Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 119(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 119(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
“Fine.” She jerks her hand out of mine and practically stomps over to the bed.
She has to use the little step beside it to get in, so it kind of takes the steam out of her tantrum as she climbs in and sinks into the fluffy blankets. Part of me wants to laugh at how ridiculous she looks in the pile of pillows, but I know that probably won’t help her forgive me.
After I turn off the lights I climb into bed and reach for her. She pulls away from me and then pops my hand like it’s going to keep me from touching her. I shake my head and then practically throw my whole body over her and pull her tight against me.
“Let me go.” She struggles, but it’s no use because I’m too heavy. “I’ll sleep in here, but I’m not cuddling with you.”
“Shhh. Go to sleep,” I tell her while I ignore her wiggles and protests.
Eventually she stops fighting it, and not long after that, she falls into a peaceful sleep.
I stay awake for a long time after that because I need to feel her here with me. I knew before she left that she was my entire world, but having that become a reality was my personal hell on earth. I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure that never happens again.
Chapter Eleven
CHLOE
I stare at the ceiling, unable to sleep. When I crawled into bed and Sawyer pulled me close, I was out in seconds. Now I’m awake, but I have no idea what woke me up.
It might be the throb between my thighs, but I’m trying to ignore it. Sawyer’s big body is wrapped around me, and it’s so heavy and warm. The scent and feel of him is too much. Since he came into my life, I don’t think we’ve ever gone this long without being intimate in some way, and my body is not thrilled about it.
Normally I’d crawl on top of him so he could wake up and take it from there. Peeking over at him, I see he’s fast asleep with his arm across my stomach. He’s pressed up against me with his hand resting on my hip.
He hasn’t moved an inch all night, and his hold is tighter than normal. He’s scared I’m going to run, and he’s right to be. I want to but only because I don’t want to face this yet. I’m not ready to find out how deep this bet went. Did he do this with other women before me? Do I really even know Sawyer? My heart screams yes, but people always say you never truly know anyone.
“Kitten,” Sawyer mutters in his sleep as his fingers tighten on my side.
There’s a tense expression on his face that I want to kiss away. A pang of longing hits me right in the chest, and damn it, I love this man so much.
Is it sad that I know whatever might come out of all of this that I won’t leave him in the end? I think that’s what worries me so much. Sawyer is my protector, but who can protect me from him?
No one.
When I try to lift his arm off of me, his eyes fly open. “I have to go to the bathroom,” I whisper, and for a moment, I’m not sure if he’s going to let me go. He seems to think it over but finally releases me.
Once I get out of bed, I go to the bathroom and take a moment to collect myself. After a few deep breaths, I calm my worried heart and realize that I can’t stay in here forever. As soon as I open the bathroom door, Sawyer is standing there waiting for me.
“Are you my prison guard?” I snap, and he flinches. “I’m sorry.” It’s not like me to be cruel and I don’t want to start now. As hurt as I am, I don't want to do the same to him.
“Chloe,” he says, but I don’t wait for him to finish.
“I’m hungry. You should go back to sleep. I’m going to make myself some tea and eat something.” I go to walk past him, but he snags me around my waist and pulls me into him.
“Don’t run from me,” Sawyer whispers into my hair.
“I’m not going to run. I promise.” I’m telling him the truth, but I don't think he believes me. “The doctor said no stress, so I’m not doing that again, and I’m not leaving you.”
When I push on his chest to step away, he doesn’t let me.
“You might not be running, but you’re pulling away from me. You’re not letting me in. You have a wall up.”
He’s not wrong about that, but what am I supposed to do? Emotionally I know I’m keeping him at arm's length. “I honestly don’t think I can control that, Sawyer.”