King of the Underworld by RJ Kane

389

Sephte

When he pulled me to him, he turned me to face him. His hands continued to roam slowly over my body, but now I could do the same to his. I could feel his hardness pressed against my stomach. My hands roamed over his chest, his shoulders, down his arms. He grabbed my hands in his, moving my arms behind my back. He held both my arms in one of his hands while the other hand moved to my neck, once again tilting my head to give him full

access.

His grip on my arms was soft, but I didn’t like having my arms restricted. I pulled them out of his grip, but he caught them and put them back, holding me a little tighter. His lips went back to my neck. I tried to concentrate on his lips, but all I could think about was having my hands tied behind my back while Armando beat me. I tried to pull my arms free once more, but his grip tightened. I whimpered, my panic fully setting in.

He felt it immediately. “Sephie, what’s wrong? Why are you panicking?” he asked. He loosened his grip and I ripped my arms free, hugging my chest. His arms were around me instantly, his voice soft in my ear, telling me that I was safe. I was with him. No one was going to hurt me.

“My arms. I don’t like having them behind me. I don’t like having them restricted since…” I didn’t need to finish. He knew.

“Sephie. Sephie, I’m so sorry. I didn’t think…” he said, holding me tightly.

“It’s okay. I’m okay. Just not behind me like that.”

He put his hand on the back of my neck, pulling me far enough away from him that he could look me in the eyes. The look in his eyes told me my eyes were likely still wh ite. He searched my eyes for a moment, then I saw the look of confusion on his face. “Why are you sad?” he asked as I closed my eyes, trying to get a handle on my emotions.

I stayed quiet for a moment, not sure how to answer his question. I felt so out of control lately. I couldn’t get a handle on my fear. Little things would make me panic that never bothered me before. My eyes were doing their own thing. I still worried that the guys were all scared of me because of them. Now I completely ki lled the mood because of something si lly. I knew he wasn’t going to hurt me when he was holding my arms. But I couldn’t fight off the fear of feeling that vulnerable again.

I felt his fingers under my chin, gently lifting my face. “Sephie, look at me. Please,” he said. His voice was soft, but urgent.

1 opened my eyes, letting him search. It only took him a moment. He pulled me close again, hugging me tightly. “You’ve been through so much. I can’t believe you’re beating yourself up for struggling with processing everything. This was my fault, Sephie. I didn’t think about you not wanting to have your arms behind you. You have a very good reason for not wanting that, I should’ve known.”

quietly, my face

all the way. You’re dealing with so much just on your own. Not even considering how you’re

don’t want

I wanted to add, but

searched for a few minutes, but didn’t respond right away. He picked up his shirt that he had left out for me, holding it out for me. He quietly buttoned it up after I slid my arms through the sleeves. Then he rolled up the too-long sleeves. He reached down, taking my hand and pulled me toward the bedroom with him. He climbed into bed first, then pulled me into his lap so I was straddling him. He looked at me for a few minutes, his hands in their usual battle with my curls before he finally broke the

what to say to make you believe that we’re not scared of you. The things that are happening are strange. It’s a lot to take in. But all of it is made so much easier because we all have you to help us through it. If this were happening without you, we would all be admitted to the psych ward. You’re what’s kept us sane through all of this.” He pulled me down, pressing his lips gently to mine for a moment before he continued. “I’m worried

apparently. I think you’re putting too much pressure on

met you has been a lot. Most of it I’m dealing with and trying to move past, but there’s going to be times when something triggers

he looked at me. “You always do that,” he said

“Do what?”

making me feel better when I’m trying to make you feel better.”

lightly over his stubble, loving the feel of it against my fingertips. “You do an excellent job of taking care of me. It’s not your fault I’m high maintenance,” I said, smirking

laughed loudly. “You’re the most low-maintenance woman I’ve ever met in my entire life. But it makes me love you even more than

on his shoulder as he ran his hands over my back. I sighed, loving just being close

and forever.”

I quietly got out of bed and grabbed a

looking for something to help you with that?” I asked. I didn’t mean to

what are you doing up? You should be in bed,” he said, almost firmly. Like it was

you get older?” I asked innocently. He squinted his eyes at me as I walked to the cabinet where we kept the tea. I pulled out

know how much I would miss having someone who was never afraid

known you. You’ll have even more friends soon,”