Payton’s POV
Deep down, I knew Teddy was carrying far more than he let anyone see. The weight he carried was heavier than one person should have to bear alone, but he wasn’t the type to talk about it. He walked around acting strong and untouchable, yet I knew the truth: all it would take for him to open up was a woman who truly understood him—one who could take control and make him feel safe enough to let go.
I lay beside him, my fingers sinking into his soft hair as he closed his eyes in pleasure. Slowly, I traced my fingertips down the bridge of his nose, over his full lips, then leaned in and kissed him deeply. He groaned into my mouth and grabbed the back of my head, trying to pull me closer, but I bit his bottom lip hard and pulled away.
“Stay still,” I whispered.
His eyes flutter
