Hundreds (Dollar, #3)

by Pepper Winters

He’d almost destroyed me. Almost. But he hadn’t. And from the ashes, I stood tall.

I hadn’t acknowledged just how much I needed to be needed. To have someone to care for after being so goddamn alone.

“The moment you found me, I didn’t stand a chance.” His lips turned down, his eyes becoming sad. “I hate that that’s true. For both of us.”

My heart prickled with the need to remind him that someone wanted him, someone appreciated him, someone ultimately cared and was so grateful for his kindness, protection, and generosity. Me.

I couldn’t answer for his past sins or even say if it was forgivable, but I could judge him based on our interaction, and I refused to let the past dictate how I felt about him.

He had a soul. And it was a vibrant, throbbing thing visible, not just in his eyes, but in every nuance, kiss, and motion.

I thought he’d been dramatizing his needs. That it was just a turn of phrase. I was so wrong. I shuddered to think of him playing me as aggressively as he did his cello. For him to know my every thought and tear every hidden fear from me. To know me better than I knew myself.

But Pim was worth it. She was worth every penny. Even if she cost me everything.

“I’ll tell you why you make me weak, Pim. You make me so fucking hard I can’t think straight. You crawl inside my mind when you have no right to do so. You intrigue me, confuse me, and make me contradict everything I know and believe. You corrupt me.”

I had no way to stop it. No censor to prevent the deep, dark truth. “I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I want you.”

“A soul is priceless and could never have a monetary sum attached. Net worth might make a difference in this life, but when we die, we’re all worth the same.”

“We’re worth the weight of what we leave behind. The people we’ve touched. The lives we’ve shared. The knowledge we’ve gathered and traded. Physically, we’re worth the dust our corpses turn into, but spiritually, we’re rich forever.”

Tomorrow was a new day. Tomorrow was a day for conversation. Tomorrow was a day for more of tonight. And tonight was the night I found heaven. And Elder was a man I’d never hoped to find. And I was better because of him.

“Time to return the favour.” I frowned. What? How? “Sit on my face.” I reared back. “Excuse me?” “You heard me.” “But—” “No buts.” He pushed down the bed a little; his arms strained straight. “Come here.” “I-I don’t understand.” His eyes blazed. “What don’t you understand?” “I’m naked. If I sit on your—” “I’ll be able to do for you what you just did for me.”

My law of once would never be enough. I needed to eat Pim for every meal. I needed her with me always.

“You’re mine now.” I drove deep. “I won’t be able to stop.” I fucked hard. “Are you happy now? Happy that you made me do this?” I thrust over and over. “You’ve ruined me. Fucking ruined me.”