the depravities of men every day since.
All the men that took from her, and stole her innocence, need to pay for what they’ve done. Yet, I can’t help but feel exactly what they felt when I look at the pretty girl with the long blond hair.
What makes my desire any less toxic?
My lips curl back from my teeth in a sneer as I think about all the horror she’s endured. I want to kill every bastard who hurt her, not become one of them.
Yet, I’m no better than any of them. I drink in the perfection of her body. My eyes take me on an erotic field trip moving from the curve of her ankles, up her long, toned legs, around that heart-shaped ass. It’s there where my gaze lingers to admire the flare of her hips before moving past her narrow waist to climb up to her delicate shoulders and settle on the graceful curve of her neck.
I have no business lusting over her, but I can’t help it.
I want her.
Moira props her elbows on the railing and lifts her face to the sun. I leave her there, knowing how poorly I’m holding onto the last vestiges of my restraint. All I want is to rush her, yank down those shorts, and rut into her until I find oblivion. My stomach twists at the degrading images even as my cock swells to life. It’s an eager fucker, wanting every bit of that torrid fantasy.
And I hate myself for it.
Seventeen
Griff
Once inside, I calm down a bit. I set out towels and a fluffy robe in the guest bathroom. The bed is made. I always keep it ready, but I never invite anyone into my home. That particular quirk stems from my issues with the wealth my parents passed on to me. It makes no sense, but back in my Navy days, I felt guilty that my fellow brothers in arms struggled with what the Navy paid them, where I did not.
With my Guardian brethren, it’s a little better. We make good money and few of us struggle to make ends meet. It’s a comfortable life, but by no means is it rich.
When I was in high school, I hated this house. I hated my parents, and I despised their wealth. Dad was an architect. Mom was a brilliant artist. They did well for themselves, buying this home when they first met. Back then, the land wasn’t valued for shit. Dad designed and built the house, and they paid off the loans when I was still small. Somehow, that privilege chaffed, especially when my friends at school had so much less.
I return to the sliding door and lean against the door jamb, enjoying the view. Moira’s in the same position I left her, head tilted back, face greeting the sun. She looks amazing, glowing in the sunlight like she doesn’t have a care in the world. Nobody who saw her would guess at the life she’s led or the horrors she’s endured.
I clear my throat and she spins around.
“I set out a towel and robe for you in the guest bathroom. Your room is off the hall to the right. I’m going to take a shower. You’re welcome to take one too. The fridge is well stocked. Feel free to take whatever you want. I was thinking of heading out for lunch after we cleaned up.”
“Thank you.” Her expression softens.
It feels like forever and a day that our gazes lock. Passion simmers between us and the need to consummate this unrelenting desire grows with each breath. But I will not take advantage of her.
I refuse to be that man.
I won’t take a goddam thing from Moira. I respect her too much. But I will give her anything and everything she desires. I love her too much to ruin whatever this is with baseless sex, especially the kind of dominating sex I prefer.
“I’ll leave you to it. Please, make yourself at home.”
Moira tilts her head, looking at me quizzically. Before I say, or do, something I’ll regret, I make my exit, practically running to the opposite side of the house. I slam the door behind me and lean against it until my heart stops racing and my breaths stop churning the air.
Bringing her to my house wasn’t my best play, but there’s no way I was going to drop her off at the Facility and walk away. I need her in my life like I need air to breathe. I just have