The Outlaw Cyborg (Cyborgs on Mars Book 5) by Honey Phillips

Author:Honey Phillips [Phillips, Honey]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Honey Phillips LLC
Published: 2020-10-21T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Damn. How had she ended up in tears in his arms once again? John lifted Serena to her feet, then further up, cradling her against his chest before he sat down with her in his lap. She started to struggle free but every instinct told him that she didn’t need to be alone right now. He tucked her more closely against him.

“Hush, love. It’s all right. You’re safe.”

“S-Safe? I’m never safe.” Her voice broke, and the silent tears turned to outright sobs.

Appalled at her reaction, he was about to release her when she turned and burrowed further into his chest, her arms clinging to him with desperate intensity. He rocked her gently, stroking the short silky strands of her hair, and let her cry.

Even though each sob tore at him, he made no attempt to prevent her crying. How long has it been since she’s let loose like this? he wondered. He continued holding her until finally the tears disappeared into a few shuddering gasps. She leaned her head back against his arm and looked up at him. Her nose was red, her eyes swollen, but she was still every bit as beautiful to him. She studied him, her face completely vulnerable.

“I don’t usually cry,” she said finally.

“I believe you. It seemed as if you had a lot of tears stored up.”

“Apparently.” Her attempt at a laugh sounded like another sob.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“No,” she said immediately, then sighed. “But maybe I owe you an explanation.”

“You don’t owe me anything, love.”

“I think perhaps I do.” She looked away from him and he saw her fingers flexing. “I was in a relationship once, when I was very young. It ended… badly and taught me not to trust anyone. It was a valuable lesson.” For a moment, she sounded like her usual slightly sardonic self, but then she sighed again. “As I said, I was young. I was also destitute and without a future. But I had a brain and I had my looks, and I used them both. I did whatever it took.” Her chin rose defiantly. “Including sex.”

When he didn’t respond, she frowned. “Aren’t you going to say anything?”

“What do you want me to say? I’m not here to judge you, love.”

Tears shimmered in her eyes again. “How can you do that? You always say the one thing that makes me feel better—and worse. Don’t you realize that I was trying to use you?”

“Serena, you didn’t burst into tears because you were using me. You were crying because you know that there’s a lot more between us than that.”

Before she could respond, he bent down and kissed her. Her body stiffened and he was afraid that she was going to pull away, but then she melted against him. He made no attempt to take advantage of her surrender. Instead, he took his time and let her lead the way, her mouth shy, as tentative as if she had never been kissed before.

Perhaps she never has been kissed by someone who truly cares for her, he thought, his heart aching.

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