Chapter 36
The ones that make you doubt yourself, doubt your worth," Mack says softly, his voice laced with a tenderness that takes Viola by surprise. "I see them, Vi. I see the way you flinch when someone gets too close, the way you hold yourself back. I want to help you let them go. I want to be the one to chase them away."
Viola's eyes well up with unshed tears, her breath hitching in her chest. She's never been good at letting people in, at trusting them with her vulnerabilities. But Mack sees right through her, right down to the core of her being.
The vulnerability she tries so hard to hide is laid bare in his gaze, and she can't bring herself to look away. She's never had anyone understand her like this, never had anyone want to help her heal in the way that Mack does.
"I don't know if I can let them go, Mack," she whispers, her voice thick with emotion. "They're a part of me, for better or worse. They've shaped me into who I am today."
Mack's hands move up to cup her face, his thumbs brushing away the tears that spill over onto her cheeks. "They don't have to define you, Viola.You're so much more than your past. You're strong, and brave, and fiercely independent. And you're worth fighting for," Mack says, his voice swelling with emotion. He leans in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.
Viola takes a deep, shuddering breath, trying to rein in her emotions. She looks up at Mack, her eyes filled with a mix of vulnerability and determination. "I want to believe you, Mack. I do. But it's hard to let go of something that's been a part of you for so long."
Mack nods, his eyes never leaving hers. "I know it is.
But you won't be alone, Viola. I'll be with you every step of the way. I'll help you face those ghosts and show them who's boss." Mack says, his voice filled with genuine conviction. He leans in, his eyes searching hers, "And I promise, when we're done, you'll be free. Truly free."
Viola looks at him, her heart pounding in her chest. She wants to believe him, wants to trust him.
He murmurs against her lips, "You don't have to say anything, Vi. I can see it in your eyes. You're scared. Just let me in, let me help you."
She nods, her eyes reflecting a mix of fear and trust.
"I'm trying, Mack. I really am. It's just... hard."
He kisses her again, this time softly, tenderly.
"I know it is, sweetheart. But you're not alone.
You have me now," Mack whispered, his voice low and soothing. He pulled back slightly, just enough to look into her eyes. "And I'm not going anywhere, Viola. Not unless you want me to."
Viola stared back at him, her heart pounding in her chest. She could see the sincerity in his eyes, the genuine concern and care that he had for her. It was almost too much to bear, this intensity, this raw emotion. She felt her defenses crumbling, brick by brick, as she looked into his dark eyes.
"You promise?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Mack nodded, his hand cupping her cheek.
"I promise, Viola. I'm not a man who goes back on his word."
Mack's hand left her cheek, sliding down her neck and resting gently on her collarbone.
"You're not broken, Viola," he murmured, his voice low and intimate. "You're strong.
You've been through so much, and you're still standing. That's not broken, that's resilience."
Viola's heart swelled with emotion, her eyes searching his. "But-"
Mack cut her off with a soft kiss, his lips brushing against hers.
"No buts," he whispered, his breath warm against her skin.
"You're not broken, Viola. You're fucking amazing."
He leaned back slightly, his eyes locked with hers, as he slowly began to unhook her bra. Viola's breath hitched as the cool air kissed her naked skin, her nipples pebbling under his gaze. Mack's eyes darkened with desire, his thumb circling one taut peak before dipping down to tease the other.
"Mack," she breathed, her back arching into his touch.
He smiled, a slow, sexy grin that did wicked things to her insides.
"I love it when you say my name like that," he murmured, his voice a low growl. He leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a searing kiss that left her breathless. His hand continued to tease her breasts, his touch sending electric shocks straight to her core.
Viola's hands found their way to his chest, her fingers tracing the hard lines of his muscles through his shirt. She could feel the heat radiating off him, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her touch. She was overwhelmed by the sensation of him, the scent of him, the taste of him.
Mack finally pulled back from their kiss, his breath ragged and his eyes dark with desire. He looked at her, his gaze intensive and raw. "I want you, Viola. All of you. Every piece, every part. I want to know every inch of your body, every secret of your heart."
Viola's heart pounded in her chest, her breath coming in short gasps.
"Mack," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I... I don't know if I can give you everything you want. I've never been good at... opening up."
Mack's hands stilled, his eyes searching hers. He leaned in, his forehead resting against hers.
"I'm not asking for everything all at once, Viola. I just want you to trust me. I'll take as much or as little as you're willing to give. But I want you to know, whatever you decide, I'm here for you. Always."
Viola's breath hitched, her heart pounding in her chest. She could see the sincerity in his eyes, the promise of patience and understanding. It was a heady mix, one that made her want to throw caution to the wind and give in to her desires.
She took a deep, shuddering breath, her hands reaching up to tangle in his hair.
Mack brushed his lips against hers, a soft, gentle kiss that sent shivers down her spine. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere. Not until you tell me to leave."
Viola's lips curved into a small smile, her eyes searching his. "You're a patient man, Mack. I'll give you that."
He chuckled, the sound low and intimate. "I am when it counts.
Now, where were we?" Mack's voice was a low rumble, sending vibrations through Viola's body. His hands, which had been stilled during their conversation, began to move again, tracing the curve of her shoulder, the slope of her neck, the hollow of her throat.