Headstrong Quarterback: A New Adult Sports Romance Read Online Free PDF Page B

get out.
    I saw the vein in his temple move. His face showed nothing else. “What did he do?”
    “He raped me. Pinned me to the wall and forced himself on me.” I finished. “I can’t do this.”
    His knuckles went white. He gripped the steering wheel, as if it would cage the anger growing in him. His jaw clenched. He sneered. “That bastard. I’ll kill him.”
    I sucked air, not sure what to make of his reaction. It was stronger than I expected.
    “And your parents?” he asked, wanting more information.
    “What parents?” I said, making my point. “They didn’t believe me. Called me a liar, even though it happened right in their home, last Thanksgiving. I cried, screamed, they…never mind. They’re dead to me.”
    “It took my sister about two years to feel whole again,” he said quietly. “She went through something similar with a guy. He abused and raped her.”
    “I’m so sorry,” I offered. It didn’t feel like enough. “Did you hurt him?”
    “Yeah, but I stopped before I killed him, if that’s what you’re asking.”
    I didn’t know what to think, what to say, but I couldn’t look away.
    He took me home, but I didn’t want to get out of his car. I felt safe, warm, and protected. Being around him made me feel better. I had no idea what he saw in me, or why he wanted to be here, but I was starting to appreciate it.
    “I won’t pressure you,” he started, “but when you’re ready, I’d like to kiss you.”
    This guy must have slept with dozens of women in his life, but he’s waiting, just waiting to kiss me. It felt weird, yet insanely flattering. He asked my permission. It was the oddest feeling. I wanted to fall into his arms, but I couldn’t.
    I was afraid if I kissed him one, just once, I wouldn’t stop myself… and I wasn’t ready for more.

Chapter 8
     
    Steel walked me upstairs. He didn’t push me, and let me have my space. After saying goodnight, he headed back to his truck. I could still smell his scent lingering; the sultry, musky cologne filled my nostrils. I wanted to reach out to him, to feel his arms around me, to feel his comfort and strength… Would he make the pain go away if I kissed him? I kicked myself for not stopping him from leaving.
    Somehow, he’d dismantled a few bricks in my wall.
    I closed my door and locked it, wishing I wasn’t such a basket case.
    The loud knock startled me.
    “Who is it?” I went into defense mode. I couldn’t help myself.
    He answered, his head close enough to the door, that I could almost hear him breathing. “It’s me.”
    I swallowed hard and unlocked the door. I opened it and peeked up at him. Our eyes met and lingered in a hungry gaze.
    “I wasn’t ready to leave,” he said.
    I nodded and stepped back, letting him inside.
    His deep voice resonated within me. “Can I hold you?”
    He wrapped his massive arms around my body. I buried my head against his chest and closed my eyes. It wasn’t scary. It was nice. There was safety in his arms. A quiet strength that told me he was there for me. It cradled me saying, ‘Nothing bad is going to happen.’
    I didn’t want the moment to end. I didn’t care that we were in my crappy room. Normally, I’d be ashamed. I just didn’t care. I only wanted to be in his arms. I was weary. I’d been alone for so long.
    He slipped his hand under my chin and tipped it up. No words were spoken. He simply looked at me. It was a long, heated exchange. After what felt like years, he brushed his lips against mine, soft and tender.
    “Sleep well,” he said, then turned to leave.
    “Don’t go,” I squeaked out. I didn’t want to be alone, not after feeling so safe in his arms.
    Steel looked at me. “Are you sure?”
    “Yes,” I whispered. There was nowhere for him to sit. I didn’t have a chair. I only had my mattress and dresser, and not much more. My nightstand was an old milk crate flipped upside down. That’s where I kept my laptop. There was no fancy light fixture, there