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I get out of the bed and choose to let Braden sleep peacefully after our morning session. I go to the bathroom, butt naked, to get ready for the day. I take a quick shower, making sure I'm as quiet as I can be.

When I'm putting my hair up in a ponytail, I notice the hickeys all over my neck. My eyes widen and my fingers fall on the spots that are covering most of my neck. ''Damn him,'' I mutter in disbelief. I have to work tonight and just how did he expect me to cover this up?

I'm seriously thinking about hitting him with a baseball bat in the head. Four times.

I sigh and just let it be for now. I just push my sweater a little higher, but then I remember I don't have to hide from anyone because it's just me and Braden in here. Brooke already went working. Which makes me wonder why is Braden still lying in my bed, sleeping like a baby, and not going to work.

I decide on not putting any make-up on today, at least not until work. Braden has seen me without it, anyway and he didn't run away.

I go to the kitchen after I check on Braden, making sure that I didn't wake him, and go make a coffee. And while I'm drinking my coffee, sitting at the kitchen table, my thoughts drift to last night.

It's amazing how fast things changed between us with Braden. First I thought that he doesn't even want to take a second glance in my way and then he admits that he wants to have some kind of a relationship with me, based on the sex. I think the right form would be friends with benefits because I definitely thought of Braden as a friend before we started this thing.

And to think about it, I feel okay with it. Maybe not what I wanted in my life or how I saw myself, but we've got to take risks in life and try things out before we can judge them for sure. I think that'll just be my motto from now on.

I smile at the memory of Braden seducing me, how we both couldn't wait to come into the flat and rip our clothes off. I knew he would be great in bed — he's practising it a lot probably, after all — but I never thought any man could give me four orgasms. And in only one night!

No man has ever made me come in my life. And I mean that. Charles was the only one I ever slept with but he was a selfish lover and now that I think about it — what the hell was I doing with him when that man, that's currently sleeping in my bed, was out there to make sure I get to heaven with his magic skills in bed? Damn, how much I missed out!

But my happy thoughts turn the other way when I remember his exact words that made me cry. Well, it probably wasn't so much the words that were the thought that maybe, just maybe we could have something more than this 'arrangement' between us. But on the second thought, it's probably better if we don't. As Braden said, I just came out of a shitty relationship and he doesn't even date. Plus, I have no idea how would I find myself in his world, surrounded by fancy and important people. And why, oh, why, did I think Braden would suddenly choose me to date when there are so many gorgeous women circling around him whenever he goes? I don't think he has any problems with getting a date.

I frown. Then why doesn't he do relationships, exactly?

I push the thought away and leave it for another time.

I decide to go make some breakfast when my stomach grumbles loudly. I just search for some food and notice that me and Brooke are in a desperate need of a grocery shopping. I find the milk and cereals and I guess it'll do.

When I'm pouring milk in my bowl, I feel someone's hands, hugging me from behind. I jump up, screaming and spilling the milk everywhere. ''Braden!'' I shout.

I hear his amused chuckle behind me. ''Sorry!'' he says between laughter. Yeah, so much for meaning it. He drops a kiss on my cheek, still hugging me from behind.

And just like that, he's forgiven.

I sigh and finish pouring the milk in the bowl. ''Please release me,'' I say to him.

Braden freezes for a second before he unclasps his hands on my stomach and steps back. I grab a cloth to clean the milk that's pouring off the counter to the floor. But Braden's hand stops me before I even start. He takes the cloth away from me. ''Let me.''

I just laugh at him. ''Don't be silly,'' I reply calmly, sticking my hand out to take the cloth away, but he just sticks his own hand, which is holding the cloth, out of my reach. I lift my eyebrows at him. He just looks seriously back at me.

''Are you mad about something?'' he asks me after some moments of just staring at me with a serious expression.

I furrow my eyebrows and step back. ''Why would I be mad about something?'' I ask him confusedly.

He shrugs. ''It seemed like it. Look, if it's about the milk, I'm sorry-''

''Braden, I'm not mad!'' I laugh at him to make a point. ''In fact, I'm in a really great mood today.'' I give him a knowing grin, which he returns with a big, toothy smile.

''I wonder why,'' he mutters and wraps a hand around me. And when he leans in, trying to kiss me, I use this to advantage to grab the cloth out of his hand and stick it out of his reach.

When I look at him, laughing wholeheartedly, he looks confused, but when he notices what I did, he smiles back at me. ''You're such a troublemaker,'' he mouths at me.

I just shrug, laugh some more, then turn away and start wiping the milk.

''So ... what are we having for breakfast?'' Braden decides to ask after minutes of comfortable silence. I'm down on my knees on the floor and look up at him when I see his feet come into my vision on the floor. His eyes instantly become darker and I soon notice why. I'm basically facing his crotch. ''What a promising position ...'' he mumbles more to himself than me.

I flush. I clear my throat and stand up quickly. I immediately turn the conversation in the other way. ''Uhm, we?'' I ask him, then clear my throat again because it sounds groggy and some notes too high. ''I'm having cereals. I don't know what you're having.'' I shrug my shoulders nonchalantly.

He lifts an eyebrow at me, amused. ''And here I thought that I would wake up and have a nice breakfast with you,'' he says and looks at me pointedly. ''We're going out on a breakfast,'' he states.

I look at him ridiculously, putting my hands on either side of my hips. I cóck my head on the left side. ''You're kidding,'' I say back to him seriously. Is he not? Please tell me he is.

He crosses his arms in front of his chest, causing my mouth to water when his muscles tense on his arms and his stomach. I appreciatively stare at him, standing in the middle of the kitchen with only his boxers on, his legs wide apart, his hair all tousled. Yum.

I clear my throat.

I feel my cheeks redden when I catch a small smile playing on his lips. I don't even know why am I being shy again just for watching him. I was having a wild sex with this man not that long ago, for god's sake! But I can't look at him almost naked without my body reacting to it. He's really ... something else. But despite his handsome appearance, I know there's something more to him. And if he could just open up some more in front of people, he could help me save a lot of effort ... and, well, nerves.

''Do I look like I'm kidding?'' he asks, his face all serious now.

No. No, he doesn't. I swallow. ''Well, okay. You can go out for breakfast and I'll just have my cereals here.'' I smile sweetly at him, but his expression only darkens.

Uh-oh. He's angry. I want to pout and stomp my food down then cry out, ''What did I do!'' like a four-year child that I feel when he stares at me like that. I barely stifle down the laugh that's in my throat for even having that thought. I would pay to see his expression if I did this.

But I don't think it's time for having thoughts like this right now. Because I have a man in front of me, who's angry for no apparent reason, and I'm going to have to deal with him. Just what I want.

''The hell you are, Rory,'' he says darkly, quietly and slowly. Too slowly. It's obvious he's keeping his anger in control. But why is he suddenly so angry? I didn't even say anything to make him angry.

Sometimes, I wish he would shout because then I would probably feel better and know how to defend myself. But with him talking to me like that — slow and quiet — I have no idea what to do and how to respond him. He makes me feel like I'm constantly doing something wrong and he's making me afraid that I'll always say something that would trigger his anger. And I don't want a repeat of what happened last night. It still makes me shudder just to think how it all turned out.

But then my second thought is that that's why people are afraid of him. He doesn't even have to lift a foot to stomp you. He just does it with his voice only.

''Why are you so angry?'' I ask him in a small voice. My playfulness is long gone and I now feel like a mouse in front of a giant, hungry cat. It's not a good feeling, let me tell you.

Braden doesn't advert his gaze, keeping it firmly on me, making me weak at knees. I take a step back away from him, instinctively, and when he sees this, a cloud of a strong expression comes on his face. Sadness? Fear? I don't know for sure, but he looks vulnerable.

He sighs and his previous tense muscles release all the tension. He sags his shoulders like a defeated man. ''I wouldn't hurt you. You know that, right? I would never in my life raise a hand on any woman — especially not you.'' His voice is softer now, without any hint of anger, and his eyes are wide.

I know he means his words. I believe him. He didn't even need to say it out loud because I know he would never hurt me purposefully. Well, at least not physically ... emotionally? That's another story.

I take a step forward. He looks like a frightened cat. Oh, Braden. I feel that awful tug at my heart. I close the distance between us, fast, and before he can react, I throw my hands around him. ''I know, Braden. I know you wouldn't hurt me,'' I mumble in his chest. He stays still for a few seconds before I feel his hands wrap tightly around my body and squeeze me to him.

We're standing in the middle of the kitchen, wrapped in a tight embrace, with him being half naked. Not that I'm complaining, though.

When we pull apart, Braden looks at me carefully. He has something to say, I know it by the face expression he does. I tilt my head. He scratches his neck, obviously in discomfort and I step back and cross my hands in front of my chest.

''Spill it, Braden.''

''Uhm ... so, are you going to go out on a breakfast with me?'' he asks, unsure of himself and I know he's afraid of my reaction.

I can't help the laugh that escapes me. Braden is actually looking so funny right now like he's afraid and unsure of himself. Braden being unsure of himself? Ha! I start laughing so hard, I have to clutch my stomach. I'm unable to form a sentence right now.

By the was his shoulders sag and his face falls, I know he thinks I'm turning him down. Again. I quickly sober up. ''Yes, I'll go out on a breakfast with you,'' I say quickly. And when I catch a hope in his eyes when he looks at me, a smile splits my face. ''You really give up easily, you know that?''

He just stares at me. ''I don't. Not usually. But you're ... I don't know how to say this,'' he pauses. ''You're different,'' he finally admits and my chest expands. My heart feels like it's going to fall out of the ribcage.

''Good different or bad different?'' I dare to ask him. I catch his smile before he masks it.

''Good different. Definitely good.'' And with that, he steps closer, wraps a hand around my waist and kisses me slowly, precisely. He's taking his time, grabbing my waist and pulling me closer, his mouth hot and demanding against me. I want him again. I put my hands in his hair and tug it, and by the low groan that escapes him, I have a feeling he doesn't mind.

''I'm going to take you again,'' Braden says huskily against my lips when we break apart.

I only nod my head at him, incapable of forming a sentence. I put my hands around his head and start kissing his neck, sucking on it. Yes, I want to give him a hickey like he gave ones to me. I want everyone to know that he's mine now. But is he really? Braden puts his hands on my shoulders and pushes me away, then crash his mouth against my lips, successfully making me forget about that hickey I couldn't, but wanted to give him. It's getting funny how easily he can distract me.

I moan in his mouth and try to let him know how he makes me feel through the kiss. He makes me feel like I'm on fire. Like I could fly. I feel high from his kisses.

When we finally need to come up for air, Braden doesn't hesitate before throwing my sweater off me, leaving me in a bra, my hickeys on full display now. I watch his reaction when he sees them. If I thought he'd be sorry for them, I was kidding myself. His eyes darken and he lifts his fingers, pressing them on the hickeys. He lifts his eyes, his mouth forming a smirk. ''I like them,'' he murmurs darkly, tracing a pattern over them with his finger.

I start breathing harder, heavier. Pure lust shoots through my body, my blood almost boiling with the temperature that suddenly increases in my body. I can't wait anymore.

I take my bra and pants off before Braden can even protest or say something. Not that he would, though. He just watches me there with his eyes full of amusement and need. He ravishes my body with only his eyes, making me want to burst. I have my legs squeezed together and I know Braden knows what he does to me. ''Someone's a little bit impatient,'' he says, circling around me. I close my eyes at his voice, repeating to myself that I need to stay calm and not attack him like some tigress.

I feel his presence when he steps closer to me from behind, my body instantly reacting with increasing my temperature even higher and an electricity runs down my body. I get goosebumps. Braden puts a hand on my right hip and I look down at where he's touching me. It's just one, small touch. It's only his hand on my hip and it makes me want to scream out in frustration. I know that if I lean a little bit back, I would be touching him completely, but I know he doesn't step closer for his own purpose. He wants me prepared. But does he even know that I only need one look from him and I'm dripping my panties?

He spreads his fingers on my hip, his hand warming up my skin, not that it has to because it already feels like it's on fire. I find it difficult to stay still, but I want to see what he has in mind.

I feel his hot breath against my ear and neck when he steps closer, his eréction pressing at my lower back, making me let out an uncontrolled moan that I can't stop. ''Do you feel what you do to me, Rory?'' I hear his low, husky voice, filled with need, at my ear. He presses even closer to me and I put a hand on his right arm to keep steady. My legs are pressed so close together that there's not even an inch of space between them and I can feel the wetness running down my thighs. ''Do you feel the same?''

Is he seriously asking me this? Instead of answering him, I grab his left hand, because his right is still on my hip, keeping me close to him (not that I would rather be anywhere else right now), and bring it down, between my thighs. He makes an appreciate groan when he feels the proof of how ready I am for him.

''I want you so bad,'' Braden growls. He moves his right hand to join his left between my legs and before I can understand what he has in mind, he tugs my panties and rips them apart. That's the second pair he destroys in a matter of hours!

''If you keep that up, I'm going to end up without any of my underwear,'' I say to him, unsuccessfully trying to make my voice serious and angry. Instead, it comes out all breathy and quiet. Thanks to my body to betray me like this.

I feel Braden press his lips against my throat and I know he's smiling. ''I'm thinking of forbidding you to wear any underwear in my presence.'' He makes sure to cup my breast in one of his hands, the other on my pússy, caressing it with a light touch, purposefully teasing me to lose my mind. ''In fact,'' he pushes a finger inside me and I arch my back, ''I forbid you to wear any clothes in my presence.'' He starts finger-fúcking me with one hand, his other exploring my breasts, kneading them, running my nipples between his fingers. It's so good and I'm already so hot I nearly come. But Braden pushes his finger out of me and steps back, losing all contact with my body.

I nearly fall limply on the floor, but Braden grabs my arm tightly and makes me stand closer to the counter so I can put my hands on it to keep my weight from crushing down on the floor. I'm breathing hard, my legs are shaking from the restraint I force myself to have. I have never in my life experienced this kind of need with any of men. And I'm not talking about having sex, that's another story with Braden, but even with clothes on he makes me feel like a giddy schoolgirl, acting all nervous around him and being unsure of herself. And that really says something about me.

I'm suddenly turned around, facing the counter and the window on the street below. Braden steps close to me from behind, puts a hand on my waist and starts teasing me with his cóck at my entrance from behind.

''Shit, I don't have a condom here,'' Braden curses suddenly, making me open my eyes that I didn't even know I was closing and my teeth were gritting together.

I know that if I ask him to go get a condom, he would, without a second thought. But I know why he doesn't go. He wants me to decide. And, well, why not? He promised me he's clean and I'm on the pill, anyway. ''It's okay, Braden. We talked about it yesterday night,'' I assure him and push my ass back a little to feel him at my entrance again. Oh, that sweet, sweet anticipation.

But Braden doesn't give me what I want, what I desire, right away. ''Are you sure?'' he asks to make sure and I appreciate him all that much for it. He would never do anything with me I wouldn't approve of. It just makes my trust grow for him even bigger.

''Yes, Braden. Stop talking and fúck me,'' I say through my gritted teeth, doing my everything not to push my hand down and start rubbing myself to ease the ache between my legs.

Braden's rich laugh fills the kitchen. ''As you wish.'' And he pushes in. He stretches me like it almost seems impossible, he fills me completely.

My eyes roll back in a pleasure, adding his throaty groan at my ear. ''Damn, baby, I'll never get enough of you.'' Braden's voice is breathy, filled with so much pleasure with an edge of restraint.

''Please, Braden, please ...'' I plead him when he doesn't move.

He puts his hands on my breasts and pushes himself even further in me. ''Yes, yes, like that!'' I cry out in pleasure.

''Fúck, what you're doing to me,'' he says against my throat, making my skin there tingle.

He pushes himself back, almost all the way out, and then quickly back inside, fully. He starts keeping a pace like that, in and out, in and out. Both of us are moaning and groaning, making all sounds of pleasure we feel. When I almost reach my orgasm, Braden starts to slow down the pace, making me cry out in frustration.

''Beg me for it,'' Braden demands and I know he's restraining himself again.

I'm way past the point to think twice about it. ''Please, Braden, go faster. Make me come.'' My voice is groggy. ''I'm so close, please,'' I breathe.

He slows down so that he's barely even moving in me and tears start to pool in my eyes. I don't know how much longer I'll be able to stand this.

''Louder. I couldn't hear you.'' His voice alone could me come right now! He sounds so bossy, so dark and dangerous, with a demanding undertone, it makes me squirm.

Braden lets out a moan when he feels me squeezing him. ''Please, Braden, fúck me, damn it!'' I scream at him, my voice shaking from the tears I try to keep in.

Braden quickens the pace, but it's still not enough. I let my head fall forward on the counter because I have no energy to hold it up in the air anymore. Braden caresses my back, making me arch it. ''That's it, baby. You're such a good girl.''

And then he becomes merciless — he starts pounding into me with hard, long strokes, pushing my lower body into the counter so it makes a loud noise whenever he pushes back in me and it almost starts to hurt. But I don't care about the pain right, I only focus on getting that release.

''Don't stop, don't stop,'' I plead him weakly, hoping that he doesn't stop doing that delicious thing with his hips.

And when he finds the g-spot, I'm over the edge in mere seconds, screaming, ''I'm coming!'' so loud that I get scared my neighbours could hear me, but when the powerful orgasm hits me, all the sane thoughts in my mind are replaced with pure pleasure and bliss.

I barely feel Braden groaning out his release, following with the feel of his semen shooting into my body.

I feel Braden's body laying softly on my back. I'm still bending over on the counter, laying limply and feeling completely boneless after that earth-shattering orgasm. If I had any doubt about how Braden is in bed (or on any other surface, really) I don't have it anymore — because he's a beast!

He pulls himself out of me, groaning in the process. I stand up, but I have to grip the counter to find my balance.

I fix my hair with my fingers, because I know we both made them a mess, and turn around to face him, both of us standing naked in the middle of the kitchen. Which I share with his sister.

I feel his semen dripping down my legs and blush when Braden notices it. His cóck stirs and I'm shockingly staring at it. Is he ready for round two? Is that even possible? My thoughts turn into the other direction, such as I'm really down for another round if he wants it.

''I know what you're thinking,'' Braden brings me back from my daydreaming and I blush even harder under his knowing stare. ''But we don't have time.''

I lift my eyebrows at him and see how his expression turns into a pure amusement because he knows what's going to happen. ''Why? What are we doing?'' I turn my head to the side, questioningly.

Braden laughs, making me even more confused. ''Don't you remember? We were talking about going out on a breakfast before, uh, something came in between ...'' He has a smirk of a devil on his face.

''Yeah, that something more like making love ...'' I mutter, but when I realise what I just said, I look at Braden with wide eyes.

His face is clean of all the playfulness he was showing just seconds ago, gone was the smile, now his eyes are serious, his lips in a straight line. And his body is downright rigid. Uh-oh. Me and my big mouth!

But it's too late to take it back, now, isn't it? I mean, he heard me correctly and I just can't start denying it or looking for excuses.

Braden doesn't know what to say for some moments, but when he opens his mouth, I know it won't be anything good coming out of it. ''Rory, I ... you know I don't make love. I mean, I wouldn't call it ... that between us. It's just pure fúcking, or am I wrong? Because, after all, I remember both of us coming to an agreement to this arrangement between us.''

His words hit me like a truck. I take a step back from him. I don't even know what to say to him right now.

I wouldn't call it that. It's just pure fúcking.

His words are ringing in my head and I just stare at him, lost for words. But there's not one hint of regret on his face, not one hint that he didn't mean what he said. Because he did mean it. I should know that before he even opened his mouth, but sometimes it's just better to make up your version in your head so it's not that bad.

I guess he takes my silence in the wrong way because he just continues talking in that calm tone, like he's talking with some fúcking child and it's really starting to piss me off. ''I have to say something before you say I never talked to you about this. I wanted this arrangement purely for sex, nothing else. Once feelings get involved, the game is over.'' He takes a step towards me and I take one back. I hit the counter behind me, the same one we fúcked on just minutes ago, and I grip it for support. I feel like my knees are going to give out. ''And I'm not concerned about me catching feelings. It's you I'm worried about. And you know I'm not into that kind of thing where feelings are involved,'' he finishes his speech, his voice so monotone that I feel he's reciting his words.

I just stare at him, not believing my ears. ''You really are an asshole, Braden Campbell,'' I say to him, just as calmly, not showing a hint of how his words made me feel.

And the funny part is, he looks like he didn't even expect that I'll say this to him. Well, the joke's on him, then, because if he's used to women saying 'yes' to any damn thing he wishes for and following him around like some kind of sick puppy, waiting for his orders, he won't find that in me!

''First of all,'' I put up my pointer, making sure I'm looking him straight in his eyes, ''Yes, we made an arrangement, which, need I remind you, we still have to talk about. Second of all,'' I add a second finger, ''I know what this is called between us, you don't have to remind me any damn second! I know damn well where I stand in this and what I am. Thanks for a not-needed reminder. And third,'' I hold up a third finger and I'm outright furious right now, ''Don't worry about me catching any feelings, Braden.'' I laugh bitterly. ''I got burned once, not so long ago. Why would I want to go near fire again anytime soon?''

I know my words hit him because his face closes off and he doesn't show any emotions. He stares at me, long and hard, then finally decides to open his mouth to reply to me, his voice clear of all the emotions. ''Good. Now, if that's cleared out, we should go get dressed up.'' And he just turns around and walks off into the direction of my bedroom.

I release a long breath. Was that our first real fight? Or second, if I count last night.

But on a second thought, I wouldn't even call it a fight, seeing that we didn't come to any conclusions because Braden can't man up and just talk to me. I'm really starting to consider he has some problems with talking or expressing himself.

I just stand there in the kitchen, surrounded by all the mess we made, and I just feel like an empty bag. Because I still can't fully process Braden's words. I feel a knot in my stomach, prompting me to go throw up, but on a second thought, why would I even be surprised? I agreed to this, after all, and he was just honest with me.

But it hits me that this arrangement won't really work for us. I think it'll soon be game over for me. And that's what I'm most afraid of.

***

I walk back to the room, still in my naked form, and try not to let my bad mood overtake me. Braden doesn't want anything to do with me, except fúck me, so what? I can't expect I'm something more than all the girls he was with and all the girls who want to be with him because I'm actually less than them. And that's what's really sad.

But to my surprise, I find Braden sitting at the edge of my unmade bed, only in his boxers and his head is buried in his hands. For a moment I get scared that maybe he's crying. But when he lifts his head, I almost sigh with relief. He's not crying — but he looks like he's on the verge of tears. If anybody asked me what sorrow looks like, I would describe them Braden's face in this very moment. He looks so torn-down, his lips are in a deep frown and his eyes are glistening, but this time for a completely different reason that they were ever before. It almost breaks me.

''I always screw up, don't I?'' His voice is quiet, almost as a whisper. He looks like a frightened animal and I bite my lip not to let out a sob.

''What are you talking about, Braden?'' I ask him as calmly as I can, but I hear my voice shake at the end and I hope Braden didn't hear it.

His eyes are burning into mine, sending me some kind of message. They're screaming how sorry he is. It takes every power that's left in me not to run into his embrace.

''I never make it right with you.'' He shoves a hand through his hair, messing it even more than it already is and it just proves me how frustrated he is about something.

''Braden, I—''

''No, please, let me finish.'' I shut my mouth close. ''I'm sorry. I know it's funny how much I have to apologise to you in a matter of 24 hours. If you needed any proof of what a jerk-ass I am and that you need to run far, far away from me, because I'm not good enough for you — then, well, I guess you found it.'' I know my face is showing how shocked and confused I feel right now. I want to argument his words immediately, but I let him finish. ''I didn't really mean what I said. I actually have no idea what got into me and prompted me to say such ugly words to a beautiful woman like you.'' His voice almost turns to a whisper at the end and he takes in a shaky breath. He makes a fist with his hand and leans his head on it, looking at the floor.

I can't stop it — a sob escapes me and a tear falls down my cheek. At that sound, Braden lifts his head suddenly and his on his feet so fast, I almost think he has some superpower.

''Baby, please, don't cry. Not because of me. Again.'' He's in front of me in seconds. He lifts his hand and almost touches my face, but he seems to change his mind and instead he makes a tight fist with his hand, dropping it down. He's afraid to touch me.

''Jesus, Braden, I'm not going to bite you or break apart if you touch me!''

I close the distance between us and throw my hands around him so tightly I squeeze all his life out of him. I feel how his body is all tense and stiff, but when I nuzzle my head into his neck, he relaxes and tightens his hold on me.

''I don't want to hear you're not good enough for me from your mouth. Ever again. Because if anyone's not good enough for who — it's me. I'm so unworthy of you, it would be funny if it wasn't so sad.'' I really didn't mean to tell Braden my thoughts and sound like a depressing, whiny bitch, but everything kinda just comes out of my mouth before I even think about it when I'm with Braden. It's getting ridiculous and it'll probably get me in trouble someday.

Braden pulls back from me and stares down at me. He has a scowl on his face. ''I swear to god, Rory, you really tempt me to put you over my knee and spank you so hard your cute little butt gets as red as your face when you blush.''

My eyes widen and like one cue, I blush. But Braden's face stays unchanged. I wisely keep my mouth shut.

He puts his hand through my hair, pushing it away from my face and brushing it back. Then he puts his thumb on my cheek and lightly caress it. ''You're more than good enough, Rory. You're a gorgeous, intelligent and funny woman. On top of being a kind-hearted one. You're a goddess. And you're the only woman I know who doesn't take up my shit. Besides my sister of course.'' He smirks and his dimple shows.

I have tears in my eyes, but this time from happiness. I've never heard such beautiful words ever in my life.

''Don't you dare start crying,'' Braden warns, but his tone is light.

I laugh at him, step on my tiptoes and place a kiss on his mouth. When I want to pull back, Braden puts his hand at the back of my head, keeping me in place and deepening the kiss. He pulls me closer to his body and I already feel his hard cóck at my stomach. It's me who breaks the kiss first. Braden's looking at me with lustful eyes, but I don't cave in. I put a hand on his (still naked!) chest and push him away. ''If we keep that up, we won't leave the bed today.''

Braden smiles down at me, his eyes wrinkle at the corners and he shows dimples. I beam back at him. ''Come on, put on some clothes and I'll take you out for that breakfast I promised you.'' He slaps my ass, making me squeak and him to laugh and wink at me.

And if my face isn't red enough, my stomach grumbles at the mention of breakfast, making my face go on fire.

But instead of laughing, Braden just gives me a pointed look and mouths, ''Five minutes,'' at me.

I narrow my eyes at him but go search for some clothes, anyway.

How nice would it be if we would always be that playful with each other?