Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 64683 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 323(@200wpm)___ 259(@250wpm)___ 216(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64683 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 323(@200wpm)___ 259(@250wpm)___ 216(@300wpm)
ANAH WAS HUMMING IN the shower.
Ethan heard it as soon as he woke up, and the sound...ah, Jesus...the sound made him want to laugh even as it cut his heart in halves. She was humming Baby Shark of all things, but what was more surprising was how she managed to still be out of tune even with a baby song.
How the fuck was that even possible?
Sunlight struck his gaze as Ethan got out of bed, the covers falling to reveal the muscular panes of his naked body. He turned towards the window while raising a hand to shield his view.
Morning still.
He glanced at the LED clock mounted on his wall.
08:35. Monday.
Ethan swore in his mind.
He should've remembered she had classes today, dammit. But because he had only been thinking with his dick last night, he had made love to Anah for hours. By the time Anah lost consciousness in his arms, dawn had already encroached upon the skies, and she hadn't even stirred when he used a warm washcloth to carefully wipe the blood and cum off her skin.
Memories drifted into play as Ethan turned to walk barefoot towards the shower, but it wasn't last night he found himself reliving. Instead, he remembered the way Anah had looked at him the day he came home...
Ethan's fists clenched.
It was the day he first found out that she was in love with him.
And until now, that look in her eyes...
It was still there. Not once had he seen it fade. Not even when he was hurting her. Not even when she knew he was leaving her to be with Guilia. Not fucking once.
So why God...
Why must it be now that Ethan found himself in the greatest danger of losing her, if Anah were to discover the truth?
The mere thought crippled him, had his chest so fucking tight Ethan had to forcefully drag air back into his lungs. Anah. She was suddenly all he could think about, and fear ignited a desperate need within him. He needed to see her. Now.
He didn't bother knocking as he entered the shower, and even Anah's startled cry didn't make him pause in his stride. In moments, he had her in his arms, and a shudder of relief rocked Ethan's powerful body.
"Ethan?"
The concern in her tone hurt, and he found himself tightening his hold on her.
"What's wrong?"
A question he wished to God he had the courage to answer, but because the thought of losing her still terrified the fuck out of him, all he could do was push her against the wall and take her mouth with his.
I'm sorry, luv.
I'm sorry.
And because this was Anah, his sweet little Anah who always heard every word his soul whispered...
She kissed him back just as her arms went around him.
And that was when he felt it.
Her fingers slowly stroking the back of his neck—-
It's going to be fine, Ethan.
Anah, soothing the pain away-—
Because I love you.
Like she had always done, from the very start, without ever asking for anything in return.
Chapter Fifteen
WHAT ARE WE NOW? DO you still love Guilia? Do you love me? A part of Ethan had been waiting for Anah to ask these questions, if only because it was her right to do so. But days had already passed, and instead...
He was the one who had ended up asking questions.
Can I drive you to school?
Will you sleep with me tonight?
When will I see you again?
And always, Anah had answered him with a smile that made his heart ache. Of course, Ethan. Yes, Ethan. Anytime you want, Ethan. Words that he didn't deserve but she gave to him all the same because—-
I love you, Ethan.
She hadn't said the words yet. Never had to. He only had to look at her, and the words would be there looking back at him. It was in the way her lips curved, the way she kissed him back, the way her body sang every time his cock drove inside of her...
I love you, Ethan.
And in time, he realized that the words were always there because he was in her heart. Had always been there, too, only she had to hide it...until now.
I love you, Ethan.
Her love shamed and humbled him, but even so, Ethan also knew if someone were to ask him to give it up...he would never be able to do it. Just fucking couldn't. She was in his blood now—-
I love you, Ethan.
And he found himself craving for her in every way, every goddamn moment. Her presence brightened his day like the fucking sun, and even though the thought was sappy as hell, he knew it was the truth. She made him laugh when he thought he had forgotten how to be happy, made him smile so damn often he might as well swap jobs with a clown. She just made everything right, just made his life too goddamn perfect—-