little blurry. The tequila had done its job-numbing the sharp edge

oor o

-sharp, commandi

e is

omach twis

a moment, she panicked and closed her eyes, pretending to be asle

arms scoop her off the stool, lif

, her heart clen

ng to the bartender as he exited. She felt the night air hit her face as they m

otional storm in her chest only worsened as

ason-Karen reached up, her hand

it.

n fr

ing around his neck. Her heart

or a beat too long-then

rate. Messy.

e didn

ed to feel so

pulled back sharply, his hand gripping

are you doing

o sit upright. Her heart pounded, not f

ill exists," he muttered, wiping his mouth like

than any slap. Her e

you so much to see me like this? You took me the other night, di

twist

er tongue. "I'm just telling the truth. I was your first... a

jaw clenched. Bu

s innocent? I've seen her with men, Bryan. Our father's driver... strangers

is eyes flick to he

drunk,"

est," sh

lence in the car was

greement with her. I'm already your wife. My fingerprints are on the wedding doc

ession d

slammed the door shut, leavi

driver's seat, slide in, and start the

k to the mans

ns

av

o idea what she had just done-what she had just confessed. All she knew was

door without a word. He carried her inside, igno

straight to the master bathroom. The lights were bright,

ld water in the jac

e looke

king clearly," h

esitate

I'm not touching you

ce, something flickered in

A gasp escaped her lips as it hit her skin, jolting her

e the tub, his ga

I'd believe anythin

him, droplets running down

" she whispered. "I just... I ju

at her,

ched up to brush a strand

t like a victi

he said. "I'

stretched b

t. He held out a towel, and Karen took it

ere, drippin

y looked at her-for th

time... she didn't

t try to

there, vulner

step closer.

of her face gently, his

he said, but his voi

didn't

kno

her head slightly,

isse

Like he hated that he wante

r. Bryan lifted her into his arms again, carrying he

and laid her on the bed,

here, skin against skin,

as s

. Uns

eak. There was

and bodies and hearts brea

t know if i

ment, that was