“Fuck him.”
“What?” She was so used to people falling at her father’s feet and kissing his ass because they feared him. She’d never h
eard someone say that about him. Of course Connor didn’t know who he was.
“Fuck him. If he didn’t realize what a treasure you are then I say he’s the one missing out. He doesn’t deserve you. He was wrong, Ria. You were a precious, sweet little girl who deserved a daddy who cherished and protected her, and I’m sorry you didn’t have that.”
“Me too.” She wondered what sort of father Connor would make. He’d probably be a strict one. Fair though. And he wouldn’t hurt a little girl just because she didn’t measure up to his idea of what she should be.
He drew her close once more and kissed the side of her neck. “All right. Here is what we’re going to do. I want you to take the aid out at night.”
She stiffened.
“I know it’s hard. But you need to sleep, understand?” He pulled back to look down into her face. “I won’t push you to do anything else. I know you’re afraid. All I can tell you is that when I look at you, I don’t see someone who’s weird or different. I see someone who is amazing. Courageous. And when you trust me enough, you’ll be able to be that vulnerable with me.”
She knew he meant it. But it was so hard to ignore the voice in her head telling her that she had to guard herself.
Freak. Weirdo. Ugly.
She forced those voices back.
“I don’t want to know what you were just thinking, do I?”
“No.”
“Hmm, let’s see if we can replace those voices I’m sure you’re hearing telling you that you’re not perfect with some good thoughts.”
He stepped back. “Strip then lay on the bed.”
Her breath came in sharp pants as she quickly drew off her clothes then laid back on the bed. He stood by the side of the bed and slowly stripped. She lay there, just watching him. She didn’t think she’d ever grow tired of seeing him naked. The man just totally did it for her.
When he was completely naked, he moved onto the bed, straddling her. He rested on his hands and knees and just stared down at her. “So beautiful.”
She blushed slightly. Leaning in, he kissed her. Light at first then deeper. His tongue slid into her mouth to tease her. She moaned softly, shifting on the bed, wanting his touch.
“I want you to reach your hands above your head and keep them there,” he ordered.
“Can’t I touch you?”
“Soon,” he promised. “But first I want to worship this body. I want to show you that there is no one more desirable.”
He kissed his way along her jaw to her ear then down her neck. He certainly didn’t miss many spots as he made his way down her body. He took his time playing with her nipples, sucking on them, lapping at them. Her body filled with need.
He kissed down her stomach until he reached her pussy. He slid between her legs and wrapped his arms around her hips as he played with her. His touch was so light yet almost reverent. Tears entered her eyes. She’d known he’d meant every word, but it didn’t mean she’d truly believed it.
“So lovely. So sweet. And all mine.” He kissed along the top of her thighs, reached her mound and slipped his tongue inside to tease her clit. “All mine.”
He ran his tongue along her slit. “And it’s not just about this gorgeous body. It’s your entire soul. Loyal and caring and more courage than a man would desire since he also wants a chance to protect. To be that safety net.”
Oh, God, he was killing her.
“Please, Connor, please let me touch you.”
He rose, sliding along her body. She pushed at his chest. “Please.”
He rolled over onto his back. “Straddle me, baby.”
She sat up then threw her leg over his body so her pussy was pressed against his stomach. She cupped his face between her hands, leaned down and kissed him. He hadn’t shaved yet and she placed her cheek against his. Then she slid down his body, kissing along his chest, taking his nipple into her mouth.