Rush

winter.
    Overhead, a full moon was rising, just barely peeking over the horizon. She sighed,
     taking in the view, the boats, the couples walking along the pathway paralleling the
     river. Yes, it had been a perfect day and a perfect evening.
    Gabe pulled her into his chest, wrapping his arms around her to keep her warm as they
     watched the activity on the river. He kissed her temple and then tucked her head beneath
     his chin.
    An ache began in her chest that wouldn’t go away. If only things could be between
     them this way all the time. It was a hope—a dream—that wouldn’t go away. She closed
     her eyes and savored the moment. The feel of him and their closeness.
    He seemed as reluctant as she was to end the evening. He tucked her hand into his
     and guided her toward the taxi queue just down the block. A few minutes later, they
     were on their way back to the hotel.
    Back to the reality that awaited them.

chapter thirty-two
    Mia sat on the bed, one of Gabe’s T-shirts pulled down her thighs nearly to her knees.
     Gabe was in the shower and she waited nervously for him to come to bed. It had taken
     her time to figure out exactly what she wanted to say. She hadn’t wanted to react
     too quickly when her emotions were scattered. She hadn’t wanted to do or say things
     she’d later regret. This was too important.
    But now she’d gathered her courage and she was ready to confront Gabe. Not with an
     ultimatum. But with the truth.
    The door opened and he came out, a towel hung loosely at his waist. His hair was damp
     and moisture glistened on his upper body. He was…beautiful. There was no other word
     for it.
    The towel slipped as he reached into his suitcase for his underwear, and she got a
     prime view of his ass and when he turned, his cock, impressive even at complete rest.
    She averted her gaze, feeling guilty that she was so unapologetically eating him with
     her eyes. She didn’t want to get distracted.
    When he came to the bed, she caught her breath and plunged forward. If she didn’t
     get it out there, she’d never say all the things she needed to get off her chest.
     It was better to just say it, no matter how inelegant her wording.
    “I
hated
last night,” she said bluntly, her words soft and trembling.
    He closed his eyes briefly, pausing in his descent into bed. He perched instead on
     the edge, keeping a short distance between the two of them.
    “I know,” he said quietly.
    She continued, knowing she still had more to say—more that she needed to say.
    “I
hated
him touching me. I know what I agreed to, Gabe. I know I signed a contract. And I
     know I said I wasn’t entirely opposed to the idea, or at least experimenting. But
     I don’t want anyone else but you touching me. I felt violated. I felt
dirty
. And I don’t want to ever feel that way about my relationship with you.”
    “Oh God, baby, no,” he whispered.
    His expression was stricken and his eyes wounded.
    And still she continued, unwilling to let him speak yet.
    “I don’t give a damn what the contract says,” she said hoarsely. “I hate that thing
     right now. The only man I want even looking at me is you. Not someone you decide to
     let borrow your plaything.”
    A strangled noise erupted from his throat but she held up her hand, determined to
     say her piece. God, she couldn’t let him interrupt now or she’d never have the courage
     to say all she had to say.
    “I won’t do it again.” She shook her head adamantly to reinforce her point. So he
     would know how serious she was. “I know I agreed to allow it, but I don’t want it.
     I’ll
never
want it. I hated every minute of it. If it
ever
happens again, I’m done. I’ll walk away and I won’t ever be back.”
    As if he couldn’t hold back a minute longer, he reached for her, hauling her into
     his arms and against his chest. He held her so tightly that she couldn’t breathe.
    “I’m sorry, Mia. I’m so damn sorry. It will never happen again. Ever. No one will
     ever touch you. God, I hated every goddamn minute of it. I was going to put a stop
     to it but then I heard you cryout. Heard the fear in your voice and you saying no. And I swore to you that it was
     the only word you’d ever need to say for me or anyone else to stop. And then that
     son of a bitch
hit
you before I could get to you. Sweet mother of God, I’ll never forgive myself for
     that, Mia.
Never
. For that fear, for that bastard making you do things you didn’t