"Exactly. I couldn't wait any longer to fuck you. What about this morning, at the bar? That wasn't even in bed."
I sniffed. That was true. "We don't copulate, darlin', we fuck. And you love it. Your sister's words weren't the only ones to make you feel this way about yourself. Who else hurt you?"
I couldn't deny him my words. He wasn't cruel, only curious. Protective even. "My mother told me I was wanton and wicked to have breasts that would taunt a man. That's why she had me push everyone away."
"You do have breasts that taunt a man. Me." He cupped my breasts in his large palms, r
an his thumbs gently over the tips as he spoke. "Only me. Even though others will see them, they're mine. I want you to show everyone your breasts...my breasts. It pleases me for you to do so."
"Really?" I eyed him speculatively, trying to focus on his words, not his thumbs.
"Really." He nodded. "As for your mother, she's right about one thing."
I arched a brow in question.
"You are wanton and wicked."
He pulled on my nipples in such a way that mixed pleasure with pain. "Oh?"
"You like this?"
My lids fell closed and I nodded.
"Good. I want you wanton and wicked, Tessa. With me, you can be as decadent as you want."
He dropped his hands, placed a gentle kiss on my forehead.
My eyes fluttered open and I felt...lonely without his touch, even though he stood right in front of me.
"All right?" he asked, voice full of concern.
I swallowed back my tears, felt better for sharing my feelings. "For now."
"It will take time, Tessa, to adjust. You just have to be honest with me. I will be truthful with you. Come, it is time for lunch." The discussion seemed to be over.
I followed him into the kitchen as he looked about.
"Where is the meal? Didn't Maura bring it over?"
Oh dear. "She did, but...she surprised me and I told her to go."
He arched one brow in silent question. "Did she, or did she not, say that I asked her to bring the food?"
"She did."
"Yet you sent her away."
"Yes. But...but I was ashamed of my body and lashed out."
"Hmm. That is something that we will have to work on. In the meantime, we will go to their house then. Let's go. I'm hungry."
I just stood in the kitchen as he made it all the way to the front door and opened it before he realized I wasn't following.
Again, a raised eyebrow. "Tessa," his voice grew deep. "You are the one that sent Maura away, so we must leave the house. I am hungry and we are going."
"I'm not going," I countered, holding my ground. "Not like this." I wasn't ready for people to see me dressed like this. Cole may feel pride in displaying me to others, but I was not as eager to do so.
Without saying a word, Cole came over to me, bent down and tossed me over his shoulder. He had the gall to carry me the distance to Grant and Maura's home as I kicked and screamed the whole way, not wanting anyone to see my breasts. Nothing I said or did would halt his movement. It wasn't until he'd knocked upon their door and entered was I lowered.