The Carmichael Sunshine

Chapter 11

I felt like I was in some sort of dream the next morning waking up in Connor Carmichael's able arms. God, he was big. Everywhere. I'd always been a taller woman, but being wrapped in him made me feel secure, safe, cared for. I knew he cared for me. Connor had a lot of traumas from his past. He'd never admit that. But getting him to admit he was an actual human with feelings and that he did care about me was more than a small victory for me.

I had a feeling he may have never said that to anyone before. Maybe his sister. The only family he considered family.

His arms were strong around me. A light dusting of dark blonde hair covered them and I found myself running my fingers up and down his forearm, feeling him, studying him. I didn't need to feel conflicted in this moment because I knew how I felt. It was clear as day.

I loved Connor.

In some warped, twisted way, I loved this man.

I never hated him, either. I should have, but I couldn't. My heart wouldn't let me.

His words rang through my head as I lay there, stroking his arm, feeling his hard body behind me – the body that had survived four bullets, that he sculpted and cared for with my help. I hoped I was helping more than just his physical body. Yesterday it felt like something finally cracked open inside of him.

I'd gotten views of the real Connor Carmichael when he was feeling better. His sarcasm and jokes. But also the way his eyes scanned me. How he wanted to fix things for me, help me with my dad by getting me a job working for his company. He did care, in his way, even then.

He said I wasn't a captive anymore. I was his guest. But what did that mean?

Till I know you're safe.

Was my cousin after me now? Had he taken my backing out as betrayal?

I couldn't pretend to care about that right now though. I just wanted to be close to Connor. Nothing else mattered outside of these walls.

I pressed myself back against his hard body, wiggling myself a bit. His arm tightened around me. I felt his breath lighten on my neck. I couldn't help but grin as his erection pressed against my backside.

I would have never guessed Connor was such a cuddler.

"Good morning!" I smiled back over my shoulder at him.

His green eyes narrowed at me, "What makes it so good?"

"I'll show you," I teased.

Connor groaned lightly then was pulling me on top of him in one easy movement.

"Ride me," he said, his eyes still sleepy, a playful smile tugging at his lips.

"You have to earn that," I teased again, leaning over him, kissing him along his jaw. Connor's hands tightened around me, taking a handful of my ass in his hands.

"I thought you were working for my forgiveness?" he joked, an eyebrow cocking at me. I leaned back to look at him, unable to hide my smile as I ground myself purposefully against him. He grunted softly as his erection hardened more.

"Well, now it's your turn. You locked me away for weeks," I ground against him again. I bit his bottom lip before flicking my tongue over it. God, he tasted amazing. I was addicted.

"You like doling out punishment, Morales?" he growled.

"Mmmhmm," I moaned as his grip tightened on my ass.