Free Ever Fallen In Love by Wendi Zwaduk Page B

Arms up. Over your head."
    Megan grabbed the rungs of the headboard and bit down on her bottom lip. Tucker nodded. Flutters started in her belly. Did she measure up?
    "I've never seen a sexier woman in my life.” Tucker yanked his belt from his jeans then snapped the leather. The crack ricocheted across the room. After flicking the button on his pants, he shifted his hips. Without a sound, the denim pooled out of her line of sight. His cock jutted out from the gap in his green plaid boxer shorts.
    She dragged her gaze from his dick to his eyes. The cool jade and amber sparkled. “I remembered a box of condoms this time."
    Megan bit back a smile. Even when they fooled around before, he forgot protection and left the job to her. He held up the box like a trophy. “Think we can make do with twelve tonight or should I get more?"
    He didn't give her time to answer. Instead he ripped the cotton T-shirt up over his head and tossed it onto the floor. Tucker settled between her legs and ran his fingers along her calf. “Open."
    Megan parted her thighs. Her heart lodged in her throat. It seemed like every time she thought she'd built strong walls around her heart, he breached the fortifications. Every time she convinced herself she wasn't going to give him an inch, he took a mile and a half.
    "God, you're beautiful in nothing but my necklace."
    Self-conscious, Megan released the rungs. She needed air and she needed space. Too much, too soon.
    Tucker stopped his sensual caress. “Arms up."
    Megan froze. She hated the visual wrestling match happening between them. “But—"
    "Arms up."
    She grasped the rungs and stared at the ceiling. Being with him and having sex shouldn't come with repercussions. It didn't have to be so complicated.
    Tucker blotted out the overhead light and straddled her waist. “Why do you cower from me?"
    "What?” She blinked back tears. “This isn't exactly time for Q and A."
    "It's the perfect time."
    "Just fuck me."
    "No.” His single word held so much finality.
    "What?"
    "You said that already.” He shook his head. “Don't lie to me and don't hide. What did that asshole do to my Megs?"
    He wanted to know? Fine. She'd tell him everything. No more secrets, no more smoke screens. “You made me grow up. You made me realise that my dreams and wishes weren't going to come true simply because I wanted them to. I had faith in you—in us.” Sobs cracked her voice. “Rick was a mistake, but I—” She stopped and turned her head, unable to look him in the eye.
    "But what, Megs? Tell me."
    "I thought I deserved it,” she whispered.
    Tucker sat back on his haunches. Megan had volleyed yet another shock to his system. She thought she deserved Rick's abuse? Hell fucking no. He traced the line of the silvery scar on her abdomen. “You deserve to be treated like a goddess."
    "Do I?” the whisper turned to a scream. “The moment he found out I liked things a little harder, he freaked out. ‘No wife of mine will get into torture.'” Her chin quivered. “He cut me the deepest."
    Realisation smacked him harder than hitting the wall at one hundred and ninety miles an hour. “He... You can't..."
    "No. I can't have babies. Ever."
    Tucker crawled off Megan to sit next to her on the bed. He slid his hands over her arms and laced her hands behind his head, drawing her into his embrace. His hands shook. Fury boiled in his veins, combined with devastation. No wonder she looked so tired. No wonder she acted so jumpy. He had to earn her trust, not demand it.
    "I need to go.” She shifted in his arms. “I'm late for something."
    "No, Megs.” He cupped her jaw in one hand. “Stay. I—I can never make up for the past, but if I can give you a better future, I will. I'm yours.” He released her and stood. “I have to show you something."
    He sat down with his back to her. Her gasp filled the spacious room. Her fingers tickled his skin as she traced the letters. “You have my name on your back. I'll bet that turns