Chapter 5:

Deepening Bond

Mom left for another overnight work trip two days later. The moment her car pulled out of the driveway, the tension snapped. Max didn’t even wait until after dinner. He grabbed me in the hallway, lifting me effortlessly and carrying me to his bedroom his and Mom’s, but tonight it was ours.

He laid me on the big king bed like I was something precious, then stripped me slowly, kissing every inch of skin he exposed. “Tonight’s not rushed,” he murmured against my collarbone. “Tonight I want all of you.”

I watched hungrily as he undressed. His muscular body was powerful in the lamplight broad chest,...