Infatuated

by Lea Hart

  Holding onto his control, he bunched his muscles and dug his fingers into her hips as he kissed her mindlessly, feeling her respond in kind.

  A blessing if ever there was one.

  Feeling her hands push against his chest, he let go of her mouth, taking in a breath. “Sorry.”

  “God, don’t say that.”

  “It wasn’t too much?”

  “A little, but I loved it. The last twenty-four hours were a little rough, and I didn’t enjoy running the gauntlet as we maneuvered away from the fighting.” Kissing him gently, she smiled against his mouth. “This is the very best medicine.”

  “Fuck,” he groaned. “I hated having you out there without me.”

  She shook her head and kissed him again. “We’re not talking about it anymore. I’m fine, so let’s keep kissing.”

  “You know I have a lot to say on the subject.”

  “Yes, and I’m not really interested in hearing it.” Trailing her hand down his stomach, she moved her finger along the waistband of his pants. “I think we can find something else to do that would be much more enjoyable.”

  “Like what?”

  “I have a couple of ideas, and I’m not sure which one we should start with.”

  “Pinch me.”

  “What?”

  “You heard me; I need to make sure I’m not dreaming.”

  She moved her fingers into his pants and grinned. “Can you be this hard if you’re dreaming?”

  “God damn, woman, I’ve been burning for you and hope you’re ready for what I’m about to give you.”

  “Only one way to find out.”

  He watched her stand and frowned. “Where are you going?”

  “Condoms and light.”

  “I want to see you.”

  “Those blinds on the window are jacked, and I don’t want anyone catching a glimpse of us.” She dug into her bag and pulled out a condom and then hit a small nightlight as she turned off the overhead light.

  “You travel with a night light.”

  “Don’t make fun of me, Ace.”

  “I’m not.” Sitting up, he pulled her between his knees and slid his hand into her sweatpants. “I have an undeniable animal attraction for you that makes me want to earn your heart and never let go.”

  “God, Ace. That’s so…overwhelming, terrifying and…”

  “Amazing?”

  “A little.”

  He helped her get rid of her clothes and then his own and lifted her into bed. When she was laid out before him like a feast, he licked his lips and watched her eyes dilate. “Maybe it’s time to show you how I feel and leave the talking for later.”

  She pulled him down and kissed him roughly. “Good idea.”

  Leaning up, he grinned. “You are so fucking beautiful; I feel too damn lucky for words.”

  “Show me, then.”

  “My pleasure,” he murmured as he pulled her closer, hearing a soft gasp fall from her lips.

  ***

  No, she thought, it’s going to be my pleasure as he plundered her mouth. Not sure if she’d ever been as turned on, she gripped his shoulders and couldn’t decide what she wanted first. It was like she’d been on some sort of starvation diet and was suddenly offered a seat at a banquet.

  And what a banquet Ace was, with his combined courtesy and dark intent. His touch was both gentle and implacable, and it made her wonder if heaven was any better. Letting her eyes drift shut, she felt his mouth move to the sensitive spot below her ear and shivered under the strokes his talented tongue was making.

  “So soft,” he murmured as he cupped her head.

  Feeling him move down, he ran his lips across her collarbone, shoulders, and then rested gently against her chest.

  Could he hear her heartbeat trying to bang its way out of her chest?

  If he could, then there would be no way to hide.

  Something she very much wanted to do as her lustful feelings tried to transform themselves into more. Shoving the idea down, she concentrated on how good his mouth felt as he licked her breast slowly.

  Surprised by his patience, she didn’t know what to do with his controlled moves. There was no running from point A to point B with this man, and it was both amazing and slightly unnerving. Feeling both his heat and weight, she settled a little and let his clean male scent fill her lungs.

  Moving her hands over his back, she opened her eyes and saw the top of his silky dark hair in the shadows and sighed.

  “Stay out of your head and let me make you feel good.”

  “I’m trying,” she whispered.

  “Look at me.”

  She dropped her eyes and saw his intense gaze and felt like there was nothing else in the world but the two of them. “What?”

  “You can trust me; I promise.”

  Before she could respond, he dropped his face between her cleavage and nipped one of her nipples with his teeth. “Don’t take a bite out of me.”

  He chuckled and then stroked his tongue gently, shooting a hot pulse between her legs. He continued his torture by pinching and licking, and before she could bite back the sound, a moan escaped as he gave her one particularly good nip. “Ace.”

  Seeing him rise on his knees, she watched as his muscles rippled and flexed. A work of art if ever there was one.

  “I like your hungry eyes.”

  “I’ve never seen a man as beautiful as you.”

  “I’m just a beat-up soldier,” he mumbled as he lowered himself into the cradle of her spread thighs.

  Feeling his hard muscles under his soft skin, she smiled to herself as he got between her legs and nuzzled her panties. She took in a breath and felt his mouth press a kiss to her mound before he slid them off and sighed audibly.

  “Been thinkin’ about this,” he murmured.

  “Yeah?”

  “I bet you’re sweet,” he said as his breath teased over her mound.

  Holding her breath, she was almost knocked back when he started at her opening and pushed his tongue deep inside. She fell back as he dragged it slowly up and parted her folds until his wicked tongue bumped her clit.

  “Fuck, you taste like candy,” he growled before swirling his tongue over her clit.

  Gasping, she closed her eyes and felt herself float away as he tongued her pussy and tasted all of her. Stars exploded behind her eyes, and she dug her fingers into his hair and moaned.

  Hearing the wind pick up outside, she felt a gust push against the walls as she called out his name. Ace seemed to be as feral a lover as a warrior, and she didn’t know if he’d leave more than her bones when all was said and done.

  Arching into his face, she felt his finger slide inside as his tongue did impossible things. How was he this good with his mouth? Feeling herself stiffen, she knew she was close.

  “Don’t you hold back, Lisa.”

  “Ace, it’s too much.” Lifting her head, she saw him gorging himself on her flesh and closed her eyes as she came, calling his name over and over as she fell into a thousand pieces.

  Feeling the rough scrape of his beard against her thighs, she let out a strangled laugh until he started all over again. Moving her hands to his shoulders, she tried to move him away from her overly sensitive flesh. “I can’t.”

  “You taste too fucking good. Let me eat you again; just lay back and enjoy.”

  Squirming, she shuddered and thrashed as his clever tongue took her up one more time until she had nothing left and came in a violent wave.

  Panting, sweating and twitching at odd intervals, she lay against the bed and flung her arm over her face. “I’m ruined.”

  “Not yet, but if you give me another twenty minutes, I’ll guarantee it.”

  She lifted her arm and saw his jaunty satisfied smile and groaned as he stood and took off his jockeys, letting his erection spring free. “Lord have mercy.”

  He stroked himself a couple of times and grinned. “See what you to do me.”

  She licked her lips and watched his
eyes flash.

  “Be careful, Lisa.”

  Sitting up, she moved to the edge of the bed and crooked her finger. “Come here and make me.” He let out a husky laugh and stepped closer, allowing her to take him in her mouth. Licking his pulsing heat, she heard him gasp as he settled his hands on either side of her head.

  Feeling the thrill of having him under her power, she moved her hand to his shaft and stroked him as she let her mouth run over the head of his cock. Take that; she thought to herself as he sucked him deeply, wanting him to feel as out of control as she had.

  Only she didn’t get the chance because he moved away and did some sort of ninja move that put her flat against the bed with him on top. “What?”

  “I’m too damn close.”

  “But…”

  “Next time,” he replied as he grabbed the condom and slid it on quickly.

  “This could be our only time, though.”

  “No, it’s not.” He dropped his head and kissed her thoroughly. “This is going to happen thousands of times.”

  “I don’t think that…” Then he kissed her again to stop the words. Something she was coming to expect when he didn’t like what he heard.

  “Let me show you why this is just the beginning.”

  She looked up and nodded and felt him thrust deep inside her body. Accepting him and his wild statements, she let her legs fall open. Driving himself in and out slowly, she kept her eyes on his and felt invisible threads binding them together.

  “You fit me perfectly, so tight and slick.”

  “More, Ace. Don’t you hold back.”

  “You sure you can handle it?” he asked as he ground his hips.

  “I can take whatever you have to give.”

  Throwing his head back, he laughed. “Doubt it.”

  Feeling frustrated, she flexed her hips trying to get him to move, and he did the unthinkable and pulled out slightly. “Ace…”

  “Hush, woman.” He thrust into her as he dropped his full weight and pulled her legs around his waist. “You ready?”

  “Absolutely,” she replied as he thrust deeply, hitting the spot that had stars dancing across her eyes. “More,” she cried, feeling his hips flex as she was smashed against his chest, allowing their slick bodies to slide together.

  He took her roughly and their hearts pounded in tandem as electricity crackled around them violently. Kissing him, she bit his lip as her desperation for release shimmered just out of touch. His hand moved between their bodies, and with one touch to her bud, she exploded as her back bowed off the bed.

  “Fuck, yes,” Ace roared as he joined her.

  Thoughts and feelings flying wildly, she wondered if she’d ever be the same as the almost unbearable pleasure sliced through her body.

  Feeling him collapse against her, she closed her eyes and decided he was the sort of man who could brighten her life in a way that would make it impossible to let go.

  “Just the beginning,” Ace murmured. “We’re starting this thing for real when we get home.”

  “If we keep doing that, then I’d love nothing more.”

  Lifting his head, he grinned and then kissed her. “We’re going to do everything, and no matter what, I got you.”

  Pulling him closer, she hugged him and wondered if he was the real deal.

  If he was, then she was going to hold on with everything she had.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Lisa walked out of the San Diego Central Library arm in arm with Courtney and decided this Friday the thirteenth was going to be free of disasters. “Where do you want to go?”

  “Is that even a real question?”

  “So, La Puerta for tequila and tacos?”

  “Of course.”

  Smiling at her best friend, she hiked her purse higher on her shoulder and enjoyed the sun beating down on her shoulders. She’d been home for a little over two weeks and was back into the swing of summer in Southern California. Unfortunately, it didn’t seem like Ace was going to be a part of it.

  Despite all the things he’d said before they parted.

  Scrubbing the thought from her mind, she glanced over at her friend and noticed a smile she hadn’t seen in a long time. “Are you going to tell me what has you so happy, or do I have to guess?” They strolled down J Street toward the Gaslamp District, and she hoped it was some man candy who was making her friend so glowy.

  “Well…I met this man.”

  “Do tell.”

  Cortney smoothed out her hair and then grinned. “I was helping out in the Rare Book Room the other day, and a handsome man came in needing help. Something I was more than happy to provide.”

  “I bet,” Lisa replied.

  “He’s a professor at UCSD, working on a paper about ancient writing. I showed him the writing squares from Sumatra, and one thing led to another, and he invited me out for dinner tomorrow night to thank me for all my help.”

  “That’s so…”

  “Perfect and somewhat old-fashioned?”

  “Yeah. I’m so impressed he went for it; that hardly ever happens anymore.”

  “I know and not only is he intelligent, but a hunk. How he has time to maintain his physique and brain is a mystery.”

  “And how do you know anything about his body, missy?”

  “When he was studying the writing squares, I studied his ass.” Fanning her face, she let out a laugh. “It’s one of those high and tight ones that makes you want to take a bite.” Lowering her sunglasses, she winked. “I also leaned in close when I handed him a book and noticed his arm was big and muscly.”

  “You naughty librarian, taking advantage of unsuspecting patrons.”

  Laughing, she slid her glasses back up. “More than half my time is spent in the children’s area, so any time I get to be in the company of adults, I’m not wasting it.”

  “Well, good for you; I can’t wait to hear all about your date.”

  “Maybe he has some professor friends and, if things go well, I can set you up.”

  They turned up 4th street, and she shook her head. “No, thanks, I’m on a break from men and romance in general.”

  “Still no response?”

  “No, I called him twice and sent a text. If Ace wanted to get in touch, he would have.” They stepped into the dark restaurant, and she let out a sigh. “It was a war-zone fling and nothing more.” They grabbed a booth toward the back and slid into the seats. “I don’t know why he acted like he wanted to keep it going, though. It’s not as if I was pressing for anything.”

  “You know his friend, Caid has been calling and flirting, and I’m going to tell him to stop.”

  “Why? He hasn’t done anything wrong.”

  “True, but the only reason I was semi-interested was because I thought you and Ace were going to become a thing.” She reached across and took Lisa’s hand and squeezed. “I thought us double dating and stuff would be fun. But since that’s not happening, I’m not going to waste my time.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Of course, and since I have this date with the professor, it’s no loss.”

  The waitress stopped by and they placed their orders, and then Lisa looked at the bar. “Ace not calling is probably a blessing since he yelled a lot. Who wants a man who’s so…explosive?”

  “Explosive is okay as long as it’s confined to the bedroom.”

  “Well, we certainly had that.” Their first round was delivered along with a basket of chips and bowl of guacamole. Lifting her drink, she smiled. “This right here is all I need in life; my best friend, a margarita, and chips.”

  “Hear, hear.”

  They clinked glasses and Lisa took a healthy sip and grinned. “Happy Friday to us.”

  “Indeed,” Courtney replied. “So, what are your plans now that you’re home?”

  “I’m writing a few follow-up articles for the series I did on the conflict in Yemen, and then I need to get started on a plan for the classes I’m teaching in the fall.”

&n
bsp; “I love the idea of you becoming an academic and, if you follow in your mother’s footsteps, it would be so cool.”

  Lisa sipped her drink and then snorted. “You can’t compare my little gig at the community college to my mom’s career at USD. The woman is the dean of the Kroc School of Peace Studies.”

  “Maybe you’re taking a first step, and it will be just a matter of time before you’re heading the school of journalism.”

  “I guess it’s possible.” Their plates were delivered, and they both dug into their tacos. “Do you want to come to the beach tomorrow before your hot date with the professor?”

  “Sure, I haven’t been out in a couple of weeks and heard we might be getting a south swell.”

  “Perfect because I need a day in the water catching waves with my best friend.”

  “Me too,” Courtney replied as the waitress delivered their second round.

  Looking up, Lisa accepted her second margarita from the waitress, and then sucked in a breath. Slumping down in the booth, she shook her head and took a swig from her drink. “Son of a bitch.”

  “What?”

  “Guess who just walked in?”

  “By the look on your face, nobody we want to see.”

  “Ace is standing at the front with a woman who has a bitty baby bump.”

  “How do you know it’s a baby bump?”

  “She’s tiny all over and wearing a skin tight-dress.”

  “No shit.”

  Leaning sideways, she felt herself go hot as she saw his hand go to the woman’s back. “Guess that explains why he never got in touch.”

  “Maybe it’s his sister.”

  “He doesn’t have any, only two brothers.” Straightening up, she lifted her last taco and ate it in three bites. “Should I stress eat or stress drink?”

  “Why make a choice?” Courtney replied as she pushed the margarita closer. “Do both just in case.” Shaking her head, she let out a groan. “I wish I had written down what herbs are naturally poisonous when I was helping that author with research.”

  “What the hell are you talking about?”