by Sharon Kay
With a devilish grin, he released her and straightened. “Bed,” he growled.
Not taking her eyes off him, she dropped onto the soft comforter and lay back. In a flash, his hands were at her waist, undoing the button and sliding her jeans off. Her socks came next. She lay on his bed in just a tiny, lacy thong, exposed but so eager she was ready to explode.
Shane stood there for a second, one that she would remember forever. Muscular torso, biceps that looked like he could snap a tree, his hair messy from her running her hands through it. And the expression of sheer lust on his face, the slight parting of his lips. He was a fantasy, and right now, he was all hers.
He dropped to cover her, warm skin on hers, lips rough and demanding. He delved deep in a kiss that she could only hang on for—a kiss that was like a claim, like he wanted to make her remember how he made her feel.
As if she would ever forget any detail of him. Not possible.
He shifted her higher on the bed and propped himself up on one elbow. Tracing one finger between her breasts, he found her necklace and lifted it. “Didn’t know you had this on until you took that scarf off. Then all I could think of was my mouth where this was leading.”
She reached for the front pocket of his jeans and tugged. “Take these off. Get naked with me.”
“You’re not naked yet.” He captured her nipple again, silencing her protest that he was still in jeans.
“Mmm.” He released her only to kiss lower, to her hip. He slid a finger under the lace edge of her panties. Her hips jerked.
He moved to crouch over her, caressing first her hips and then the lace that covered her mound. He dropped one finger lower in a barely-there touch that made her moan. “I need to taste you.”
Oh god. She would probably come in about three seconds. But her body quivered with anticipation. She raised her hips to remove her underwear.
He hissed out a curse as he knelt between her legs. At the first slow, teasing lick, a moan escaped her. He slipped his hands under her ass and held her where he wanted her.
His tongue was magic, exploring her slowly. His breath was warm on her skin. He traced up and down her folds, slick and slow. “You taste so good,” he murmured, and the rumble of his voice sent an arrow of need through her. When he traced a circle around her clit, she whimpered. Then he sucked it gently into his mouth and feathered his tongue over it.
Becca grabbed the sheet and moaned, pushing herself into him. She was so close…
He let go of her ass and brought his hands up to caress her thighs, her belly. Then he slid one finger inside her, still keeping up his attention to her clit.
Becca gasped as her orgasm tore through her. Her legs quivered on either side of his head, and her hips lifted. He growled and kept sucking her as she rode out the waves.
Shane looked up at her with a sexy grin, eyes gleaming, as if he knew a hundred different ways to reduce her to a sated, shaky mess. He prowled up her body, jeans loose around his hips. Muscles in his biceps flexed as he dipped to kiss her.
She ran her hands down his back, still breathless as his tongue flicked against hers. Her limbs were heavy in the best way. “Shane,” she whispered.
“Yeah?” He dotted kisses down her neck.
“That was incredible.” She finally drew a steady breath.
“You’re pretty incredible yourself.”
“I want to feel all of you.”
He glanced up from the upper curve of her breast, on which he was lavishing attention. He flexed his still-clothed hips into hers. “You ready for me?”
“Yes.” I’ve been ready all night. “I want you.”
With a look of pure carnal prowess, he moved off the bed and shucked his jeans. Her eyes had adjusted to the dark, and she could see him standing in boxer briefs, his chiseled figure outlined by a sliver of moonlight.
Becca rolled to the side of the bed and reached for him. Closer now, she could make out his hard length straining against the cotton. She hooked her fingers into the waistband of his underwear and tugged down.
His heavy erection sprang free, thick and perfect. Becca circled him with her hand, and he hissed out a breath that was part growl. Rubbing the crown, she discovered a drop of liquid and swirled her finger back and forth. He throbbed in her hand.
“Lay back.” He gritted his teeth.
She did, but sucked the tip of her finger into her mouth, holding his gaze.
“Fuck, woman.” Turning to the nightstand, he pulled a foil packet from the drawer. He rolled the condom on and prowled back onto the bed. The bed dipped as he knelt between her legs and took himself in hand, rubbing her slick folds.
Becca dropped her knees wide, entranced by the sexy vee of carved sinew over his hips. She’d only seen that in pictures of muscular dudes—never on anyone in real life. She added that to her mental list of places she wanted to explore with her tongue.
Shane grabbed one of her legs and set it on his shoulder, then nudged inside her body.
“Mmm.” She arched her back.
He pulled out, then nudged back in again, giving her just the tip of his cock.
“More,” she whispered.
But he teased her with short, heated strokes. The thick head felt incredible as he entered and withdrew, just the right amount of sensation to ignite her arousal again. Arousal that should have stayed sated. But she had a feeling that one time with Shane wouldn’t be enough.
“Shane,” she murmured, more urgently.
He looked up from their connection, eyes roaming her torso before locking onto hers. “What do you want, baby?”
“I can take you. I want all of you.”
Chapter 20
Shane stared down at Becca’s sexy-as-sin body, at her thighs parted in welcome. At her ripe full breasts, and at her eyes full of need and encouragement. She looked fucking perfect in his bed, her hair spread out on the pillow. He still wasn’t sure how the stars had aligned to bring them together, but right now, need ripped through him to satisfy what they both wanted.
He pulled out almost all the way, then sank deep. The walls of her pussy gripped him in velvet heat that short-circuited all thoughts except fucking her senseless. He fought for a thread of rational thought. He should try to be gentle…
Her lips parted in a silent gasp, and then a huge smile tugged her lips up. “Oh my god,” she breathed. “You feel so good.”
“So do you,” he growled, and plunged deep again with a thrust so hard her body slid up the bed. “You good?”
“Mmm, yes,” she purred, and reached for his balls.
His vision hazed at the first brush of her slender fingers. Just when he didn’t think she could get any sexier, she played with him, tugging and massaging. Every touch ratcheted his need higher. He gripped her ankle tighter and increased his pace.
Her breasts bounced as he slammed into her. Just watching her was a stroke to his cock, she was so damn hot. From his first glimpse of those big sexy tits in his truck, to here where he finally got her undressed, she was a visual promise.
Her body surrounded him like a warm, soft vise, and he plunged in to the hilt. She released his balls and they bumped against her skin as he moved.
His orgasm built at the base of his spine. He slammed into her, unable to go slow and so damn glad she was able to take all he needed to unleash on her. With a growl that sounded feral even to him, he exploded deep in her body. A groan rumbled from his throat as he plunged over and over.
Becca clutched the sheets, watching him raptly. With a final thrust, he pushed in as far as he could, as the pounding pleasure finally eased. He set her leg down and let his torso drop to cover hers.
Her arms instantly went around his shoulders as he breathed into her neck. Soft, feminine-scented hair, soft skin under his lips… God, she was perfect. “Becca,” he murmured, still catching his breath.
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br /> “Mmm, Shane.” She wiggled under him, cradling his cock in her tight pussy.
They were still joined, and he sure as hell didn’t want to pull out of her. Not yet. She felt too damn good. But she was smaller than him. He raised his head. “Need me to move?” He slid a hand under her shoulder, ready to roll them over.
“No.” She locked her ankles behind his ass. “I like this. You on top of me, your weight on me.” She bit her lip almost shyly.
Hell. Hearing her say that sent a fresh wave of blood to his cock, and that shouldn’t have been possible. If she liked him on top of her, then it would be fucking impossible not to get her horizontal every chance he got. “I like it too,” he managed to say. “I could stay like this for a while. I just don’t want to hurt you.”
“You won’t,” she whispered. She ran her hands through his hair and then down, caressing his back.
He propped up on one elbow so he could see her pretty face. Her eyes were heavy lidded with a sated, sex-fogged smile. She didn’t stop touching him, caressing his biceps and shoulders. “Stay the night?” he asked.
She gave him a delighted smile. “Yes. I was hoping for that.”
He chuckled. “Yeah?”
“Yeah. I actually, um…packed a bag.” So shy, she was damn adorable.
“Oh yeah?” He raised a brow. “Where is it?”
“Still in my car. I-I wasn’t sure…” She scrunched her nose adorably.
“Hell, Becca. You can sleep over any time, any day.”
“Okay.”
“And, uh…” He frowned, hoping this didn’t sound presumptive. “You’re the only one with those privileges.”
“Good.” She caressed his jawline. “Your place is the only one I’d want privileges for.”
Something stirred deep in his heart, something that made no sense, and uncoiled like a spring prairie tornado. One minute calm and full of potential. The next, full-on, unstoppable gales. This woman had literally fallen into his life with a story that held sad parallels to his own. And now that she was in his arms, he didn’t want to let her go.
They had only just met a few weeks ago. He was way over the line. Maybe he had shut people out for so long that he couldn’t judge properly anymore.
But he knew that was bullshit. His life was built on assessing situations on a daily basis. And Becca was way more than a situation.
“Shane?” She stroked his cheek.
“Yeah.” He cleared his throat, realizing he’d gone too deep inside his head. He dipped his head for a brief kiss to her sweet lips. “I’ll get your bag. And I’ll pull your car in the driveway.”
“The bag’s on the floor of the backseat,” she said. “And, um, have you ever driven a Prius?”
He stifled a snort. He would barely fit in that thing. Army vehicles, his trucks over the years, and the county SUV were all he’d driven, ever. “Uh, that’d be a no.”
She giggled. “I didn’t think so. Anyway, it’s really quiet. You won’t think the engine is on at first, but it is.”
“Got it. If I can’t figure it out, I’ll just push it. The thing’s not that big.”
“Ha.” She brushed her hair away from her face. “Mind if I just stay here?”
“You can stay wherever you want, especially if you’re naked.” He shifted off her and ducked into the master bathroom to dispose of the condom. He pulled on a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt and walked back into the bedroom. Becca lay on her side watching him. “I’ll be back in five minutes,” he said.
“I’ll be here,” she murmured, and snuggled deeper into the sheets.
Shane padded downstairs and grabbed Becca’s car keys from the kitchen counter where she’d left them. He headed out into the cool fall night where stars made a familiar, bright canopy overhead. The only place he’d seen more was Iraq.
He shook his head. That life seemed far behind him, yet ever-present. Days went by where he didn’t think about it, and then, out of the blue, something would bring a memory to the forefront of his mind.
He unlocked her car and squeezed into it. Sure enough, the thing was silent. Hadn’t he seen a TV show where a drug dealer owned a Prius—all the better to sneak up on a rival?
Pulling the compact car into his driveway, he grabbed her bag and brought it inside. Denver greeted him at the door. He gave a cursory sniff to the bag then stared at the door. “All right, boy.” Shane let Denver out, set the bag down, and followed his dog.
Denver investigated the yard, no doubt checking which animals had been by in the hours since they’d last been outside. Shane walked to the sidewalk and scanned his tidy street. Only one or two porch lights had been left on. The rest of the homes were dark.
A sudden roar caught his ear, and he turned. An SUV pulled away from the curb on the next block and sped toward them, then took a sharp turn onto the next block. Shane frowned. This was a damn residential neighborhood. He hated when people sped here.
Denver finished his business and trotted over to stand close to Shane. Shane patted the dog’s ribs, guessing that in Denver’s mind, he reeked of Becca. Good. Shane had meant it when he told Becca Denver approved of her. But the more familiar Denver got with her scent, the quicker he’d realize…
What, exactly? Shane blinked. He’d been thinking along the lines of Denver including Becca in his small group of “those who must be protected.” That group included Shane, his sister Rosie, and her new baby girl. Upon meeting the baby, Denver had practically announced he was little Emma’s personal one-dog-protection-agency, staying next to whichever adult was holding her.
Crazily, Shane hoped Becca would become part of that.
Chapter 21
Becca rolled over in Shane’s crisp gray sheets and pulled them up over her bare shoulder. He’d woken her at some crazy o’clock, all warm and rumbly, to tell her he was taking Denver out for a morning run and would be back within the hour. Had he said two miles or three? She couldn’t remember anything beyond his chiseled body next to her, and had promptly fallen back asleep.
Alone, she inhaled deeply now. His clean, masculine scent surrounded her. She grabbed his pillow impulsively and held it to her face. God, she could drown in this smell.
The rising sun tried to brighten the room, but Shane must have closed the curtains before he left. The only light that succeeded in breaking through was a thin line around the edges of the windows. But it was enough to illuminate the details she hadn’t been able to see last night.
Black and gray hues dominated the room. All the furniture was heavy and square. The headboard behind her was black wood and stretched up four feet above her. A dark gray comforter was balled up at the foot of the bed. She hadn’t needed it with Shane radiating heat all night.
A black wooden dresser sat along the wall opposite the bed. On each side of the bed were matching nightstands, and a black leather armchair sat in one corner. The light fixtures were black metal with white frosted shades. No decorations hung on the walls.
Well, nothing said bachelor like an entire room done in neutral tones. It was all nice, modern, and completely lacking any hint of a woman, which made her happier than it should.
A soft creak downstairs followed by thumping carried through the walls. They must be back. She twisted toward one nightstand, hoping for a clock—yes. Seven a.m.
Wow. When was the last time she worked out and was done before seven a.m.? Try never.
Footsteps padded up the stairs, and the bedroom door opened slowly. Shane took one quiet step, then caught her eyes and grinned. “Hey, sleepyhead.”
Becca blinked. Words failed her. He neared the bed, wearing a black T-shirt that stretched temptingly across his pecs, black track pants that she was sure made his ass look impossibly sexy, and a red ball cap turned backwards that somehow made his eyes a more intense shade of blue.
He sat on the bed and laid a hand on
her sheet-covered thigh. “Sleep well?”
She reached out to trace the side seam of his pants where it curved around his knee, and decided to play the sleepy card to get away with losing herself in his eyes. How could anyone be so darn attractive whether they were at work, dressed for a date, or just back from a run? It shouldn’t be possible.
He winked. “Coffee’s on.”
“Oh.” Just the thought of caffeine perked her up. That made her almost as happy as seeing Shane fresh from a workout. “The magic words.”
He chuckled. “That’s what’ll bring out that smile and wake you up, huh?”
“I love coffee. Seriously.” She sat, holding the sheet over her chest. “But waking up here was nice.”
“Agreed.” His eyes roamed the edge of the sheet in her hands. “I’ll get you something to wear.”
“I have a change of—”
But he was already up and rummaging in a dresser drawer. He turned and handed her a dark blue T-shirt.
She unfolded it. Emblazoned on the back was RCPD in big white letters. The thing looked about ten sizes too big. Awesome. Grinning at the thought of wearing his shirt—one of them, anyway—she pulled it on.
She scooted to the edge of the bed and climbed out. Sure enough, the shirt fell to mid-thigh. “I might keep this,” she murmured.
“You’re damn cute in it.” The glint in his eyes was appreciative and carnal at the same time.
She followed him down the stairs to the kitchen, drawn by the aroma of fresh coffee. He had two mugs sitting out already. “Cream and sugar?”
“Just the sugar, thanks.”
He poured both cups full and handed her one, then reached into a cabinet for a container full of different sugar packets. “There’s spoons in that drawer behind you,” he said.
She turned and opened a drawer. Not the silverware one, apparently. This one was full of odds and ends. She was about to close it and open the one next to it when a photo caught her eye.