With deftness and expertise, Ryker tended to her, licking and sucking just right. “You taste like honey.” Mia didn’t answer; she couldn’t talk. Her body tingled with pleasure, and when Ryker spiraled his tongue around her tight clit, she came unglued.
A delicious orgasm washed through Mia, propelling her into a cloud of pleasure then causing her to fall limp in the aftermath. But instead of sating her, the intense moment only made her want more. She reached for Ryker, and he crawled up to her for a kiss.
Mia could taste her juices on his tongue and smell his desire. She raked her fingernails down his back then reached around to cup his balls, rolling them in her hands. “I want to taste you too.”
Ryker moved up, so she could reach. With her eyes half closed, Mia licked up and down his erection, craving his heat. She wanted more, as the sensual treat only served to stir her desire. She put the tip of his cock in her mouth, moaning with pleasure, then rolling her tongue over his sensitive spot under the rim.
Mia moved over him and sucked, as Ryker cupped her breasts then fingered her nipples. It was all too much, making her unravel and take him deeper into her mouth.
Ryker growled from deep in his throat. He reached to the side table and retrieved a condom from the drawer. He rolled it on then looked into her eyes.
“I want you…so much,” Ryker said, then kissed her lips. With his knee, he pushed her thighs wider. Then he eased into her.
His thick cock stretched her as he pushed inside, and the sensation was heavenly. Mia panted and arched her back to take him deeper. Ryker stroked, escalating her pleasure. As he went deep, Ryker moaned, then he pulled back. He nearly pulled out of Mia, but not quite, making her whimper.
Ryker moved in a rhythm, pushing her closer to the precipice. He kissed the mounds of her breasts and his mouth grazed her jaw. He was gentle yet so strong and powerful. The world fell away, and only Ryker existed, just his touch and the feel of him inside her.
Mia opened to him, taking all that he would give. She trusted him, so let go of any reserve. He had her body and her heart. There was no going back. Ryker was hot, fierce—and he was hers. In that special moment, Mia transcended space and time.
She was closer to Ryker than she’d been with anyone. It was as though she was one with him; there was no separation. She felt his need, sensed his desire, and wanted to give him satisfaction. Her body was warm, her lower belly tight in anticipation of climax.
Yet it didn’t end. Ryker’s lust seemed to have no limits. He devoured her with his kisses and touches, while he stroked without end. Sex was long and slow, delicious and nearly unendurable. Then the pace shifted to fast and hard. Mia met him thrust for thrust.
Sweating and panting, Mia’s sensations crested. With a deep thrust, Ryker stilled against her, his face nuzzled in her hair. Losing all control, Mia shattered in his arms, crying out his name as the waves of a powerful orgasm exploded within her.
Ryker moaned loudly, then released into her, in the grip of his own climax. He came long and hard, finally collapsing against her. When he rolled to the side, he cradled Mia in his arms. She felt so protected, so adored.
She draped her leg over Ryker’s thighs and rested her head against his shoulder. She put her arm around his waist, holding him close as he stroked her hair. She closed her eyes, soaking in the intimacy, the boundless pleasure—and she didn’t want to let him go.
Chapter 13
Mia was an amazing woman. She was so sexy that once was not enough. Ryker had made love with her several times throughout the night. Yet he wanted more, because those intimate moments had made it clear what she meant to him.
Ryker hadn’t slept much. He still woke up early Sunday morning with Mia’s back pressed against his chest. The spoon position was tender, and she was so warm, so soft. He envisioned what it would be like to have Mia next to him for the rest of his life.
That Ryker had another chance at love seemed too good to be true. He’d been heartbroken over the loss of his wife. He’d immersed himself in work, but there had been no way to heal emotionally. He was devoted to his career, so hadn’t been looking for a relationship.
Mia was special. After holding her in his arms and sharing such closeness, Ryker was lost to her allure. He hadn’t conceived meeting a woman he wanted to share his life with. He hadn’t thought that was possible. Loving again was a gift, and he cherished Mia.
Ryker had wondered if he could ever move on, if he could open his heart to another love or find a woman who could understand. He would miss Amy, but it didn’t have to be in a debilitating way. She’d had a kind heart and would have wished a love-filled life for him.
Amy and his marriage to her had partially molded Ryker into the man he was. It was a part of his life that he wouldn’t forget. Yet his heart told him that Amy wouldn’t want him to be alone or spend the rest of his days heartbroken.
Because of Mia, it was possible to heal, and the journey through life with her was one he longed for. Ryker would always love Amy, but the heart seemed to have an infinite capacity. He found that caring for Mia brought joy to his life, without taking anything away from his first love.
Ryker was sure of two things. He loved Mia deeply, and he was one lucky guy for having found love twice in his life. He closed his eyes and pulled Mia closer, breathing in her scent. He was content to be with her, to listen to her steady breathing, and know that she was safe in his arms.
It was a while before Mia stirred, as it had been a long night. She stretched, then nestled against Ryker, stirring his arousal. “How long have I slept?” She yawned and turned in his arms.
“Not long enough,” Ryker said. “I didn’t give you much quiet time last night.”
Mia gave him a sensual smile. “If I want quiet time, I can sleep alone in my bed.” She touched Ryker’s cheek. “I don’t care if I ever sleep again, as long as it means I can be with you.”
“You know how to flatter a guy.”
“Flattery is something you don’t need,” Mia said. “You were fantastic last night. I’ll be dreaming about you from now on.”
Ryker brushed a strand of hair away from her face. “You won’t have to be dreaming about me. I’ll be right by your side.”
Mia’s eyes glistened. “Do you mean that?”
“I mean every word,” Ryker said. “In case you thought I only said it last night in the heat of passion, I’ll say it again.” He tipped her chin up and kissed her lips. “I love you.”
“That’s a good thing, because if I loved you any more, my heart would burst.”
Ryker grinned. “Do you always argue and bicker with a man you love?”
“You can’t resist teasing, can you?” Mia said. “I wouldn’t know. I haven’t been in love before.”
Ryker looked into her lovely brown eyes, waiting for her to explain.
“Oh, I’ve been seduced, charmed…even married,” Mia said. “But I haven’t felt what I feel for you for any other man.”
“Now you’re trying to boost my ego.”
“It needs boosting?” Mia slid her hand down his arm and along his thigh. Then she reached between them to fist his erection.
Ryker wanted her more than he had before, wondering if he’d want her more by the day and if there was any limit. If there was, he didn’t think he’d reach it anytime soon.
Mia pushed him onto his back and climbed on top. She gave him a passionate kiss, then licked down his chest. Ryker moaned from the sensations, and realized the feeling was more than physical—his heart was involved.
“I love you,” Ryker said from deep in his throat, unable to tell her often enough.
“I’ll show you how I feel about you,” Mia said, then lowered over his hard cock. Ecstasy swamped him, and Ryker embraced the woman he adored. The way she opened her heart, gave of herself, left no doubt about how she felt.
Mia reached her climax at the same time he did and, with a sweet groan, collapsed on top of him. Draped over his body, she said, “I never kne
w it could be like that.”
Ryker rubbed her back. “I’ll have to let you be on top more often.”
Mia looked into his eyes. “No, I don’t mean that. I was talking about all night…everything. The way you made love to me, the caring, the closeness…”
“The love?”
“Yes, the love,” Mia said. “I just…didn’t know what I was missing.”
Mia’s bathroom tub was a Jacuzzi, so she suggested taking a warm bath. It would ease her delicious aches. Ryker figured that she had to be sore after what he’d put her through. He filled the tub and got in after her.
The hot water and pulse of the jets felt good. That was something Ryker could get used to, along with other things. He planned to spoil Mia. If she thought that last night had been unique, she’d soon realize how much love he had to share with her.
Mia sank down in the water and sighed, but she didn’t stay down long. Under the water, she tickled Ryker with her toes, so he grabbed her foot. Soon they were splashing water and making a mess. Reaching across, Ryker pulled her to him for a kiss, then he tickled her.
Mia giggled. “That’s not fair. You tricked me.” Under the water, she reached for him, distracting him from any more tickling.
“That feels too good,” Ryker said. “If you keep that up, you’ll be in trouble.”
“You must know by now that I can handle any trouble you dish out.”
Ryker pulled her up to position her over his hips. Then he fingered her until she panted softly in his arms, before giving in to a sweet orgasm. He loved watching her face during her climax. Her pleasure was beautiful, and he was honored to be the one responsible for it.
Mia wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned her head on his chest. “I better get out while I have any strength left.”
While watching Mia dry off then put on a robe, Ryker grabbed a towel to wrap it around his waist. “I’ll meet you in the kitchen for coffee,” he said.
After drying, Ryker pulled on jeans and a shirt, then went to make the coffee. God knew he could use some. Mia took longer to get ready, so by the time she appeared, he was on his second cup. She wore pink jeans and a cream-colored blouse that he had the urge to take off.
Mia accepted a cup of coffee, then sat across from him. “If we plan to stay out of bed, we should probably go somewhere.”
“I could use some food. How about breakfast?”
“I’m famished,” Mia said. “I’m not picky about where we go, as long as there’s hot food and lots of it.”
Ryker had a place in mind that wasn’t far. His stomach growled as a reminder of how long it had been since dinner.
Mia looked out the window. “It’s such a beautiful day. I want to go out and enjoy it.”
Ryker was glad it was Sunday, so he didn’t have to be anywhere. He could spend the day with Mia. It was a new day and a new start. He had contemplated spending a lot of time with Mia; creating a life with her seemed possible.
Yet there were hurdles to get over. It wouldn’t be easy. Ryker wondered if things could really work between them. But he remained convinced that the relationship would endure, that Mia was meant to be in his life. And he’d do all he could to make her happy.
*****
The restaurant had lunch fare as well as breakfast. Since Mia had slept late and they’d had a leisurely start to the day, it was convenient that the place offered brunch. Ryker got a table by the window, which was good for people-watching, then grabbed menus.
It didn’t take long for Ryker to decide. He chose a waffle topped with huevos rancheros. He figured that would fill the hole in his stomach. Mia was more reasonable and ordered French toast with strawberries. The food arrived promptly, and the instant the plates were put on the table, they dug into the food.
When Ryker came up for air, he noticed Mia watching him. “What…you haven’t seen a man eat before?”
Mia smiled. “Uh, not like that. You inhaled.”
“And it’s your fault.”
“Guilty as charged,” Mia said, then took a sip of juice. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“Last night was…unforgettable,” Mia said. “But I can’t help wondering where we go from here.”
“Wherever it is,” Ryker said, “I’d like it to be together.”
“I want that too.” Mia looked into his eyes. “Yet…are you ready to face the future with me. I mean, can you move forward?”
“If you are talking about losing my wife…then, yes, I can,” Ryker said. “I’ve thought about it, a lot. And I want what we have. You’re precious to me.”
Mia’s eyes were moist, and she dabbed at them with a napkin.
“I lost my wife and it nearly destroyed me,” Ryker said. “The future we’d hoped to share was gone…in the blink of an eye.” He reached for her hand. “But you give me hope that love can be a part of my life again.”
There wasn’t any more Ryker could say. He’d opened his heart, something he hadn’t thought he could do again. Mia’s love meant everything. He’d lost one love and didn’t intend to lose another. Whatever came next, he was determined to protect her from danger—and to face the future with her by his side.
When breakfast was over, Mia suggested spending the day together. It was the weekend, so any pressing issues would have to wait. Ryker wasn’t big on museums, so was glad to hear that she preferred to spend time outdoors.
Philly had no lack of things to do, but Mia enjoyed walking the streets of Center City. It was her hometown, just like it was Ryker’s, so she knew her way around. After strolling and chatting for hours, they stopped for a snack. After continuing on their way, they stopped at a couple of pubs to sample local brews.
Ryker hadn’t had so much enjoyment from doing a lot of nothing before. His life had been filled with activity since he’d been home and had been centered around battle when he’d been away. Relaxing for a day hadn’t been on the agenda, yet it was pleasant to do with Mia.
In the late afternoon, they ended up at Fairmount Park for a walk under the park’s canopy of trees. Ryker held Mia’s hand as they made their way along the Schuylkill River trail. Then they sat for a while on an available bench.
Mia looked serious. “It’s been a wonderful day, but it hasn’t made my problems go away. You’ve heard that life is messy. Well, whoever said that must have meant mine.”
“But doesn’t it matter who is by your side?”
“You are a romantic,” Mia said. “That’s a part of you that I like. Still, my company is on the verge of going under. My ex is crazed and won’t be satisfied with anything less than my physical and emotional devastation.”
“That is bad.”
“And…I still don’t have a car,” Mia said, with a twinkle in her eye. “That’s the worst. I lost my Audi.”
“You haven’t lost your sense of humor.”
“Not yet,” Mia said, “but it’s not over. “When I grew up in foster care, I looked forward to the day that I could be on my own. Yet in my adult life…I’ve made some bad choices.”
Ryker pulled her into his arms to kiss her, and the touch of her lips warmed his heart. “I think that has changed. I’m going to be the best choice you’ve made…I promise.”
Chapter 14
The next morning, Mia sat at her desk thinking about Ryker. The weekend had been more wonderful than she could have imagined. Yet she resisted the love that was at her doorstep. The sensual interludes had allowed her to see into Ryker’s heart.
But that didn’t wipe away old fears. If Mia followed her heart then her defenses would be gone. She’d worked so hard for her independence, and was tired of being pushed around. Marrying an abuser had been scary.
James had been so nice at first. But he had an enormous ego and expected everything to go his way. If it didn’t, then he would make it so. A dozen red roses or a night on the town had been tools to control her.
Yet James would resort to any method to maintain his position of power
and dominance. That included demeaning Mia in an effort to gain the upper hand, and physical abuse if that didn’t get the result. He’d stopped short of threatening her with a weapon, though he might be compelled to go to that length.
Mia shuddered, as she recalled her fear of how far James would go. He could be so charming yet turn into an ugly man, and a threat to her safety. Growing up, she’d fought too hard for survival to allow the pattern to continue.
It made her sick to think of being married to James. Yet she considered that she was one of the lucky ones. She’d had the resources to leave him, and she had. The hard part had been forgiving herself. For a long while, she couldn’t understand how she’d ended up with a violent man.
Going forward, the worst part was being able to trust herself and her choices. But she’d learned about the type of personality that she’d been dealing with. The actions James took, his behavior and motives, had become clear.
It was horrifying, but that knowledge had prevented Mia from going back, enabled her to turn a deaf ear to his pleas and to ignore his tactics. Since filing for divorce, James had poured on the charm. It seemed that he assumed a promise of romance and love might do the trick, if he was patient.
Only that hadn’t worked. Recently, James had exhibited signs of desperation, and his actions had been more brutal. When Mia thought about James, anxiety riddled her belly. He could have harmed her more severely than he had. Recently, he could have caused physical injury by bombing her car, making her wonder if he would feel any remorse for such an act.
Mia had a right to be cautious, and a reason to be afraid. But Ryker was so different from her ex, and unlike any man she’d known. He was kind and caring, even gentle, yet had a warrior’s heart. She was certain that he would protect her if it was within his power.
With James, there had been warning signs that Mia had failed to heed. She wasn’t so naïve anymore. But there were no indications that Ryker was anything like James. He couldn’t be—because Mia loved him. If he let her down after she’d placed her faith in him, she couldn’t imagine recovering.
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