Page 22 of Theirs to Treasure
But now…
She already means so much more to me. To us.
She’s clearly a good girl, having followed rules, and the path set for her by others. If my guess is right, this is her first rebellion. And that’s exactly how her family will see it. No doubt she could return to them and her potential groom.
Of course, she’d be chastised for her foolishness. But throwing herself on her sword could solve her problems.
Instead she’s meeting each challenge with resolve.
Being protective comes naturally to me, perhaps because I didn’t have much choice. Our mother abandoned us when Zev was three. I was six at the time, and Dad was away on a business trip.
Somehow I figured out how to take care of both of us until he returned ten days later.
After that, Dad hired nannies, but most of them got sick of the long hours with no time off.
His true passion was his work, and he had no time for me or Zev until we graduated college and were ready to join his business.
Even at the time of his death, when he was killed by a motorist while out riding his bicycle four years ago, he was still very much an emotionless stranger to us.
We’ve both tried not to be like him, though Zev’s had much more success.
Because I’ve always taken my duties and obligations seriously, I’m harder than he is.
Which makes my profound yearning to care for Anna perplexing.
Perhaps part of that is because she doesn’t want the help, and I find challenges irresistible.
Telling myself that’s what it is, I brush my lips against hers.
Anyone passing by can see us, and I shockingly don’t give a single fuck.
I’m not given to public displays of affection, preferring to keep that kind of thing private, but her softness and compliance nearly wrings a moan from me.
Pressing a palm against her bare back, I nudge her closer to me. Then I cradle the back of her head with my free hand.
We fit together perfectly, as if it’s meant to be.
“Open your mouth,” I instruct her softly.
Though she chafes at my dominating nature, she’s as mesmerized with me as I am with her.
Wide-eyed, our lovely runaway bride does as I say.
Though I hadn’t meant to stake my claim on her, that’s exactly what I do.
The first taste of her is like rocket fuel through my veins.
She’s sweet and hesitant, but curious.
Had that fool not even sampled her mouth?
Suddenly I’m glad he hasn’t.
She’s come to us as an innocent, and we will show her how much we appreciate her gift. That much, she deserves.
Testing her responses, I deepen my kiss.
In my arms, she softens, allowing me greater access to her mouth, and I take it, plundering, promising.