He certainly made her feel that way.
“How do you feel about my scars?” he asked, pointing to a jagged mark on his forearm and side, then circular ones on his right pec, and just above his left hip.
Her heart rocked. “I-I hadn’t even noticed them,” she stammered, reaching out to lightly touch the one on his chest, and when it sunk in that the wound had been made by a bullet, she couldn’t stop her fingers from shaking. “God, are you okay?” She closed her eyes and shook her head before opening them again. “Of course you are. That was silly of me.”
“There’s nothing silly about concern.” He set a hand over hers, pressing her palm against his chest. She could feel his heart beating strong and sure, and her shaking immediately stopped. “I like that you were concerned,” he said. “And that you obviously hadn’t even noticed them until now.”
She blew out a breath and nodded. “You’re right. I didn’t.” She’d only seen a naked, gorgeous man. “Your scars didn’t faze me.”
“Then you understand that your scars don’t faze me either,” he said softly, brushing her right shoulder with his thumb.
“I’m…uh…beginning to realize it’s the invisible scars I’m having trouble overcoming.” She couldn’t believe she was opening up, admitting something so personal to Dex, of all people. And yet, it felt right.
“They are the hardest to heal.” His gaze met and held hers. “I’ve discovered learning to embrace the ones on the outside help to fade those on the inside.”
Her throat heated, but not for herself. “Sounds like your words of wisdom come from personal experience.”
He shrugged, and that single, silent admission cut deep. She hated the thought of this kind, amazing man suffering inside or out.
She cleared her throat. “You have any advice?”
Heat returned to his gaze. “Hell, yeah. I’ll do you one better.” In one, fluid motion, he shifted her in front of him and brought them both to their feet. “I’m far from done with you, and when I am…you’re going to love your body.”
A delicious tremor raced through her, stoking the embers simmering inside. Damn, the man hadn’t even started, and she already ached for him. “Good.” She smiled. “Because I seem to recall a promise of many orgasms.”
Multiple Os would definitely help her love her body.
“True.” A wicked grin spread across his lips, and her good parts throbbed in response. “And I always deliver what I promise.”
He looked so damn lickable, all sinewy and ripped, and hungry. And those eyes, damn, they were fathomless, warm, and open. It was as if he could see into her heart and soul, right past all her flaws and secrets, and still found her beautiful. She knew he’d told her that multiple times since he’d exited the bathroom, but to see it…to feel it…was truly exhilarating. He’d gotten through her thick head and damaged the invisible wall imprisoning her self-esteem.
Dex was a formidable man. Like her, when he set his mind on something, nothing stood in his way of finishing his task. To find herself as “his task” was like hitting the hot hunk jackpot.
Happy Birthday to me…
Holding her gaze, he tugged her close, letting anticipation drum between them, driving her a little bit insane. The air around them was hot and alive with energy, and when his gaze dropped to her lips, she held her breath, waiting for one of his amazing kisses.
After several heart-pounding moments, his talented mouth finally found hers, and a needy, desperate sound rushed up her throat on contact. Dammit. How was he able to get her to make that sound?
It would be annoying if he didn’t kiss so damn good.
Eager and hungry, she opened her mouth for him, sliding her tongue against his. She was rewarded with a deep, almost desperate groan that rumbled in his chest. Energized by the knowledge that she could pull such a response from him, Rylee pressed closer, needing to feel more. It was crazy and insane how much she wanted Dex. She wanted him on her. Wanted him in her.
As if he wanted those things too, he backed her up until they hit the bed and tumbled onto the mattress. Somehow, he superhumanly managed to keep his mouth on hers as he covered her with every magnificent inch of his body.
Mmm…
For some time now, Rylee had fantasized how amazing it would feel to lie under Dexter Wright, and boy, had she been wrong. He felt better than amazing. He felt…perfect. Right. Too right for words, so she moaned her appreciation instead.
He broke the kiss and leaned onto his forearms, taking some of his weight with him. “You okay?”
A grin pulled at her lips. “I was, until you moved away,” she said, tugging him back down.
He needed no further instruction. Taking her lips in another heated kiss, he shoved a hand in her hair while he ran the other over her breast, his thumb brushing her nipple back and forth before his hand continued to scorch a path down to the curve of her hip. Her body responded to the need she felt in his touch by making room for him between her legs, then she rocked against him.
“Killing me,” he uttered, breaking for air.
The feel of all of him pressed up against her was too much, and she couldn’t stop her hips from undulating again. He muttered a curse and pressed back with his impressive erection. “You’re playing with fire.”
She cupped his face, enjoying the feel of stubble against her palm. “So I’ve been told. Question is, what are you going to do about it?”
A sinful gleam entered his eyes. “I think I’ll let you wait to find out.”
Who knew sparring in bed could be so exhilarating? She should’ve done this years ago. The instant that thought formed, she shot it down. It would only be exhilarating with Dex.
He was the only one who made her feel so alive. So hungry.
So comfortable in her own skin.
As she watched her thumb skim over his lower lip, she tried not to panic at what she’d just revealed and all that she was feeling. Stirred. She was feeling stirred. It was the first time she’d ever experienced this earth-slipping, foundation-rocking movement.
What was she supposed to do with it? Was it just her?
“Rylee,” he whispered in a low, husky tone that told her he was feeling just as unnerved. Knowing she wasn’t alone in this uncharted, emotional frenzy made her feel better.
With her name on his lips again, he slowly lowered his head and kissed her. Not desperate and hungry. No. This time it was deliciously long, deep, and wet. An exploration. A branding. A thorough, unadulterated claiming. The sensual caress shut down what little brain power she had left, and…heaven help her, she loved his taste—hot, comprehensive, and intensely male.
He drew back to stare deep into her eyes. “I want you, Rylee. All of you.”
Heat funneled low in her belly. “I want you too, Dex. So much,” she whispered.
At this, he let out the sexiest damn groan and kissed her with a passion that stole what breath she had left. His lips devoured, taking what he wanted, giving back equally in return. Their embrace went from aroused to wild and frenzied. Their hands touched everywhere as they took turns on the bottom and on top. She licked, kissed, and nipped, enjoying the journey down his quivering abs.
Then, suddenly, she was flat on her back with her wrists clamped in his hand and pressed high above her head.
She moaned. Couldn’t help it. He covered her completely with his entire weight, and she trembled at the exquisite feel. Crazy with need, she wrapped her legs around him, bringing him in tighter.
“Damn…you’re hot,” he murmured against her neck then bit that special spot behind her ear.
She gasped and angled her head to give him better access. Yeah. Right there. Her eyes fluttered shut, so overwhelmed with sensations. “Dex…”
The instant his name left her mouth, he dragged his lips down the curve of her neck, nipped at her collarbone, then kissed the side of a breast before gently sucking on the tip. The feel, the motion, was so wonderful, so perfect, she arched up, pushing more into his mouth
.
An incoherent sound gushed from her lips, full of hunger and need. She would have been mortified had she been alone in the turmoil. But the low, sexy sound that rumbled through his chest conveyed his impatience and fierce hunger.
She wasn’t alone.
Relentless and intoxicating, he continued to tease her nipples with his talented mouth. Never one to remain idle, she slid her hands down his ribs and hips before reaching around to cup his fine ass. He made that rumbling sound again and thrust against her before releasing her breast to draw back.
His smoldering gaze slammed into her. “Time for your second orgasm.”
She cupped his face and grinned. “You first. It’s only fair since I’ve already had one.”
His chest was warm and deliciously hard against hers as he lowered his lips to within an inch of her mouth. “That’s sweet. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.”
His eyes were lit with heat and humor, and the sight would remain in her heart forever. The man was slowly stripping her defenses and digging in deep.
Any second, her flight instinct would to take over. It never showed. But the sudden urge to taste him was strong. As if reading her mind, he brushed his mouth over hers, kissing her slow and lazy, building a fire from all that simmered inside. When he finally ended the kiss, he stared down with so much heat and intensity, she shivered.
“I can’t wait to be inside you.”
His words liquefied her bones. “I hope that’s going to be soon.”
“Patience.” Dex chuckled low in his chest. “It’ll be worth it. I promise.”
He rolled off the bed and reached for his jeans slung across a chair in the corner. Rylee lifted up on her elbow and set her head in her hand as she watched him fish a condom from his pocket. The play of light on his muscles had her itching to touch him again. But when her gaze dropped to his erection, she shifted to sit at the edge of the bed. “Wait…I want to taste you.”
He shook his head, and with efficient, precise movements, he was sheathed and in front of her within seconds. “As much as I know I’d love that, right now I want to come inside you.”
A grin tugged her lips. “You would.”
He choked out a laugh. “I don’t doubt it for a moment, but right now, I have something more special in mind.”
A thrill shot down her body and her good parts pulsed. Naughty thoughts whirled through her mind. She wasn’t into kink, but with Dex, she could be persuaded to try a few things. Cocking her head, she raised a brow. “Oh?”
“Yes.” He winked and stretched out alongside her on the bed. “Ever hear of the reverse cowgirl?”
Chapter Nine
Rylee’s mouth dropped open. “Doesn’t that position mean you face my back?”
Dex’s stomach lurched at the hesitation in her gaze. “Yes, but I think I’ve made it clear I don’t have a problem with that.” He sat up and moved behind her, trailing a hand over her spine before stroking to the right, zeroing in on the area she hated. “What better way to prove it than reverse cowgirl?”
“I-I don’t know.” She sighed so heavy, he felt it in his chest. “I’ve never taken top for the end…you know…the climax. What if I do it wrong? I don’t want to disappoint you.”
Son-of-a…
His gut clenched tight and blood boiled. He was so fucking angry at her past lovers, he wanted to punch the bastards into the last century.
“Rylee.” He gently grasped her shoulders, twisting her in his arms so her back hit the mattress, while he leaned on his elbow and stared into her eyes. “You could never disappoint me. Ever. And if you’re too uncomfortable with this, and would rather lay on your back, just say the word.”
Indecision clouded her beautiful, brown gaze, but then she blinked and shook her head. “Although I like the idea of facing you while we have sex, I trust you.”
Humbled by that trust, he gazed down at her, warmth spreading through him in a swift, powerful wave. He felt unexpectedly whole. It was new and strange…and he didn’t deserve it. Twinges of guilt rose to the surface and squeezed the warmth from his chest. He hated not coming clean about his actual mission. Hated that she thought he was her partner on this job when she was his real assignment. But watching over her, keeping her out of trouble, those were partner duties anyway, so in his mind his “babysitting” assignment was moot.
He was here as her partner. Period.
Of course, if Rylee ever found out, she wouldn’t see it that way. After having just discovered her self-esteem was so fragile—at least where her body was concerned—Dex couldn’t risk telling her the truth. He would rather suffer a lifetime of guilt than let her feel betrayed or incompetent.
“Besides, you’ve got me curious now,” she continued, regaining his attention. That wicked finger of hers skimmed down his torso, sending goosebumps across his ribs, and fire through his veins. It blew Dex’s mind how his body responded to Rylee just as fiercely as her body responded to him. A playful gleam entered her eyes. “I want to find out why you think reverse cowgirl is special.”
She was special.
He knew suggesting that particular position—the one that would place her scars right in front of his face—was pushing Rylee out of her comfort zone. But he wanted to show her that with the right person, there was never a need to hide.
And yes, he was the right one for her.
Grinning, he dipped down to kiss her shoulder. “Only one way to find out.”
Now that he’d broken through the boundary Gabe had set years ago, Dex saw things so much clearer on this side. He’d always been attracted to Rylee. Always stood up for her…always wanted what was best for her. She just did it for him. Which was probably why he’d never settled down or wanted a relationship…until now.
He was the right person for Rylee, and she was the right one for him. She was the only person for him. He just needed to show her…to prove they were right for each other.
Without scaring her away.
“But not just yet,” he murmured, dragging his mouth over her soft skin, nipping and licking his way south.
God, she had a gorgeous body. Even more beautiful than he’d ever imagined. And for the past several years, she’d starred in many of his late-night fantasies. He kissed the soft swell of her breast before sucking her stiff nipple into his mouth and ripped a gasp from her lips.
Reality was a hell of a lot better.
The woman was so responsive to him, he had a hard time keeping his hands off her. He ran one over the curve of her hip, down her soft, shapely leg then caressed his way up her inner thigh, loving the way she automatically spread her legs in sweet invitation. More than happy to oblige, he continued his journey to her sweet heat and let out an appreciative groan when his finger slipped easily inside. “So wet.”
She moaned and rocked into his stroke, and the need fisting his groin was so fierce it was almost painful. He had to have her. Lose himself in her warmth. Claim her for his own.
He withdrew his finger and sat up, pulling her with him. “I need to be inside you, Rylee.”
Her gaze grew uncertain as she shifted in front of him. “O-kay. How do—”
Leaning closer, he cut her off with a kiss, determined to dispel her doubts and make sure she enjoyed every second of the experience. He slipped his tongue into her mouth, and she clutched his shoulder and moaned deep in her throat. Intoxicated by her hot taste and the way her tongue met his stroke for stroke, he kissed her over and over and didn’t pull back until she shook with the same need coursing through his body.
“Turn around and straddle my lap,” he told her in a voice that sounded hungry and strained to his ears.
Because he was.
The urge to grab her hips and pull her down onto his erection while he thrust deep inside was so strong, his entire body throbbed. But this was their first time, and he wanted it to be enjoyable and memorable for them both. There would be no rushing. So when he grasped her hips to help her move, he fought that primal urge and co
ncentrated on taking things slowly instead. For a few seconds, Dex did great, until Rylee’s knees hit the mattress on either side of his hips, and he caught his first glimpse of her perfect ass.
She was killing him.
Clenching his jaw, he closed his eyes and inhaled, and by the time he blew out a long, slow breath, his control returned. Things had almost ended before they’d even started. That wouldn’t do. He opened his eyes to find Rylee watching his reflection in the dresser mirror across from the bed.
Dammit. Doubt had returned to cloud her gaze.
“You test my control,” he told her, scooting back a few inches so he could tug her onto his lap while avoiding his erection. “You’re so damn hot, I nearly lost it.” To make sure she understood that his eyes hadn’t been closed because of her scars, he leaned forward to kiss the marks on her shoulder blade and glide his hand up her back to her shoulder. “Relax,” he murmured, kissing a path to her neck. Damn, she was knotted tight. He nuzzled behind her ear and felt her breath hitch a second before she melted back against him. “That’s better.”
“Mmhmm…” she murmured on a sigh.
As he continued to lick and nip, he ran his hands around the front of her hot body to cup her gorgeous breasts. They were heavy and soft, with nipples so pert the beauties caught between his fingers.
This ripped a sexy sound from her chest, so he rolled them between the thumb and forefinger of each hand and was rewarded with a long, throaty moan as she reached back to grip his hips and rock against him.
Fire shot through his veins. Damn…he needed to be inside her when she did that. He needed to be inside her now. But not until she was filled with the same crazy hunger ripping him apart. He released one of her nipples to trail his hand down her quivering belly to stroke between her wide-open legs.
She cried out and met his gaze in the mirror. Emotions flashed through her eyes too fast to name, but there was heat. A hell of a lot of heat. “I need you in me, Dex,” she uttered, her tone desperate and hungry.
And here he thought she’d needed time.
Dex (HC Heroes Book 3) Page 10