“Why?”
He didn’t answer, just stared at her.
“Because of me?”
Zeke swallowed hard and nodded.
“It wasn’t your fault.”
He shrugged. “Still work to do to accept that.”
“I wish I could take that guilt from you.”
“I wish I could take everything from you.” He exhaled, as if he hadn’t meant to say the words. “I apologize. That’s not fair of me.”
“I know what you mean, though. There are times I wish I didn’t remember.”
Zeke nodded as though he understood. He probably did. “Let’s turn on the light on the stairs.”
Nina nodded as Zeke flipped the switch that illuminated the stairs. She stayed at the bottom while he turned off the other lights, then joined her. Nina started up the stairs, but Zeke grabbed her hand.
“I will never pressure you or force you to do anything. You’re in charge here. Always. Everything is up to you.”
Nina nodded, feeling self-conscious about the power he was handing over to her. She’d never been in charge. She didn’t know how to be in charge. She wasn’t sure if she would like it.
“I don’t…”
“You say no, I stop. No matter what. I promise you, Nina. I don’t want you to ever worry about me doing anything you don’t want. Whether it’s making you coffee in the morning or making you come at night, you call the shots.”
His dirty words had her trembling. “I want you, Zeke. I’m going to try.”
He shook his head. “No, angel. You’re not going to try. We’re going slow. If you have any doubts, we’re not even going to start anything.”
“But—”
“I’m not going anywhere, Nina. I’ll be here waiting for you as long as you need me to wait. As long as you want me to wait. I promise you that.”
She swallowed past her dry throat at the vehemence of his words and the desire in his gaze. She wasn’t sure how she got so lucky, but she was not going to fight it.
“Let’s go upstairs. You first. I’m going to stare at your ass.”
Nina barked a laugh at his blatant admission. She added a little sway to her walk, and he groaned.
“I’m going to enjoy when I get my hands on you, Nina.”
“So am I.”
Zeke growled, then caught up to her on the landing outside his bedroom door. He pressed her against the wall, letting her feel the way she affected him. He tugged on her ear with his teeth, and she felt an answering tug between her thighs.
“Zeke.”
“Slow, angel.”
“Please.”
He slid his arm around her waist and held her tightly against his body, walking them into the bedroom and kicking the door closed behind them. He walked to the bathroom and turned the light on, then led her to the bed.
“I want you to know exactly who is here with you. I need you to know it’s me.” Zeke’s voice was strained.
