Free Blackestnights by Cindy Jacks Page B

tight.
    I clung to him, even as my trembling quieted. I never wanted to let him go. All too soon, he gently withdrew, releasing the hand he’d pinned to the bed. A soft kiss marked the end of our lovemaking.
    Opening my eyes, I drank in his brown skin, almost the color of cinnamon with the flush of exertion. We lay in silence until his breathing slowed, his thumb brushing over my lips. I kissed the fleshy pad at the tip.
    “You never cease to amaze,” I murmured.
    “Why’s that?”
    “Honestly, I didn’t expect this sort of tenderness out of you.”
    His posture stiffened and I worried I’d said the wrong thing, but I was only being honest. He’d told me to voice my feelings.
    If I’d offended him he gave no more indication. Instead he replied, “There’s sex and then there’s affection. I do know the difference.”
    “Does that mean you have affection for me?”
    Black sighed, stroking my cheek, but he didn’t answer. I didn’t press him, his actions speaking louder than words.
    “Get dressed, little Red. We’re going to breakfast then we should buy you some more clothes.” He scooted out of bed.
    Beautiful moment over. I set my jaw, blinking away the mental residue of his caresses. He never ceased to amaze nor did he cease to confuse. The emotional jerking around seemed to be part of his regime of control—a sort of Stockholm syndrome lite, though I wasn’t here against my will. I could leave at any time. But I wouldn’t, at least not right now.
    I put on the jeans and shirt from yesterday, finger-combed my hair and brushed my teeth, then pulled my makeup bag from my purse. I intended to put on a little foundation, lipstick and maybe some mascara, but Black appeared next to me, shaking his head.
    “You don’t need that stuff. You look beautiful the way you are.”
    I inspected my reflection, hating the freckles dotting my nose, my pale complexion disrupted by more freckles on my cheeks.
    “When you put on makeup, your freckles still show through. Why not let them show in their natural state?”
    I pursed my lips, narrowing my eyes. “I think they’re ugly.”
    “The only thing ugly is your hatred of them.” He put his arms around me. “You’re a beautiful woman, little Red. Naturally, honestly. Stop trying to fit some ideal of beauty created by corporations to sell you makeup in the first place.”
    Smiling wistfully, I closed my eyes and leaned against his broad chest. Didn’t he understand how long I’d hated my reflection? I couldn’t change the way I felt overnight. Ignoring his objections, I put on a layer of foundation, a little mascara and lipstick. He watched, interfering no more.
    With a kiss to my forehead, he left the bedroom then returned with a bomber-style leather jacket.
    “It’s too big, but it’ll have to do. It’s chilly out and I don’t want you to catch cold.” He draped the coat over my shoulders.
    “Thanks.” I kissed his cheek and followed him to the garage.
    He owned two cars, both luxury brands. One sporty, one more conservatively styled. Both were painted black, of course. Black steered me toward the sports car.
    “We could go clothes shopping before breakfast, get you a properly fitting coat.”
    “No. It’s all right. I’m starving.”
    “As you wish.” He opened the passenger-side door, ushering me inside.
    During the car ride to the upscale section of the city, I stayed quiet, considering what he’d said. I’d started this exploration because I wanted to cast off the conformity I’d allowed to take over my life. Flipping down the visor mirror, I inspected my face, the complexion I’d been at war with my entire life. Aside from the freckles, my skin was milky smooth, a pink undertone to it. Lips the shape of a cupid’s bow, slightly exotic almond eyes. Still, I thought the smattering of freckles over my nose downgraded me from pretty to merely cute. Just as I told Black, it would take some time to shift my opinion of myself.
    He pulled into the