the class is being held.
He stops a few feet ahead, realizing I’m not in step with him anymore. “I come here every other weekend to work out and then teach a boxing class.”
Boxing? He’s got the body for it that’s for sure. I just wouldn’t have pictured it. Out of Jesse, Carter, and Danny, I wouldn’t have pictured Carter being into a sport that was so violent. That was always Jesse’s thing.
“So…” He scratches his jaw.
Ainsley tugs on my hand, causing me to look down at her. “We’ll get going in a second, Nugget.” I can feel Carter staring and my cheeks heat. “Ainsley and I are taking a class here.”
“Ainsley,” he repeats slowly, nodding.
“Danny’s daughter.”
His eyes widen as he studies her a little closer, making Ainsley duck behind my legs. My hand goes to her head, bushing her hair in comfort. She’s like me, not wanting anyone to pay her attention for long.
I know what he sees—Danny’s nose, the shape and color of his eyes, his skin tone. Their personality is undoubtedly the same, though only I would know that.
“Wow.” The word is so quiet I almost miss it. It makes me swipe my dry lips and nod once, not knowing what to respond with.
He didn’t know about Ainsley. I’m not sure why that doesn’t sit well with me. “We should get going. Have fun with your class.”
“What room are you in?” he asks as we begin walking again.
I hesitate. “The Community Room.”
He gestures toward a side hall before putting his hands back into his pockets. “Room 104. It’s about three down. Can’t miss it.”
Blowing out a tiny breath, I nod once. Thanking him, we go our separate ways though eyes are watching me based on the prickling