Slide(Boosted Hearts Book 3)(53)
He collapsed onto the blanket, moving in behind her so they could each get their shit together in private.
“That was the first time I’ve had sex outdoors,” she said into the silence.
That was the first time I’ve ever made love. The words flew through his mind without his say-so. He always thought using those words to describe sex was cheesy as hell. They didn’t feel that way now. Fuck.
“Glad to check a box on your bucket list. I’m here to serve, after all.” He meant it to sound light, teasing. What came out had an edge of bitterness that he fucking hated. It had nothing to do with Lucy, or maybe it had everything to do with her? He was having trouble getting his head around the feelings and emotions bombarding him in that moment. More than anything, he was pissed at himself. He’d fucked himself up beyond repair, so much so he would never be any good for anyone. Not even Lucy. But he already knew that, and he didn’t think he’d ever get over it.
She twisted in his arms. “That’s not…I wasn’t…” She slapped his arm hard.
“Ow!” He frowned. “What was that for?”
“Cut the self-depreciating crap.”
“What?”
“I didn’t force you to have sex with me. And you seemed to enjoy it just fine.”
What now? “Of course I did—”
“Then cut that shit out. Do you think I’m using you for your body?” She placed her hand on the side of his face. “For this gorgeous face?”
“I…” He didn’t know what the hell to say. He’d pissed her off and he was afraid he’d say the wrong thing and get a knee to the balls.
“Well?” she said, eyes now blazing.
“I, ah…”
“When you go home with some random bar bunny and screw her brains out, are you thinking long-term relationship? Are you all bitter and twisted when they leave in the morning?”
Now he was getting pissed. “No. Of course not.”
“Then why are you acting like this?”
“Like what?” He knew what she was getting at, but admitting she was right meant admitting he wished he could have more with her than the next thirty-six hours.
“Like I popped your cherry, slapped you on the ass, and sent you on your way.” She shoved back and climbed to her feet. “You’re acting like a scorned maiden, like I’m some predator forcing you to stick your dick in me.”
What the fuck? “Lucy—”
“I just want to leave. I’m going back to the car.” She scooped up her clothes and took off, naked, toward the track.
“Lucy!”
The she-devil ignored him completely and started running.
After yanking on his jeans, he scooped up the rest of their stuff and ran after her. He heard the car roar to life in the distance. The fuck? She was going to drive off and leave him on the side of the road? He reached the tree line and burst out into the clearing…
And nearly stroked out.
Lucy, in only a pair of panties, was attached to some guy’s leg. No, not some guy, the same fucker who had stolen the car the first time. He was kicking out, trying to shake Lucy off.
Adam sprinted toward them. “Lucy!”
The guy was behind the wheel and spun around, saw Adam barreling down on him, and let his fist fly. It connected with Lucy’s face, knocking her back, and her body hit the gravel. He slammed the door and he tore off, stones spitting from the rear tires as he went.
Adam skidded down to the ground beside her. “Lucy. Fuck. Baby, are you okay?”
She was lying there, eyes wide with shock. She blinked twice then the shock vanished and she looked pissed as hell. “That motherfucker hit me.” She struggled up to her elbows and winced.
“Be careful. Just stay still for a second.”
She touched her nose. “He didn’t actually hit me that hard. Just stunned me, really.” A trickle of blood slid from one nostril, over her lip.
“You’re bleeding,” he growled. “I’m going to kill that motherfucker.”
“Oh.” Her hand flew to her face, staring at the blood she’d wiped away with her fingers. “It’s nothing. My nose bleeds easily, even from a light tap.”
She sat up and scrambled forward, causing the blood to drip off her chin, splashing her bare breasts. That’s when the fear subsided and Adam’s anger hit a whole new level. That fucker had hurt her, he’d punched her. Had seen her. “I am going to kill him,” he said again.
“Can you do that after you pass me the blanket?”
He’d dropped everything in his arms the moment he’d broke into the clearing, so helping her to her feet, he led her back to the tree line. Once he had her settled back down, he got busy cleaning her up. It helped to keep his mind busy, to contain the murderous rage pounding through him. Pouring some water from one of their bottles on the corner of the blanket, he started to wipe her skin clean. His hand was shaking, he realized, jaw locked so damn tight it ached.