Chapter 40

JERICHO

When she froze, I worried that I’d pushed her too far and she’d pull away, maybe even leave, but she just sat there motionless.

“I never want to make you uncomfortable or push you too far,” I reassured her as I waited painfully for her to respond in some way, but she stayed silent.

Her legs began to quiver, and I couldn’t tell if it was from desire or exhaustion, or both, but I wanted to respect her boundaries, so I gently pushed her off to the side, so she was once again seated next to me on the sofa.

Whatever has happened in her life before we met has caused her to close herself off and avoid intimacy. The mate bond has insured that I’m already completely in love with this woman and would do anything to make her happy, even if that means suffering my own discomfort for a time.

“Tell me what you’re thinking.” I urge her.

She stares ahead, avoiding my gaze. At first, I think she is going to clam up and not respond at all, but then she takes a deep breath as if she’s prepari