Fervent

by Claudia Burgoa

  I stare at him, searching for the right words to say. Do I have to say something?

  “You’re thinking too much, Luna. I can hear your thoughts.”

  He takes me into his arms, crushing his mouth against mine.

  This kiss is demanding, impatient, hungry. His hands slide down my sides and grab the edges of my sweatshirt and dress. He pulls them over my head. I am exposed except for my bra and panties. My body is almost bare, my heart is open, and my soul is visible. There’s nothing I can use to cover myself. Seeing as he’s almost in the same position as I am, I let myself flow within this moment. It’s been so long since I’ve been with a man. It’s been forever since I’ve cared for my partner. And I never have shown my vulnerability the way I do with Harrison. He’s shown me the same openness. It’s only fair to trust him with this too.

  “Fuck, you’re gorgeous,” he mumbles against my lips, sliding his hands over my naked back toward my buttocks. He squeezes it before pushing my panties down. “I’ve wanted to squeeze your tight, beautiful ass since the morning you did that to me.”

  He kisses my skin as he lowers himself down my body. “It feels like it happened eons ago. We’ve been through so much that I feel like I’ve known you forever.”

  His warm hands spread and caress my legs as he disposes of the small article of clothing, slowly, tempting me, scattering pleasure along the way.

  “But I still have so much to discover.” He rises, staring at my almost naked body. He snaps my bra open from the front clasp. “Next time, I promise I’ll take my time undressing you. But today . . . I need to feel that you’re alive. To see you come alive when you scream my name.”

  I press my legs together, feeling the dampness between them. Each word he professes sends a tremor through my body.

  “This moment is all I’ve thought about for the past twelve hours,” he confesses, taking me into his arms, setting me down in the middle of the bed.

  He plants kisses along my bare skin. Each one flutters through me. “I am dying to taste you, to feast on you. To burn from the inside out as I bury myself deep inside you.”

  Harrison undoes his jeans, pushing them down. I take my time staring at his gorgeous body. The ripped abs, lean torso, and broad shoulders I’ve seen before, but I’ve never had a chance to appreciate them. I lift my hand, wanting to touch him, to trace every ripple, learn each dent and kiss every corner.

  He positions himself over my body. “Are you okay with this happening between us?”

  Goose bumps clothe my bare skin as his hands stroke my arms.

  “Isn’t it a little late to be asking?”

  “It’s never too late.” He traces a line close to my breasts, but he doesn’t touch them. “Fuck, I imagined them being two beauties. They are perfect, like you.” He runs his finger along my jaw. “I would never go through with it if you decided this isn’t what you want, never.”

  “I want it.” I draw a breath in a stuttered gasp as his lips brush against the base of my neck. “I need you to fill me, to fire me up like a star.”

  I float with elation as his lips touch mine. If I could ask for an unlimited supply of something, it’d be his kisses. All of them. My heart skips several beats when his long fingers trace my body. My hands slide up and down his torso, learning every sharp line of those perfectly cut muscles. His hard erection presses against my stomach. The spark is back, this time igniting the center of my core.

  He nibbles my skin, caressing every inch his lips have touched. I shiver as his tongue runs down my belly and he separates my thighs. I cover my face with my hands as I scream when the tip of his tongue touches my core.

  “Your sweetness is addictive.” He dips his face against my pussy. His tongue flicks my swollen clit.

  I grip the covers of the bed as he inserts a finger inside me and his mouth continues making love to me. A force like none I’ve ever felt builds inside my body concentrating right where Harrison’s mouth is. I push myself harder against him, seeking release. The warmth he creates flows effortlessly in an endless stream of pleasure. He licks me, kisses me, and thrusts his fingers faster. My head is about to explode. I’m becoming stardust in his universe as I moan his name over and over.

  He moves up. His eyes find mine. “Watching you fall apart is one of the best miracles I’ve ever witnessed, Luna. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in my life.”

  The tip of his cock is right at my entrance. I hold my breath as the magnitude of what’s about to happen is bigger than I anticipated. The lines are gone. We don’t have rules, only a demand for one another that’s greater than our fears. He slides inside me leisurely, pushing his ample length so deep we fuse into one.

  He thrusts in and out.

  Filling me.

  Filling us.

  Every second that passes, the bond between us strengthens. It happens with every slow, loving, and tender thrust. This buildup is different from anything I’ve ever experienced in my entire life. It feels as if this is the first time I’ve ever been with anyone. His tender hands caress my body. Mine mirror his movements. During this life-changing moment, no words are spoken, yet everything is said between us as we build a fire as pure and blue as his eyes. The raging flames flicker between us, blazing our bodies, igniting our souls.

  And when I feel like I can’t take anymore, he changes the rhythm. It’s faster, frantic. Slow and easy is off the table, the pressure inside me begins to build up again as he pumps into me deeper. I arch as I reach my climax, my walls milking his throbbing cock. The entire universe is crumbling as we both moan. He buries himself deeper as his body shudders a couple of times before it stills. I cling onto him screaming his name as we both come together.

  “Luna.” My name sounds like a prayer.

  He remains silent, then kisses my neck. “You just brought me back to life,” he says gruffly.

  I caress his face. My arms and legs feel heavy, just like my eyes. The orgasms have taken away the last strand of energy that I had left. All those hours of work come crashing down on me, and I finally close my eyes.

  Epilogue

  Luna

  I filed my first report with HIB. They gave me a badge, and credentials to sign in to the computer system which has more security protocols than the Pentagon. Those were Mason’s words. I received a laptop and a big payment. As of today, my checking account balance is at its highest ever. That was only for this week’s job. I have money. Not that I didn’t have any before, but my salary with the FBI is nothing compared to what HIB offered to pay if I accepted the job.

  Mason and Harrison gave me a tour of the corporate offices, the gun range, the training installation, and the cafeteria. I had a meeting, and they updated me on Esteban’s condition. He’s out of the hospital and at home with his parents. He doesn’t remember much of the events. The job offer came after the good news.

  “If I accept, what am I going to do with the current case?” I asked because the change of scenery is tempting.

  “You can leave it for the FBI to work on it, or . . .” Mason tapped his hand on the glass table. “You could solve it while you work for us. You’ll have all the recourses from HIB available twenty-four seven. Once you’ve gathered enough intelligence and if we as a team decide that it’s enough to bring him down, we will support you.”

  “Mr. Medina is considered one of the biggest human traffickers in South America,” I informed them.

  “Our team has gathered enough information to prove that there are bigger fishes to trap,” Mason added. “He’s strong, but there are names that the FBI doesn’t pay attention to because they aren’t affecting this country . . . yet.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “It means that you can be privy to more information once you are part of our team, not before,” Mason stated with a firm voice.

  “I need a little more time to assimilate what happened during the past couple of days,” I countered.

  ✰ ✰ ✰

  “How does
this work?”

  I can’t take her seriously. Her hair is all the colors of the rainbow, she has butterfly tattoos on her arms and wears the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen. And she wants to talk about my case instead of chatting about the heart-shaped crystal pendant she wears. Can we be best friends?

  “We discuss your last assignment.” She looks at her path and then at me. “You’re new to the team.”

  “No, it was a consulting job. I work for the FBI.”

  “Oh, then you have to report to them, don’t you?”

  I shake my head. “They don’t know I’m here. Actually, I don’t think they know where I am. They think I’m working undercover in New York.”

  “But you’re not?”

  “I’ve collected data, made a few contacts. It’s a long-term operation . . . but I’m going back next week and quitting. I am a better fit at HIB.”

  She scratches the tip of her nose lightly. “Why is that?”

  I give her a brief history of what’s been happening with my job. The rocky relationship I have with my boss. The reasons I left Alexandria, and how I went from missing my family to finding a home.

  “It’s not only him but his brothers and the Beesley girls who are like his sisters,” I continue. “Then, there’s this mission. And the job offer. They took my ideas and actually let me be the one leading. Mason was supportive and helped, but he let me do most of the work.”

  She gives me a knowing smile. Her look encourages me to continue.

  “Though, I feel that by leaving the FBI I’m letting them win.”

  “What are they winning?”

  I sigh, thinking about what they’ll win if I go.

  “What are you losing with this new job?”

  I toy with my bracelets, missing the four that I had to use on Wilson. The pay is better, the opportunities to do what I love are right in the palm of my hand, and I will be working with Tiago. My brother. Lucas is thinking about the offer too. “I win. Is it bad that I don’t feel any remorse after killing one guy?”

  “Did you have to?” Her question is simple, but weighing the answer isn’t just that simple.

  “To save my brother,” I respond, nodding, then pulling my chopstick and showing it to her. She tries to hide the smile. “I’m not saying it felt good, but I was relieved that he’s okay and that this guy wouldn’t kidnap another kid.”

  She nods.

  “If you have to do it again?”

  “I would do it, but I hope I don’t have to . . . I just don’t know how my father is going to feel about me leaving the FBI and moving out of the house. Though I shouldn’t care. He lied to me for years.”

  The timer goes off while I’m telling her about my mother and everything that happened to her.

  “As parents, we make mistakes,” she says, turning off the alarm. “But it’s because we love our children. With time, you can work things out with him. Even if you are away from home.”

  She clears her throat.

  “I feel like you can go out in the field today if you wanted to. But, if you want to talk more, here is my number. My Skype information and my email address—they aren’t the same.” She hands me a card. “We can also discuss your father and how you adjust to all the changes you’re experiencing. Seems like you’re doing all right but it’s always good to have an outsider listen to you.”

  “Thank you.” I’ve never liked going to counseling while working for the bureau. It felt like I was being judged and if I said the wrong thing I might lose my job. Here, well I have nothing to lose.

  “I hope this helped.”

  I put the card inside my wallet. “It did, and I might call you soon.”

  Untitled

  A year later

  “Are you alone tonight, sweetheart?” Joe, the bartender asks. I shrug, winking at him. He’s an old friend of mine. I grab the glass, looking around the dim, crowded bar for a place to sit. In the corner, I find an empty table. It’s busier than I expected for a Thursday night. Looking at the flat screen as all the patrons grunt, I understand. The Rangers are playing the Bruins. I consider myself lucky that I grabbed the last table. Lifting my glass, I swallow my cold, cherry-lime flavored drink. I don’t enjoy the taste, but the Shirley Temple will have to do it for now. If I had a choice, I’d be drinking whiskey. Looking at my clothes, I remind myself to stay in character.

  “Is this seat taken?” My gaze drifts to the man who’s speaking in a low voice and has clear blue, captivating eyes. He wears a fitted black shirt and a pair of jeans.

  Straightening my back, I flash a wide smile at him. “I’m waiting for a friend.”

  “A friend?” He arches a brow, lifting his hand and snapping his fingers. “What are you drinking?”

  “I’m good, thank you,” I say with the sweetest voice I can manage. Would a librarian sound like that? No, maybe she should be somber. Hmm, I didn’t do much research for tonight. I smooth my plaid mini skirt, straightening my back.

  He glances at the table, taking my drink. Smoothly he places it in his firm, sexy lips, sips it and spits.

  “Fuck, Luna what are you drinking?”

  I bat my eyelashes at him. “Shirley Temple, I didn’t think you’d drink it.” Glaring at him, I give him my best upset librarian look—I think. “You don’t just go and take food from other people’s tables.”

  “You’re not a stranger,” he defends himself.

  Gah!

  This is going downhill.

  “What happened to lonely librarian meets dangerous outlaw?” I glare at the man who just ruined our fantasy night.

  One corner of his mouth lifts, then he glances at me. “He saw his girlfriend wearing a tiny skirt that barely covers her tanned legs and gorgeous ass.” He serves me with a smirk and a gaze filled with naughty thoughts. “What if tonight we forget about my birthday present voucher and focus on you?”

  “I’m counting tonight as one of your fantasies, Everhart.” I rise from my seat, placing my arms behind his neck. His arms wrap my body, one hand resting on my butt. “Five all-time sexual fantasies, this is number three. I don’t care what you think.”

  A lopsided grin stretches across his smooth lips. He takes off my fake glasses, placing them on the table and pulls the pens holding my hair up, letting my wavy dark hair fall on my shoulders. “Having you is my all-time favorite fantasy, Luna.” His filthy-naughty-bedroom voice makes my gut clench. Leaning closer, he brushes his lips against my ear. “There are a few surfaces that we haven’t explored yet in our new place. Do you want to . . . come?”

  I lean closer, rising on my tiptoes. His woodsy, amber scent welcomes me as I place a kiss on his jaw. My hands slide down his strong chest, traveling to his stomach, and stopping right on the waistband of his jeans. “You’re all hard,” I say, my fingers gliding to his crotch and palming his semi-hard length.

  “Luna,” he growls, taking my hands and kissing them. “I don’t plan on walking three blocks with a hard-on.”

  “Oh, but you will.” I tilt my head, smiling at him, and sauntering away in the direction of the door.

  “I’ll make you pay for this,” he mumbles into my ear once he catches up with me. And I hope he comes through with that threat.

  We walk the short distance from the bar to our place. Stepping in the elevator, he puts me in front of him. I wiggle my ass as I feel the ridge of his erection. Resting my head on his chest, I look up and find his gaze.

  He places a sweet kiss on my forehead, the mischievous smile appearing right away. “I love that you try, but I guess pretending isn’t something I love to have between us.”

  I get it. Part of our job is to be undercover for missions. As fun as it is to pretend to be Wonder Woman or that I’m a tourist, he prefers to be with me.

  Just me.

  Once inside our place, he shuts the door and arms the security system. Then, he presses me firmly against the wall.

  “You know what my fantasy is for tonight?”

  He lifts my han
ds, holding my wrists together, and placing them above my head. His lips trail down my face, my jaw, my collarbone, and across my breasts where he lingers for a couple of breaths.

  “You know what my fantasy is, baby?” He releases me, taking a step back.

  The foyer is illuminated by candles and flowers. Vivaldi’s Autumn piece begins to play in the background. He takes my hands, kisses them and smiles.

  Pulling a red velvet box out of his pocket, he drops on one knee and opens it.

  Inside there’s a rose gold solitaire ring.

  “Harry,” I whisper, covering my mouth lightly.

  My heart thunders inside my ribcage as I hold the happy tears threatening to cascade down my cheeks.

  “Luna, you came into my life unexpectedly. I had no idea how much you’d change my life. You shook my entire world, showed me true love and have remained by my side during my best and my worst times. Every day with you is a new challenge and a new adventure. Whether we are at home, on vacations, or working on a mission, I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

  He takes a deep breath. “I love you. You’re my life—the best part of me. Please, fulfill my ultimate fantasy. Would you be my wife?”

  “Yes, yes!”

  I take his face with both hands, feathering kisses on it. “Of course, I’ll be your wife. Have I told you yet that you bring happiness into my life? You mean the world to me, Harry. You’re the best thing that has ever happened to me. I can’t imagine life without you.” I lean forward, hugging him tightly. “I love you forever.”

  His arms go around my back, our lips brush, then press together. I moan as his tongue parts my lips. We kiss hard, long and fully as we exchange new promises without words and ignite that fire that never stops consuming us.