He was hurting her, but she wasn't terrified. He was hurting her in a way that she craved, and oh God, oh God -
"Please." Anah wasn't even aware she was begging out loud. "Don't stop."
Ethan threw all caution aside the moment he realized what she was begging for. Reaching around her body, he took hold of one breast and squeezed it hard just as he thrust back into her.
"Ethan!"
But her cry was one of pleasure, and this time, he pinched her nipple. Slapped her ass. He did it all while relentlessly plunging into her over and over until once again both of them were cumming together, Anah crying his name out as he leaned down and sucked hard on the side of her neck.
Anah could no longer pry her eyes open as she felt Ethan once again pulling out before drawing her to his lap. It was only when she felt him rearranging her limbs so he could slowly impale her—-
Her eyes flew open, and the first thing she saw was the glitter of desire that had yet to flame out from Ethan's hazel eyes.
Oh God.
He pulled her down, and Anah could only cry out with his cock once again fully embedded inside of her.
Ethan cupped her chin. "I told you, luv."
Her heart skipped a beat even as a shiver of fear skittered down her spine.
"I'm not going to be gentle."
And he proved this over...and...over...and...over...until Anah finally lost count of the number of times he had made her cum.
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
