Chapter 25

I Don't Need You

(Warning: Chapter contains mature content.)

"Baby, can you touch me?" Caitlin asked again. Her eyes flicked downward, and her lips curved ever so slightly. This time, she took the initiative to act first; her hands skillfully went down to unbutton my shirt as she spoke, "I was so scared back there, and I could only think about you, Harden. I'm thankful that you came."

My thoughts were scattered all over the place, and it agitated me to have her hands—anyone's other than Elara's—run over my body. I grabbed her hands and held them up, wanting to get her away from me. However, the look on her face was pitiful. She looked clueless, confused, and had no idea why I did that. Maybe I shouldn't punish her for something she knows nothing about. She just got out of the kidnapper's clutches and must be traumatized, which is why she needs me.

I held both her wrists with one hand; my other hand aggressively brought her face to meet mine, and I kissed her violently, licking and suc