Tough Love (Completed)

Chapter - 12

Dean

A cool breeze of air wakes me up from my sleep. It takes me a couple of minutes to comprehend where I am. Beth's soft body is draped over mine and she is in a deep sleep. It's still dark outside but there is light on the horizon. The day will break soon and then we have to rest Henry today. Tears prick my eyes at the thought. His death was a shock to me as much as it was for Beth. He said he had time. Maybe, he thought so too. I can never know the answer now that he is dead. Another person who deserved to live, gone young.

A feeling of loss and sorrow takes over me. Henry was like a father to me and his death is difficult for me as well. The huge responsibility of running the company falls on my shoulder now and it terrifies me. He had mentored me and made sure I took the right decisions but with him gone I am less confident. I am afraid I will make some mistake. And then there is Beth. Henry's last words were his blessings for Beth and me. He looked straight in my eyes and told me like he knew it was his final words to me. Whenever I remember those words, I feel like Henry entrusted the welfare of Beth on me and now it's my responsibility to take care of her.

But, Beth is falling apart. She is taking his death harder than I thought she would. In mourning his loss, Beth is not taking care of herself. She rarely eats or sleeps. I don't know how to handle her. I am worried she will fall into a depression, like mom. Today is going to be tough of Beth and I need to be her strength.

There is another matter that has been troubling me. I know it's not the right time to think about it but I can't help but ponder on what will happen to Beth and me. She was here for her father. Now that he is gone. Will she return back to London? We have made huge progress but will it be enough to make her stay? Will she be ready to give up her life in London for me? If I could move, I would. I am not a chauvinist and think my work is more important than Beth's but I can't quit the company right now. It's a livelihood for thousands of people we employ and I can't selfishly leave them behind. And there is no one who can take over from me. Once again, I might be forced in a situation where I have to let Beth go. I have done it once and I know what I felt like to live without her. I don't want to do it again. I can't let her go. I need her more than she needs me. I have no clue how to have both.

I take cleansing breathes to push away the pessimistic thoughts that plague my mind and concentrate on this disheartening day ahead on us. The rise and fall of my chest disturb Beth who is lying on my chest. She moves away from me and turns the other way. I miss her warm body and cuddle her. Her back presses to my front and my morning wood grazes her ass. I lay a hand on her flat stomach and feel the softness of her skin under my palm. I insert my other hand under her head so she can lay not bicep giving me easy access to the long column of neck and shoulder.

This is the first time I have cuddled with anyone. It was always "bang and leave". Even when Beth and I slept together I would leave after sex. If only I had cuddled back then, I would have realized my feelings for her sooner and our lives would have been so different. This new-found joy for cuddling arouses a fresh bolt of desire. I run my nose along the length of her neck and brush the tip of my fingers on her stomach. She stirs from her sleep and grunts my name drowsily. I slowly drag the tip of my fingers up and brush my thumb under the swell of her boob. The action makes her squirm.

I nib on her shoulder and cup her boob squeezing it lightly.

" Dean...", Beth moans making me harder.

I continue to knead her boob and kiss her throat arousing her body. She moans and grunts unintelligently. I slide my hand down to her sex and circle her nub. She widens her leg wanting more. I work my fingers into her pussy and start thrusting, all the while kissing her shoulder, neck and jaw. When she is dripping wet, I remove my fingers.