Slide(Boosted Hearts Book 3)(66)

“Lucy—”

“No. I’m a screw-up, and because of that, I nearly ruined that family. If they’re torn apart, it’s my fault. I should’ve thought, I should have asked more questions. I should have never gone out with him. He flattered me, made me feel special, and I was so damn desperate for the attention, God, to feel wanted, that I fell for it like a gullible fool.” A tear streaked down her face and she dashed it away. “I’m an idiot, a screw-up—”

“Stop.”

“No. Hugh’s right…I’m…”

Adam gave her a shake, snapping her out of it, out of the place she’d avoided going since she got back to LA. She blinked up at him, biting her lip.

“You are wrong. Do you hear me? None of that, none of it’s true. I fucking see you, Lucy. I see you for the amazing, sweet, caring”—he swiped his thumb over her damp cheeks—“beautiful, sexy, fucking perfect woman you are.”

She sucked in a startled breath. “Adam—”

“That’s why you left school instead of transferring, because you blame yourself for what happened to that family…those kids?”

“How can I help anyone…God, children, after what I did?”

“Jesus. No more. I don’t want to hear any more. You didn’t cause any of this.”

Her lips parted to say something, though she had no idea what, but he leaned in and pressed his lips to the corner of her mouth, cutting her off. His breath huffed in and out of his nose, chest rising and falling rapidly. He murmured her name and a curse before he covered her mouth with his.

She should resist, say no, but something snapped inside her. She needed this, she needed Adam. So instead of pushing him away, she pressed in close. God, she couldn’t get close enough. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she kissed him back, feeding him all the emotion, the turmoil, the pain pounding through her, and they just sort of…went up in flames.

Adam’s body was hard against hers, an unyielding wall of strength holding her up when she thought she might collapse in a heap and never get back up again. His hands went to her hips and his fingers flexed, digging into her flesh. She needed him inside her, needed him to wash it all away. All the pain and sadness, the guilt and crippling feeling of failure. Only Adam could do that, only he had the ability to wipe it clean, even if it was just for a little while.

“Please,” she said against his lips. “I need you. Please.”

His fingers dug deeper and he growled. “This isn’t why I came here tonight. Goddamn it, Lucy. Look what you do to me. Look what you made me do, baby girl. You fucking turn me inside out.”

She whimpered, afraid he might turn her down and walk away. “Please,” she said again. Prepared to beg if she had to.

His eyes flared, so much heat burning into her. “Fuck,” he ground out, then slammed his mouth back down on hers as he yanked at her towel, tearing it from her body. “I can’t say no to you. I’ve tried, but I can’t, not anymore.”

Lucy dragged his shirt up and over his head, and her hands dropped to his jeans to yank open the button. His went to the backs of her thighs and he lifted her, lowering her ass on the counter. His mouth lowered to her breast at the same time, sucking and licking as she freed him.

She might be blind with lust but not so blind she’d forget protection. “Condom,” she gasped. “Quickly.”

Adam lifted his head, eyes glazed over, looking momentarily confused before he shoved his hand in his pocket, tore out his wallet, and pulled out a condom.

He rolled it on then he was back between her thighs, tugging her closer. “Don’t have the patience to warm you up, sweetheart. Tell me you’re ready for me?” He brushed his knuckles along her slit, down to her opening and back, and a groan vibrated from his chest. “Shit, baby, you’re already so wet for me.”

He didn’t give her a chance to reply, and on a rough growl, he slammed up inside her. She cried out, hanging on, legs around his waist as he pounded into her. His hands were on her butt and he held her where he wanted her as he fucked her, his mouth at her throat, his groans vibrating against her skin.

“Jesus, you feel so good. Amazing,” he said roughly.

She couldn’t answer, an orgasm already building rapidly inside her.

“I’m so sorry I hurt you, sweetheart. So fucking sorry,” he muttered. “That was the last thing I ever wanted, why I shouldn’t be here now.” He lifted his head, his lips brushing hers, eyes holding hers captive. “You’ve always been under my skin. You’ve always been there, Luce. God knows I shouldn’t be here, shouldn’t touch you, but I can’t stop. You’re all I can think about.”