Free Mended by J. L. Drake

roams my feverish skin. I start to rock to build myself back up to where I was. He leans back and swivels me around so my back is to him. “Grip the desk, baby.” I lean forward, doing what he says as he stays sitting. “So beautiful.” His fingertips run along the length of my spine. He bucks his hips, and my grip slips. “Hold on,” he orders while he stands and kicks the chair away from him.
    His pace quickens again, each thrust hitting the end of me. His fingers dig into my shoulders and one hand fists my hair.
    “Cole!” I cry, not sure how long I’ll last.
    “I don’t care how much,” pound, pound, “you try and push me away,” pound, pound, “you’ll always be mine.” Pound, pound. “No more dates, Savannah. No more kissing other men.” Pound, pound. “You need something, you come to me.”
    “It wasn’t a date!” I yell out, needing him to understand, but my thoughts get lost as I jump from the ledge. Stars shoot off, sound leaves, and I fall to back down to heavenly earth. When I come to my senses, I’m on my back on top of the desk while Cole slips my shirt over my head. I lift my boneless body to help.
    “Cole.” I stop him as he goes to grab my clothes from the truck. “I didn’t go on a date with him. I was doing it as a favor for a friend.”
    He looks confused. “Friend?” I nod. “Who?”
    I sit up, but my bones are like jelly. “I can’t say, but I promise you I made it clear that nothing was going to happen. I didn’t know he was going to kiss me, and when he did, I felt wrong. Not just because you didn’t know, but because it wasn’t you.”
    “It hurt seeing it,” he mumbles.
    “And it hurt that you broke up with me without hearing me out,” I counter, raising my chin. “Makes me think that if the going gets rough, you’ll leave me without hesitation.”
    He steps closer and lowers his face to mine. “I’m sorry for what I said and the way I acted. It just scares me that you’re there in that apartment by yourself, working at that bar with all those men wanting a piece of you. I know I panicked, and in turn it pushed you further away. I want a future with you, Savannah, but not until you’re ready. I’m going to back off…” he raises a brow, “ to a degree, and let you come to me when you decide you’re ready for us.” His stare is overpowering. “But, Savannah, when you tell me you are ready, be prepared for what’s to come.” I nod because I can’t find my voice. His captures my lips and shows me how true his words are.
    The walk back to the house is quiet, with just the sound of our boots. I start to grin, remembering that just an hour ago I pulled one over on him.
    “What’s with the grin?” he asks, peering down at me.
    “I was just wondering how long it will take until the green will wash off your back.” I beam up at him. “You know...when I tricked you and won the game.” He goes to grab me, but I jump out of the way, laughing. “You know, the game you forbid me to ever play again.” His smile changes into a devilish one. “Oh, yes, Colonel, I went there.” I walk backward, keeping a distance between us.
    “You’re in such trouble,” he says with an evil laugh. “You’re in for it now.”
    I walk up the stairs with a little extra swing in my hips, turning to see him staring at me from the ground. “That’s the plan.”
    Frank and Ryder step out as I reach for the handle.
    “Good, Logan, his aunt just arrived at Zack’s,” Frank calls down to him.
    Poor little Ryder looks so scared. “I hope to see you again soon, Ryder,” I say, bending down to his eye level. “Don’t be nervous of Frank. He just looks scary, but he’s a close friend of mine, so you’re in good hands.” I notice Frank gives Cole a small smile. “Have a fun trip with your aunt.” He leans in and wraps his tiny arms around my neck. I can’t help but give him a kiss on the side of his head when he pulls away with watery eyes. “Bye,