DON’T STOP (Lila and Darrell) novel Chapter 4

Taking her Innocence 4

Lila

I yanked my hand back like I’d been burned, stumbling a step away. The sudden movement made Ryder’s breath hitch, but he didn’t speak. Didn’t move to cover himself.

I couldn’t see his face clearly anymore, but I could feel his eyes on me. They were heavy and watchful.

“I—” My voice cracked. I cleared my throat, trying to sound normal, but it came out shaky and too loud in the dark. “I’m fine! Just… looking for the bathroom!”

Silence from downstairs for a beat.

“Okay, sweetheart,” Delaney called back, sounding relieved. “It’s the door right across from the kitchen. Goodnight.”

I heard her footsteps fade away.

I stood frozen, breath coming in shallow bursts, hand still tingling where I’d touched him. The air felt thicker now, charged.

“I’m sorry,” I suddenly blurted into the darkness, my voice cracking. “I didn’t mean for that to happen. Please just forget any of this. I don’t know why I even said that.”

I smacked the side of my head lightly with my free hand, like I could knock the stupidity out. My palm still burned with the feel of him—hot, hard, and pulsing. I couldn’t believe I’d touched it. Touched him.

Before he could say another word, I spun around and fled, bare feet silent on the hallway floor. I slipped back into my room, shut the door as quietly as I could, and leaned against it, chest heaving.

I still had to pee. Badly. But there was no way I was going back out there. I’d hold it until morning if I had to. I crawled into bed, pulled the covers over my head, and squeezed my eyes shut. Sleep came eventually, restless and fitful.

When I woke up, sunlight was streaming through the curtains, and the memories slammed into me all at once.

His cock in my hand. The way it throbbed. His low voice saying “just once.” My own voice asking to touch it.

I groaned into my pillow, face burning so hot I thought I might actually burst into flames. I wished the floor would open up and swallow me. I wished last night had been a dream. What the hell did I do? I wasn’t even drunk, so what exactly possessed me to say and do all that?

“Lila, honey?” Delaney’s voice floated up the stairs, cheerful as ever. “Breakfast is ready!”

I lay there for another minute, praying for a sudden natural disaster. None came.

I forced myself out of bed, threw on an oversized hoodie over my sleep shorts, and dragged myself downstairs.

The smell of bacon and coffee hit me first. Then I saw the dining table. Breakfast was spread out—eggs, toast, fruit, and pancakes. And there he was.

Ryder.

He was sitting at the head of the table in a faded black T-shirt that clung to his chest and shoulders, dark hair still a little messy from sleep, sipping coffee like he didn’t have a care in the world. He looked up when I walked in, his gray eyes meeting mine for a split second before I jerked my gaze away.

Delaney beamed from the kitchen doorway. “Good morning! Isn’t it nice to finally meet your uncle properly?”

Nice?

I wanted to die.

I couldn’t even look at him. I bit my bottom lip hard and stared at the floor, shuffling toward an empty chair as far from him as possible.

Delaney laughed softly, setting a plate in front of me. “Don’t tell me you’re nervous. Come on, you know Ryder’s the sweetest thing ever.”

I managed a weak nod, sliding into the seat.

Ryder’s low voice cut through the quiet, calm, and even moment.

“Morning, Lila.”

I mumbled something that might have been “morning” and kept my eyes glued to my plate.

Because if I looked up, I knew I’d see his face and remember exactly how his cock felt in my hand.

Breakfast dragged on forever.

Delaney kept the conversation flowing, bright and effortless, talking about the weather, the new foal born last week, and how the peaches were coming in early this year. She laughed easily, refilled coffee cups, and passed the syrup like we were some normal little family. Ryder ate in silence, only speaking when spoken to, his deep voice short and clipped. Every time he reached for something, I flinched internally, terrified our hands might brush.

I kept my eyes on my plate, pushing eggs around, barely tasting anything.

When the plates were mostly empty, Delaney clapped her hands lightly. “Ryder, why don’t you take Lila out to the ranch today? Show her around properly. She’s never really seen the place.”

My fork froze halfway to my mouth. Hell no.

I opened my mouth to refuse, but Ryder spoke first, calm as ever.

“Okay. She should get ready.”

I blinked, head snapping up. “I don’t think I want to go,” I said quickly, too quickly.

Delaney tilted her head, her smile softening. “Why not, honey?”

I bit my bottom lip, heat creeping up my neck. I couldn’t exactly say because I touched your husband’s dick last night, and I’m terrified to be alone with him.

I just shrugged, staring at my juice glass.

“It’ll be fun,” Delaney pressed gently. “And if you hate it, you never have to go again. Promise.”

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