Read Anywhere (BBW Romance) for Free Online

side of him I felt I didn’t know.
    Tears silently filled my eyes. Wordlessly, I tugged the robe down on my right to expose my upper arm. A few tears escaped, running down my cheeks. I couldn’t tell you exactly why I reacted this way. A part of me felt raw and broken. My world had been flipped on its head in the past few hours, and I didn’t know quite how to deal with it.
    For the first time, Ram’s expression neutralized, and somehow that was worse. He closed his eyes and took a few breaths before refocusing on me. His eyes glistened as he reached for me. He curled his palms around my cheeks. “I am so sorry, Ari. ” I heard the sincerity, the upset in his voice. He’d never been a cold, heartless man. “Come.” He led me to the sofa and settled me there. He disappeared down the hall for a minute. When he returned, he had a metal first air kit in his hand.
    He sat on the edge of the sofa beside me. Gently, patiently, he meticulously cleaned and cared for my injury. He was so careful, doing his best not to hurt me further. His attention flickered between my face and my arm; he was watching for any signs of discomfort from his actions. Once my arm was cleaned , coated in ointment and wrapped, he closed the case and set it aside. He met my gaze for a brief moment before he adjusted the robe to cover me again. “You are not running, but you are afraid of me now. I see it in your eyes.”
    “I know you won’t hurt me, but-” I shook my head negatively, turning my face up to the ceiling. My throat constricted as fresh tears gathered. I swallowed hard, flinching as soreness slapped my bruised flesh. I’d forgotten about the handprint, as it didn’t compare to a burning graze from a bullet.
    Cupping my head, Ram leaned in and kissed my forehead. “I would never hurt you, aşkım . Never.”
    Without meeting his gaze I knew he told the truth. I never believed he would. “Who were those men, Rahmi?”
    “I will tell you everything, but first.” He captured my lips. His caress was passionate, yet tender, as if he were kissing precious glass capable of shattering. He glided his tongue along my lips, pleading for entry.
    I could never deny him. My body knew him, still wanted him. I melted into his embrace each time, this one included. I placed my left hand flat on his chest, over his tattered layers, as he leaned into me, deepening our lip lock.
    Heat slid through me. My heart beat a fraction faster as emotions welled. I didn’t know if he was saying hello or good-bye. I didn’t know if this was the end or a new beginning, and, for once, I didn’t know which I preferred with him. My mind, the logical part of me said, after this morning, it was time to move on, that no man was worth losing my life for; my heart, the emotional and romantic part of me said, after this morning, after facing death, I needed to pursue my dreams, pursue love and happiness, all of which I had with Ram. I loved him, and that’s what divided me.
    He backed away with several soft brushes of his lips to mine. “I love you, Aeren. I love you.” He tightened his grip on me, seemingly in desperation based on the edge of it in his voice. “Know that as I tell you the truth. I never wanted this to happen. I wanted only to protect you, okay?”
    I stiffened, a chill chasing down my spine. My heart rejoiced, but my mind overruled my heart’s desire. Sitting back, I waited for the best moment of my life to be ruined. He’d told me he loved me, but followed it by something that overshadowed its beauty: the truth. After five years, I was finally going to learn the truth about the man I loved. The truth didn’t always set you free, though.

    Chapter Nine
    Rahmi
    My truth was certain to contradict my love for her.
    Standing, I put several feet between us. She would need space once I told her.
    Fuck. After five years of loving her curves safely, it was time to take away the net. I never thought I would have to tell her under these circumstances. I