Says the man who just fucked me sideways to Sunday.

I quickly turn my back to Demitri and focus on the dark brown liquid filling the coffee pot.

Deep breaths.

Demitri places his hands on my shoulders, and I keep dead still as his chest presses into my back. When I feel his breath skimming over my ear, it makes goosebumps spread over my skin.

“Do you regret it?” he asks, his voice so low I feel it vibrating through me.

I shake my head and answer honestly, “The timing just sucked.”

Demitri forces me to turn around, and when our eyes lock, it hits me once again. I just had sex with the hottest man I’ve ever laid eyes on.

And I loved it.

My stomach tightens with nerves, and then I ask, “Do you regret it?”

His irises turn dark, and the predatory look returns, making me weak in the knees. “I only regret that I don’t have you tied to a bed right now so I can fuck you until I own every one of your cries and moans.”

Ahhh….

There’s a flush of heat in my abdomen, and my stomach explodes into a kaleidoscope of butterflies.

Demitri leans down and presses a tender kiss to my lips. As he pulls back, my eyes search his face as I try to figure out what’s happening between us.

His mouth tugs into a grin. “Take all the time you need. I’ll do my thing, and you do yours.”

“What do you mean by you’ll do your thing?”

He gives me a look that promises nothing good for me. “I’m going to chase, and you’re probably going to run.”

Dear, God.

He leans into me again, and my eyes flutter shut from how amazing it feels when his mouth brushes along my jaw. “But I get that you’re not in a good place. I won’t force anything on you.” He pulls back, and when I open my eyes, he continues, “You’re safe with me.”

Emotions whirl in my chest, and then a new one joins the chaos. Affection.

“Before you start chasing and I start running,” I say, forcing a smile to my lips, “can I…” I hesitate for a moment, but because it’s the one thing I need most, I push through, “will you just hold me for a minute.”

Demitri doesn’t hesitate and tugs me against his chest. His arms wrap tightly around me, and then I feel his breaths warming the top of my head.

Slowly, I turn my cheek, and then I listen to his steady heartbeat.

I shove all my fear, my confusion, and my uncertain feelings for Demitri aside and let the sorrow pour back into my heart.

For one minute, I allow myself to be weak.

I close my eyes, and grabbing hold of his sides, I fist the fabric of his shirt.

Flashes of my past begin to bombard me.

Me running to Dad and him catching me.

Dad giving me a proud smile.