Bayou

Chapter 26 ~ Heat

Chapter 26
CROC

She was in my lap, her little breaths sharp and quick, grinding herself against me. Each time she did, I throbbed, and I wanted to grab her. I wanted to rip every ounce of cloth from her skin and give her what she was searching for. I wanted to see her eyes widen as I filled her up, hear her cry out each time I moved.

The rope unraveled a fraction, finally worn too thin, but the chain was thick, and I knew I'd never be able to break past it.

"I thought a person couldn't take a body," she whispered, throwing my words back at me.

Couldn't she see she was torturing me? My insides boiled at the chains, at my inability to act. "I can give it." I tugged at the rope again, working it left to right as the frayed threads cut into my flesh. "I want to give it to you. All of it." And I would. I would sink so deep into her body she wouldn't know where I ended and she began. I'd mark her as mine, make it so she'd never doubt my feelings again. "Untie me, and I'll show you."

"I don't think you'd be telling me that if you were yourself right now." Her pace increased, movements deepened. She ground her body tight against mine, back bowed and nails digging into my shoulders, unaware that her words had been like a dagger to my heart.

I watched her, small and precious, delicate. She had no idea what she was asking for. She wouldn't want this, and all my imaginings suddenly seemed cruel and sick. I was a monster. "Willow?"

She paused and drew back to meet my gaze.

I ground my teeth against the words I needed to say. They wouldn't come. The animal I was didn't care if she was hurt. He didn't care if she never looked at him the same way again. That wasn't his concern. "You should go," I ground out.

Her lips parted. "You want me to go?"

No. The rage grew hotter, more insistent. If she walked away then, I'd live in hell for the remainder of the season, replaying the feel of her grinding against me, wanting me, begging me. I'd fight and claw and kick until I passed out from exhaustion, then I'd wake to live another day full of regret. But none of that mattered. She mattered. I couldn't lose her. "I want you to be safe, and you're right. I did this for a reason." The words tasted foul. "Go back to the house, and I'll be back once this is over."

Her scent soured. I'd upset her, but it was nothing compared to how she'd see me if I allowed myself to...

"How long is that," she snapped.

"Another month." I shut my eyes, and bit down hard on my tongue. Despite my desire to protect her, the other part of myself continued to desperately work the rope, fighting to break free and stop me before it was too late. "You need to go. Now."

"I don't want to go," she said.

My stomach clenched, muscles pulsed. If she knew the images I had as she said that, she wouldn't be so eager to stay. The rope loosened, and I almost gave in. She wanted to stay. She wanted this. No. She didn't understand. She didn't know what she was asking for. "Willow," I warned. "I've almost got my wrists loose."

She sucked in a breath, and bit her lip. "That's exciting."

I groaned. She needed to hear me. She needed to listen. "You don't want me like this. My control is slipping, and I won't be gentle. I won't be." I paused, hating myself even more for not being what she needed. "I won't be a man."

The soft skin of her palm ran over my cheek, then up into my hair, over my neck. I held my breath and fought against the urge to tug at the rope. I'd snap it. I'd free my hands and she wouldn't get away. I wouldn't let her go. I'd take her right there. Chained and all.