Rural Romance by Alexa Riley

Chapter Nine

Selma

This is the second morning I’ve woken with the smell of Luca all around me, and the longing is the same as yesterday. Of all the rooms at the Cross house, how did I get stuck in Luca’s? This must be some form of torture after what I went through yesterday.

Moisture pools between my legs as my breasts ache. I can’t stop the memories of what he did to my body and the desire it brings to the surface. All I need is the scent of Luca and my body is awake with need.

With all the aches from yesterday's accident, this is one I can actually do something about. I spread my legs and slip my fingers into my underwear. It’s shameful how wet I already am from only the scent of Luca. He’s not even here and he still owns my body in a way that I don’t want to acknowledge.

I close my eyes and think about his mouth between my thighs, then let out a small gasp as I recall it in detail. He’d been relentless and didn’t stop until I begged him to. The pleasure was intense but even more so when he thrust his cock inside of me. My other hand pinches my nipple and then plucks at it as I think about him entering me for the first time. That tiny bite of pain I felt as he’d taken my virginity was worth it. He rutted inside me and claimed it for himself, and god how the sight of him made it wetter.

My fingers move fast over my clit, but it's nothing compared to Luca’s mouth. Right now, this is all I’ve got, and I need to get off. My breathing picks up as I climb closer to my orgasm, but it’s still too far away. I rub and rub as frustration sets in, and I grit my teeth.

“Damn you, Luca,” I say as my fingers cramp and I give up. I jerk my hand out of my panties and sit up in his stupid bed.

I’m even wearing his dumb shirt to sleep in, and I roll my eyes at myself.

With disappointment I pull myself from the bed and go into the bathroom to clean up. I’ve got to get the heck out of here. I need space if I’m going to put all this crap behind me, but I didn’t have much of a choice yesterday. It was either stay here last night with Cooper and Juno so they could wake me up every hour, or they’d call my brother. I didn’t sleep well at all, but I guess that’s the point after a possible concussion.

My body aches all over, but it’s not as bad as I thought it was going to be. The ache in my chest and between my thighs is worse, but no painkillers are going to do anything about that.

I still only have my bridesmaid dress since my car got taken away, so I walk over to Luca’s dresser in search of something to wear. I open the first drawer and find what I need, but I still keep peeking around, not feeling the least bit guilty about it. There’s not much here, and I wonder how this is his home. There’s nothing here besides his clothes and the lingering scent of him. I hate how my body reacts to it once again, and I shove the drawer closed in irritation.

“Selma.” Juno says my name before she knocks on the door to the bedroom. I walk over and open it, and she’s standing there with a bright smile. “You look better today.”

“So I looked terrible yesterday?” I pretend to be offended.

“Maybe a little bit,” she teases me right back. “Cooper is making a late breakfast, and I thought you might need these.” She holds up a pair of yoga pants. “But I guess you already found something to wear.”

“I stole some boxers.” She’d given me the shirt last night, so she probably doesn’t care.

“Never thought I’d see the day Luca has a girl in his room wearing his clothes.” She laughs it off easily, but meanwhile my stomach tightens. What does that even mean?

“Because he doesn't sleep with locals?” I ask, unable to help myself.

I’m not sure what information I’m fishing for here. He pretty much told me that the other night, but I’d still like to hear it from someone else. What the hell would you even call what we did? This is way worse than sleeping with someone from your town. I really need to let this go because I’m going in circles. What’s done is done, I remind myself, and there’s no going back.

“I never see him with anyone.” She shrugs. “Come eat. You need it with those painkillers.”

I have a feeling I’ll have to eat if I want to get out of here. “Okay,” I agree, following her down the stairs.

I’m not sure if her answer to my question is good or bad. On one hand it’s good because he doesn't bring a line of women in and out of his house, but on the other hand it also shows he’s never had a serious relationship. As if I have room to talk on that one. I’ve stayed clear of dating my whole life, but look where it’s landed me.

Cooper is standing at the stove as I enter the kitchen. “How are you feeling?” he asks.

“A bit sore,” I answer, and he nods. “I’m guessing my car is shot?”

“Yeah. I’ll give you a copy of the report for your insurance company about the hit and run.”

“I’m just glad no one was seriously hurt.”

The man in the second car that hit me didn’t have a scratch on him. They are still looking for the jackass that caused the whole mess to begin with.

“You got knocked around pretty good. You should hang around here another day and rest,” Juno says as she holds a plate out to Cooper. He puts some eggs on it before she adds some bacon.

“I really want to get home and into my own bed.” Cooper starts to speak, and I narrow my eyes on him. “Isn’t blackmail illegal or something?”

Juno snorts and then presses her lips together.

“I’m watching out for our family, that’s all. Bastian would do the same.” He gives me a warm smile, and I feel guilty.

“That’s really sweet of both of you, but I’m good, I promise.” I’d already sent in a request for a driver to come and get me this morning, and they should be here soon.

“At least eat.” Juno puts the plate in front of me and leaves no room for an argument.

“Thanks.” I pick up my fork and do as she orders. It’s not until the food hits my mouth that I realize how truly hungry I am.

Cooper’s phone starts to ring as Juno puts a glass of orange juice down in front of me.

“Luca.” I hear Cooper say as he turns off the stove and walks out of the kitchen. My heart begins to race, and I wonder what will happen if he’s on his way here. The last thing I want is to run into him after he ditched me.

When Cooper told me to take his room last night, he said Luca was gone, but he didn’t mention when he’d be back.

“I still can’t get over how incredible that wedding was. It was a fairy tale really.” Juno picks up a piece of bacon and pops it into her mouth.

“It really was. Lux is so good for my brother.” They fit together perfectly, and it makes me long for the same thing.

“Everyone needs a little Lux in their life.” I nod in agreement as I quickly eat my food.

My phone vibrates, and I look down to see my ride's here. “This breakfast was wonderful. Thank you so much for it and for taking care of me.” I hop up from my chair. “I have to get my things.”

“Wait, you’re leaving?” Juno calls after me as I make my escape.

Luca isn't the only one who can slip out the morning after.