Convincing Lina: A Bachelor of Shell Cove Novel (The Bachelors of Shell Cove Romance Book 2)

by Siera London

  “I’ve got you. You’re safe. No one will get to you as long as you’re with me.” God, she wanted to believe him. But they didn’t know what or who they were fighting. How was she supposed to defend herself? He leaned across the center console then, pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek.

  “I’ll keep you safe. I promise.” She didn’t realize what she was doing until it happened. She pulled her hand from his, snaked it around his neck, threading her fingers into his lush, dark curls. Pulling him close she pressed her lips to his and took what she needed to quell the fear rising in her. He wasn’t resisting her, but he didn’t respond to her touch. Rejected. She wouldn’t let the tears fall. Not here, not for him, not ever. No man would have that type of power over her again.

  She moved to pull away, but his hand around her nape kept her in place. She lowered her head, embarrassment competing with the fear for purchase in her overtaxed brain. She felt his fingers caress her cheek, before he lifted her chin, turning her face in his direction. The pads of his fingers were calloused but not abrasive. Her skin tingled and heated where his warm breath fanned over her.

  “I want your sweet taste in my mouth,” came his low rumble. “Kiss me back if you want me beyond this moment, and then take whatever you need.” Fire lit his smoke gray eyes as he bored into hers. The evening breeze lifted her hair blowing strands into her face. Lina closed her eyes when he brushed the hairs from her face and tucked them behind her ear. Biting into her lips, she savored the moment, the feeling of connection was unlike anything she’d shared with another man.

  His lips claimed hers. The kiss was slow and sensual, but not gentle. His mouth was hungry on hers. His lips were soft. He caressed her lips with his own over and over, until she surrendered and he pressed inside.

  Once inside, he teased her tongue, delivering long strokes that she felt down to her toes curling in her shoes.

  “Take, Lina,” he spoke into her mouth. His willingness to give was so unexpected, emotions she had long ago abandoned in a relationship stirred deep within her. Pleasure she hadn’t realized was possible flooded her senses and she reached for it and held on.

  “Yes,” and that’s what she did. Took what she needed, had denied herself too long. She drove into his mouth like a drowning woman reaching for a life preserver. And he answered her demands with his own. When she felt his strong fingers over her breast, she jumped, breaking the kiss.

  “I’m too old for back seat of the jeep escapades.” She ran her trembling fingers across her forehead, “kissing you was a major man-fast violation.”

  “We both needed that kiss.” He flashed a wick grin and winked as he released his grip. “Sweeter than my dreams. You wanted that kiss as much as I did.”

  “Half way to the finish line, I can’t quit,” her voice rose.

  “You know and I know, that there will never be another man in your life. Or in your bed.” Her eyes flew to his, dumbstruck.

  “What are you saying?”

  “You can deny yourself anything you want, except me.” She shivered, picturing all of Gideon’s hard muscles over her, driving into her. The endorphin release flooded her system and her insides quaked. Yeah, he was definitely an escape from her current state of unrest. Releasing her, the car engine purred to life and they ate up the miles in companionable silence. His house. A house that she probably shouldn’t think of as a refuge. But, she didn’t want to be away from him. She trusted him to keep them safe. She trusted him with her life.

  “You are safe with me, but you’re never too old for good loving.” She was vulnerable to another type of harm if she stayed with him. How could he save her from her own desires? She wasn’t sure she wanted to be rescued anymore.

  Lina is mine auto played in his head the moment he pulled into the circular drive in front of his home. Gideon would never let her go. This was the first time a woman had crossed the threshold to his home since… Not wanting to go there, Gideon focused on the fact that Lina was here with him, finally. Sharing his home. The home that he had commissioned an architect to build for his family.

  Unlocking the front door, Gideon reached for the dimmer switch on the lighting panel. Warm light washed the sunken formal living room in a soft, yellow hue. White washed oak furniture had been artfully placed by an interior decorator. Chenille throws and pillows were added to give a cozy feel of provincial country living. He could have brought Lina into the house through the attached garage that led to the mudroom, but he wanted her to view the house as a guest might. He didn’t want to be alone anymore, and he’d do everything in his power to impress her, have her stay with him, and make it a home.

  She was motionless behind him. Her feet planted under the brick arched entryway, indecision was clearly written on her face.

  “Come inside with me Lina.” He reached for her, but didn’t go as far as to touch her. This had to be her decision. They both knew this moment would change everything about their relationship. And it was a relationship. Recalling the situation with her brother, he’d transferred Bishop to another psychiatrist on his team. Gideon could serve as a consultant on his case if needed, but no way in hell would he stop seeing Lina.

  “Gideon.” The vulnerability in her voice tugged at his heart. A heart that was beating again because of Lina. She looked better than during the ride over, but a sense of panic, confusion, and fatigue surrounded her.

  “Yeah, sweetness.” He could see her gracing his bed. Opening herself to him as he explored every nook and curve of her beautiful body.

  “I’m really vulnerable right now. What happened in the car was wrong. I used you to ease my own fears and I can’t promise I won’t accost you again.” He released a low chuckle.

  “Your type of abuse is my favorite kind. What else do you need me to ease, tonight?”

  “I’m being serious.”

  “So am I. Now, come on in the house. I know how to protect myself from a she-cat.”

  “I’ve got your she-cat.”

  “I’m counting on it, sweetness. Get it here, you need to eat and get some rest.”

  “A hot bath would be nice.”

  “I can arrange that, too.” He led her through the family room into the first floor guest suite.

  “There’s a walk-in shower and linen closet to your left. The large soaking tub is in the master suite. You’re welcome to use it.”

  “Thanks, I will. I don’t have any clothes with me. The cops wouldn’t let me take anything from my house.”

  “I have something that will fit you.” Preferably him, between her legs, open in invitation. “We’ll worry about tomorrow in the morning. Let’s get through tonight.”

  “Your house has feminine touches. Any secret girlfriends lurking in the bushes?” His spine stiffened.

  “No. If you don’t like this room you can choose from the four upstairs. My room is on the opposite side of the front office.”

  “Hey, Gideon,” she touched his cheek as she spoke, “I didn’t mean to offend you. It’s just most guys, don’t have a six bedroom house fully furnished. Your house is beautiful, a bit monochromatic for my tastes, but it will do in a pinch.” She thought his house was boring.

  “We can change it more to your liking.” Lina looked anywhere other than his face. Slow down, she’d be running for the hills if he was more obvious that he wanted her to stay.

  “Your house is fine. I’ll take you up on the swim in your tub. You lead the way.” She followed him through double doors that opened into the master suite.

  The master suite was divided into a sunken sleeping area, a raised wet bath area with custom cabinetry built around a 65 inch flat panel television. The back wall held a double sided fireplace flanked by paired arched doorways leading to a sunroom and a patio.

  “Wow…you built all this for yourself.”

  “For my family.”

  “I’ll join your family plan.” His strong arms circled her waist pulling, until their bodies were meshed together. The pulse in his neck thrummed a
t a rate matching her own. She swallowed and his eyes tracked the movement. Licking her lips, she could almost taste his heat.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Welcoming you to the family.” His breath caressed her mouth for a brief moment, then the pillage ensued. His tongue swept into her mouth, seeking, savoring, probing. He tasted fresh, and warm, like hot buttered bread from a brick oven. And she wanted more of him. Her fingers curled in the fabric covering his chest, anchoring him in place. He couldn’t pull away without taking her down with him. The candy thief had met the master chocolatier. She returned his ardor with an urgency that bordered on savagery. She pulled at his dress shirt, tugging the hem free of his slacks. Pushing the fabric upward, she made contact with hot, hard muscle. She moaned and he capitalized on the opportunity and drove deeper into her mouth. His erection dug into her pelvis and she ground her heated mound against him, hating the clothes that separated them. Gideon broke the kiss. The cool room air touched her moistened lips and she mourned the loss of contact.

  “End your fast.” That pulled her up short. Why was she setting herself up for heartbreak? Blood loss and stone table, remember? Words were easy to spout, she needed proof of Gideon’s feelings for her before she gave her heart again. She wouldn’t survive Gideon’s abandonment.

  “No.” Hurt shone in his eyes. It saddened her to know she had caused him pain, but she wanted a man’s love, not lust. He stepped back, breaking their connection. His stance said he accepted her decision, but his eyes, and that stubborn jaw said he didn’t agree with denying what they both wanted. Determination. That’s what she saw.

  “I’ll draw your bath and make you something to eat while you get cleaned up.” He pushed past her without meeting her eyes. He pushed through a set of frosted glass doors to a breathtaking bathroom suite. A marble roman style tub occupied the center of the room. The backside of the tub was encased in glass with an oversized shower nozzle hanging from the ceiling. Two additional shower heads extended from the left and right glass wall. Wow. The sound of water filled the room and she waited until he exited before she moved into the bathroom and closed the twin doors.

  Soaking in Gideon’s tub reminded her of arriving at the community pool in her mother’s neighborhood before anyone else. Heaven. Inhaling the tropical fruit scent that filled the room, Lina sank further into the tub until the bubbles covered the swells of her breasts in fragrance and warmth. Her body was hot after the kiss-athon with Gideon, the bathwater cooled her off, allowing her hormone levels to return to near normal. Even though she was in water, she knew there was a different kind of moisture gathered between her legs.

  A single bathroom door swung wide, Gideon’s hulking frame filled the entryway.

  “I brought you something to eat.” The food smelled good, but he smelled great. He’d traded his dress shirt and slacks for well-worn jeans that hugged his thigh muscles and a faded green tank. Lip smacking delicious. And whatever he carried in on the plate smelled fattening too. A man bearing food was a dual temptation. Caught up in the package delivering her nourishment she forgot her nakedness until she saw the slow perusal Gideon gave her poorly covered curves. Bubbles did little to hide her breasts, belly, and hips.

  “I’ll be out in a minute,” she said sinking down in the tub. The water level increased a fraction, to just below the tub rim.

  “Your food will be cold.” He crossed the room planting his fine ass too close to her mouth. Lifting the sandwich to her mouth, “Bite.” He was thinking about a sandwich, but she contemplated taking a bite out of him.

  Staring at his offering, she said, “Looks like a square ham and egg muffin.”

  “It’s prosciutto, egg, and parmesan cheese on white country bread.”

  “Eat, woman.” He patiently fed her every bite until nothing was left. The combination of the water’s warmth on her skin and a full stomach relaxed her. The tingle along her spine reminded her that she was naked and Gideon could look his fill. Goose bumps formed over her body and her nipples tightened. She waved her hands through the water making rippled angels, at peace with her world.

  “That good, huh?” He studied her, the gray of his eyes darker, with a predatory gleam.

  “Great,” she smiled up at him. Not feeling the least bit self-conscious about being naked in a room with a man she wanted to surrender to. Then it occurred to her, Gideon had returned to her within twenty minutes.

  “Did you eat, Gideon?”

  “I’m about to.” His voice was a low caress that heated her and the bathroom temperature by another ten degrees. Those long jean clad legs stepped into the tub. She gasped as he bent low. He descended over her with the surety of a conquering lord and he didn’t stop until his hips straddled hers. He didn’t move. His eyes fixed on her parted lips.

  “I want to taste you.” She nodded her head because the primal look in his eyes silenced her words. He slowly lowered his hands into the water, then she felt them on either side of her waist. He skimmed across her abdomen, leaving warm ripples to caress her flesh and tease her nipples. Then two warm hands cupped her breasts and she moaned as her back bowed and pushed her aching globes further into his palms. The fullness of her breasts pushed between his spread fingers as he kneaded with a gentle tug at her nipples. She hissed as the pleasure tightened her buds to the point of pain. He stopped then, removing his hands from her breasts, searching her face. He recognized her answering hunger, because what he did next floored her. He plunged into her mouth, pushing deep into her throat. She sank deeper in the tub, water sloshed over the rim, waves splashing onto the floor.

  “Gideon.” His added weight displaced more water. “You’ll need flood insurance if we keep this up,” she said.

  He ended his oral assault.

  “I don’t care.”

  She sat upright and pulled each arm free of the tank, throwing the sopping wet material on the floor.

  “Touch me, Lina.”

  Tentatively she started low, where that happy trail of dark hair disappeared behind his zipper. It was his turn to hiss. Caressing the muscles covering his abdomen, flank, and back she watched as the muscle contracted and released under her touch. The bulge in his jeans expanded to press into her round stomach. He pulled her hands from his body. Her gaze shot up wondering if she had touched him in a way he didn’t like. Holding her wrists in his larger grip he bent her arms until each of her hands rested on her breasts. Okay, this was an interesting time out. At her confusion he leaned forward his hot breath caressing the shell of her ear.

  “You have me under your spell.”

  “I’m not a witch.”

  “I know, but your kisses are magic.”

  “I can live with that,” she beamed up at him. His eyes dropped to her breasts. His eyes darkened to a molten gray and she bit her lip to trap the moan threatening to escape.

  “Present your breasts to me.” His voice a sensual whisper that caused her insides to quake with need.

  She was a big woman, and handling her breasts was a two-handed evolution. She cupped both her breasts, spreading her fingers wide underneath each for support. Gideon leaned down covering both her hands in his big grip, his long, strong fingers covering the tops of each breast, his thumbs stroking her fingers.

  “That’s it sweetness, give me a mouthful.” Thank goodness the tub supported her back. When his hot mouth closed around her right areola, she sucked in a ragged breath. Closing her eyes, she groaned and thrashed like a wild woman, keeping a firm grip on her breast. He dropped his hips pinning her in place. Unable to pull back from his attentions, incoherent sounds spilled from her lips, filling the moist air with sounds of satisfaction. He lavished his attention on each breast with equal fervor. With a wet popping sound he released her breast. A shiver ran down her spine as he circled her left nipple one last time.

  “That’s enough.”

  She whimpered when his mouth left her heated flesh. It sounded like a cascading waterfall when he stood. Opening her eyes, she saw he h
ad a hand extended down to her. Reluctantly, she accepted the help to stand, but disappointed that there wasn’t more in store for them. Not wanting him to see how he left her wanting, she kept her head lowered as she lifted her right leg to descend the few steps leading to the wet floor. His hand at her waist halted her tub exit.

  “Where are you trying to go?” Looking up she saw that devilish grin of his.

  “I thought…”

  “You thought wrong. Plant this,” he cupped her bottom in both hands, “on the edge of the tub and lean back against the glass.” The zing of excitement raced through her. Oh ham sandwich, she was about to get it. The look in Gideon’s eyes said he was about to give it-in double doses. He moved forward, forcing her to move back until the tub hit her calves.

  Sitting down, her face was at eye level with a very aroused man. Looking up, Gideon’s eyes were narrowed on her.

  “Not tonight. Tonight is about you.” A man who was focused on pleasing her. She must have chosen the blue pill in a parallel universe that converged into a sexual Matrix, because this had never been her reality.

  “Open your legs.” He waited, giving her the opportunity to renege.

  Watching him, she leaned back onto her elbows, opening her legs wide.

  His eyes stretched wide, a greedy smile covered his face as he stared at her hairless entryway.

  “Love the look, sweetness.” He licked that full bottom lip that she loved to suck between her teeth. “Is it all for me?” She nodded her head, afraid she would say he could have whatever he wanted if she opened her mouth.

  “Say it.” She could do this. Just look him in the eye, tell him there’s no one else, then she could get her freak on.

  “There’s no one else.” Eyes narrowed, jaw tight, Gideon dropped to his knees. Warm water splashed around them both. He didn’t flinch. His eyes stayed focused on her. Pushing between her spread legs, he pushed two fingers into her waiting heat. Stretching her, teasing her. He didn’t stop until his knuckle rested at her entrance. Her head fell back, her eyes slid to half mast and she moaned in delight.