What Was Lost

Chapter 17

The morning light streamed through the window, casting a warm glow on their tangled bodies. She could feel the exhaustion in her muscles from their passionate lovemaking, but it was a satisfying kind of fatigue. He lay on his back, chest rising and falling as he watched her in anticipation. She straddled him, still feeling the pulsing sensation between her legs.

His hand reached up to cup her cheek. "I want you to choke me," he whispered hoarsely, guiding her hand to his throat. As she applied pressure, he groaned and arched his neck, his body trembling as he came undone beneath her. In that moment, she knew he trusted her completely, to give herself over to her without hesitation or fear. And that trust only added to the intensity of their connection.

In the quiet moments after, she mustered the courage to ask him questions, hoping he would open up about his past and let her in. Her fingers traced the intricate tattoos on his chest and arms, marveling at the designs that seemed to tell a story.

"What are these?" She whispered, her touch gentle yet curious.

Before he could respond, she noticed his abdominal muscles tense up and his gaze turn distant. She knew it was a difficult topic for him to discuss, but she couldn't help wanting to understand him more.

"A stupid kid overcompensating." He finally answered, his voice filled with bitterness.

Resting her chin against his heaving chest, she raised her head to look into his eyes. "I'm guessing you're the stupid kid in question."

He arched an eyebrow at her, a small smile playing on his lips as he saw right through her teasing. But there was also a hint of vulnerability in his eyes, knowing that she already knew the answer to that question.

She looked at him, concern etched on her face. "Why don't you ever talk about it?" His gaze shifted to the exposed pipes on the ceiling, his expression guarded. "Because people see those and they define me by it, not by who I am now."

She reached out and took his hand, squeezing it gently. "I'm still here. I want to know more about you."

He met her eyes again. "Ask me anything else, baby."

She hesitated for a moment, her gaze fixed on the shadow of pain that flickered across his face. The question had been weighing on her mind ever since she found out about his past, and now she couldn't hold it in any longer. "Did you hurt anyone?"

His jaw tightened and he turned away, his eyes clouded with thoughts and memories. He took a deep breath before slowly turning back to face her. "If I did, would it change how you feel about me now?" His voice was heavy with emotion, vulnerable and raw.

"I...I don't know," she admitted quietly, unsure of how to answer such a loaded question.

"Do you feel unsafe with me?" he asked, his tone sincere and filled with concern. "Do you think I would hurt anyone intentionally now?"

His piercing green eyes searched hers for what felt like an eternity, probing for any hesitation or disbelief in her response. Despite his rough demeanor and preference for rough sex, she couldn't imagine him intentionally causing harm to anyone. Silently, she met his unwavering gaze with equal determination. "No."

The career she chose is a testament to her unwavering belief in the power of transformation and her steadfast refusal to judge people based on their past. In an attempt to comfort him, she gently presses her lips against the center of his chest before resting her head back down on it.

"So tell me something else." She says.

"That's a very broad question," he replies with a slight smirk.