We’d only been driving for a short time when we both decided to stop and grab a bite to eat at some café right outside of town. Ellie started talking the minute we sat down, telling me everything from how her memory had come back to how hard it was to sleep in her cell. Poor thing hadn’t had anyone to talk to for days, so it didn’t surprise me that she had so much to say. The entire time she rambled on, I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. It was like my mind was having a hard time believing that she was really free. So I sat there, quietly staring as I listened to every word. I knew the last few days had taken its toll on Ellie, and I was eager to get her home, so as soon as she finished eating, I asked, “Are you ready to head back?”

“Yes. I’m dying for a hot shower and a change of clothes.”

“Okay, then, let’s get rolling.”

We jumped in the truck, and then hit the road. When we finally made it back to Port Angeles, I turned down an old side road, which sparked Ellie’s curiosity. Knowing it wasn’t the way to the clubhouse, she turned to me with a confused look and asked, “Where are we going?”

“My place,” I answered nonchalantly. I’d decided early on that instead of going back to the clubhouse, I was taking her to my place. Maybe I was being selfish, but I wanted her all to myself. “It’s just up the road a bit.”

“Your place? I thought you lived at the clubhouse?”

“I stay there from time to time, but I don’t live there.” As I started down another side road, I told her, “I always wanted a place out by the water. The house isn’t all that great, but the view is out of this world. I’d really like to show you, if you’re up for it?”

“I’m definitely up for it. I can’t wait to see it.” She was completely silent as I drove up the long, gravel driveway. I watched her expression as she leaned towards the window to get a better look, and when she saw the old, yellow, craftsman-style bungalow, her eyes lit up. “Wow. It’s really beautiful, Diesel.”

“It needs a lot of work, and I will get to it one of these days,” I assured her as I put the truck in park. “Come on. I’ll show you inside.”

As she followed me up the steps and into the house, I found myself becoming nervous that she might not like it, but as soon as I put the key in the door and opened it, I heard her gasp. She stepped inside and walked straight towards the long row of floor-to-ceiling windows, which lined the back of the house. “Did you do all this?”

“Yeah. I figured if I was gonna have my house by the water, I was gonna enjoy it, inside and out.” I chuckled and added, “Besides, it’s a good distraction from the second-hand furniture and lack of decorations.”

“Your furniture is great, but you’re right.” Her lips curled into a mischievous smile as she looked around. “It could use a picture or two on the walls.”

I pointed to a tiny, four by six photograph that I had hanging in the kitchen. “I’ve got pictures. See? That’s one of my very first motorcycle.”

She walked over to the picture and studied it for a minute. “Um … Diesel, that’s a moped. It’s just like the one my brother used to have, except this one is missing the little wire basket on the front.”

“What? You’ve gotta be shitting me.” I smirked, knowing very well that it was, indeed, a moped. My stepfather had given it to me when I turned twelve, and it was a gift that left a lasting impression. “That sweet ride right there is a Honda PA50 1978 Hobbit.”

“Yeah. Well, I hate to break it to you, but that sweet ride is a moped.” The light in her eyes danced as she laughed, making her even more irresistible. I could actually feel myself being pulled towards her as she continued, “But don’t worry. I won’t hold it against you.”

“Good to know.”

After she took a quick look around the kitchen, she went back into the living room and stood by the windows. As she stared out at the ocean, she said, “You were right. The view really is amazing.”

“I’m glad you think so.”

“With a view like this, you should have a porch or a little patio. I could see myself spending an entire day out there just looking out at the ocean, drinking my coffee and reading.”

“I hadn’t thought about that, but you’re right. It would be cool.”

“Be warned. If you build one, I might never leave.” She teased.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

I gave her the full tour, and as we stood by the bathroom door, she asked, “Do you mind if I take a shower?”

“No, not at all.” I grabbed some towels and started the water for her. “I’ll go see what I can find for you to wear.”

After I gathered up some of my clothes for her, I went into the living room and started a fire. It was the first time I’d had a woman at my place, and I was feeling a little off-balance. I wanted everything to be perfect for her, but under the circumstances, I had to make the best of what I had. I lit a few candles, turned on the TV, and tried to be patient as I waited for her to finish up in the bathroom. When she finally walked into the living room, I had to bite back my smile the minute I saw how my t-shirt and sleep pants hung on her small frame. Her hair was still wet, and her cheeks were flushed from the hot shower. Ellie looked absolutely adorable as she padded over to the sofa and sat down beside me. “Thank you for the shower. I can’t tell you how much better I feel.”

“No problem. I’m sorry about the clothes. We’ll get you something that actually fits tomorrow.”

“That’s okay.” She gave me a slight shrug. “I really like wearing your stuff. It makes me feel … um … never mind.”

“No way. You’re not going to start something like that and not finish it. What were you going to say?”

“I was just going to say that wearing your shirts makes me feel close to you. I really wish I had one with me when I was in that cell. I might’ve been able to sleep if I did.” She rolled her eyes at me. “Happy now?”

“Actually, I am. More than you know.”

“Can I tell you something without you thinking I’m crazy?”

“You can tell me anything.”

“I missed you … a lot. Probably more than I should have.”

“I missed you, too, Ellie.

“There’s a chance, a good chance, that I’ll be going back to jail. It scares me to think that I might spend the rest of my life behind bars, but the thing that scares me the most is losing you. I’ve already lost so much, and I just don’t think I could take it.” She looked up at me with confusion. “See? It doesn’t make any sense. Why am I afraid to lose you when you’re not even mine? It’s crazy.”

“I’ll tell you what’s crazy. I’ve only known you for a couple of weeks and you already mean more to me than anyone else. You’re all I can think about … all I want. So, yeah, I’m scared too … scared of wanting something I can’t have. But I can promise you this—you don’t have to be afraid of losing me. I’m yours in every way that counts, and I’m not letting you go.”

“So, do you think we’re both crazy?”

“Maybe, but I don’t care.” I reached for her, pulling her closer as I pressed my lips against hers. My need for her burned deep, and just the feeling of having her in my arms was like pouring gasoline on a fire. I brought my hands to the nape of her neck, bringing her even closer, and a light moan vibrated through her chest as I delved deeper into her mouth. Her arms snaked around my neck, and as her fingers tangled in my hair, she inched closer, pressing her breasts against my chest. Fuck. There was no denying the attraction between us. Hell, I could feel it coursing through my veins whenever she was near, and over the past few days, that feeling had only grown stronger. Our hunger for one another quickly escalated, causing the kiss to become wild and heated. We were completely lost in one another, and I didn’t want the moment to end.

When we finally came up for air, Ellie looked at me with lust-filled eyes and said, “I’ve never felt anything like this before. It’s a little overwhelming.”

After everything that she’d been through, the last thing I wanted to do was push her into something if she wasn’t ready. “We don’t have to rush into anything here. You’re worth the wait.”

With her eyes locked on mine, she stood up and extended her hand to me. “I don’t want to wait, Diesel. I’m tired of waiting for what I really want, and I want this more than anything.”

I took her hand and followed her into the bedroom. When we reached the foot of the bed, she reached for the hem of my shirt, and as she started to ease it over my head, she said, “I’ve thought about this moment so many times.”

“I want you to be sure.”

She tossed my shirt to the floor, then reached for her own and slowly lifted it over her head, exposing her perfect, round breasts. We both knew her scars were there in plain sight, but neither of us paid them any mind. It was just Ellie and me. “I’ve never been more sure.”

The damn broke as soon as the words slipped from her mouth, and as she stood there staring at me with hunger in her eyes, all the heat and desire I had been holding back flooded over me. Every ounce of resistance had vanished, leaving me completely helpless to fight the urge to have her. Like a starved animal, I closed the gap between us, and a flash of desire crossed over her eyes as my hand dove into her hair. I grabbed the back of her neck as my lips crashed into hers, our tongues twisting and tasting each other with nothing but passion and desire. Her mouth was warm and soft, and each swirl of her tongue made the blood rush straight to my cock.

As I lowered my mouth to her neck, I whispered, “I’m going to erase all your bad memories, angel. Every damn one of them.” I ran my lips leisurely from the curve of her jaw down to her shoulder. “You’ll only be able to remember the feel of my mouth on your skin, my hands on your body, and the thrust of my cock when I bury myself deep inside you—over and over. Everything else will be forgotten.”

“Yes,” she rasped.

The feel of her body against mine sent me over the edge, and my hands suddenly became rough and impatient. I had to have her—all of her. I continued trailing kisses past her collar bone, and her fingers tangled in my hair, pulling me towards her as I lowered my mouth to her breast. Heavy breaths and low moans filled the room as I flicked my tongue against her nipple. Her head fell back, leaving no doubt that she liked having my mouth on her. With her eyes closed, she mumbled, “You have no idea how good that feels.”

Goosebumps prickled across her skin as my fingers worked their way across her abdomen, through the waistband of her sleep pants, and further down between her legs. A small whimper escaped her throat as my fingers grazed across her center. Unable to contain herself, she rocked her hips forward, begging for my touch. Aiming to please, I slid my fingertips inside her and had just begun to stroke her when she moaned, “Oh god, Scotty … Please, don’t stop.”

Hearing my name on her lips drove me wild, and as I brushed my thumb against her clit, I felt her begin to tremble. Knowing she was close, I worked two of my fingers deeper inside of her, finding her G-spot, and as I increased the pressure, her fingernails dug into my shoulders. Her breath quickened, and her head dropped forward as her entire body tensed with her release. I couldn’t wait any longer to have her; I withdrew my fingers and moved my hands to her waist, reaching for the drawstring of her pants. As soon as I gave it a quick tug, they fell useless to the floor. Equally as eager, Ellie reached for mine, and in a matter of seconds, we were both completely undressed. The room stood silent as we each took a moment to gaze at one another; the sight of Ellie took my breath away. Like a dream, she was absolutely spectacular.

Without saying a word, she placed the palms of her hands on my chest and eased me back on the bed. As much as I didn’t like giving up control, I could see the self-assurance in her eyes, and I wanted to keep it there—to have her feel strong and confident with me. When she started towards me like a hungry predator, I couldn’t have desired her more. I reached for her hips, carefully lifting her as she straddled herself over my cock. Dragging her center across my throbbing erection, she leaned forward and kissed me passionately. I thought I’d lose my mind if I had to wait another minute to be inside her.

Feeling the same need burning inside of her, Ellie looked down at me and asked, “Do you have a condom?”

“Side table. Bottom drawer.”

She reached into the drawer and handed me the small, square package; as soon as I slid it on, she was back, centering herself on top of me. The heat of our breaths mingled between us until the anticipation became too much.

“I want you, Ellie. All of you.” My hand snaked up her spine. “I’ve never wanted anything more.”

My breath became strained as I tried to fight the temptation to take over. Noting my struggle, she lowered her hand between us and started stroking me. A fevered hiss slipped through Ellie’s lips as she slowly inched down, taking me deep inside. She was so fucking tight and warm and wet that I thought I would explode right there on the spot. Ellie felt like heaven, absolute heaven; I wanted to savor every second, feel every sensation.

A deep growl resonated through my chest as she quickened her pace, and even though it felt incredible, I needed more. Unable to control myself, I brought my hands up to her hips and guided her up and down. Her nails dug into my chest as she bucked against me, meeting every thrust with more force, more intensity. “That’s it, angel. Give me everything you’ve got.”

Each drive became more frantic as she took me deeper and deeper. My body was wound tight as I struggled to hold back my climax, and I could feel the pressure building as her walls constricted around me. Teetering close to the edge, I dug my fingertips into her hips and held on as her orgasm approached. “Oh, God, Scotty.”

“That’s it, angel. Come for me.” Her hips rocked against mine in a feverish rhythm until she let out a tortured groan. With one last, deep thrust, Ellie’s body tensed, and her breath stilled as her head fell back. Her orgasm exploded as she clamped down around me, making it impossible for me to hold back as she continued to buck against me. The fire that raged within me reached its breaking point as I came deep inside her. “Fuck.”

I held on to her hips, holding her in place as I caught my breath. Still trembling, Ellie collapsed on top of me, her heart beating wildly next to mine; neither of us moved as the aftershocks from our pleasure rolled over us. I ran my fingers through her hair and whispered, “You’re absolutely incredible, Ellie. Everything I dreamed of and more.”

We were both still trying to catch our breath when she said, “I didn’t know … I never thought it could be like that.”

“Baby, you haven’t seen nothing yet.”