We were all over the bed. I was under him, on top, pressed to his chest, then finally on my stomach. After grabbing a condom, he drew up my hips and entered me from behind, the angle intense, the feel of him acute. He began to move, kissing my back and neck, turning my head to capture my mouth. He slid his fingers back to my clit and strummed in time with his thrusts, ramping the pleasure so high I wept. My orgasm bloomed, unfurling low in my stomach, its tendrils far-reaching. I gripped the sheets, pushing my body up closer to the pleasure as I came, trembling, crying, and moaning Hunter’s name. He sat up, taking me with him, my back pressed to his chest. He pressed his lips to my ear, groaning and cursing, his frame vibrating as his cock swelled inside me, setting off yet another orgasm that shook me to my core as he thrust wildly, his release a long, drawn-out sigh escaping his mouth.
He dropped his head to my shoulder, our heavy breathing the only sound. My tears dripped heedlessly down my cheeks, landing on his skin. He reared back, turning my face to his.
“No, no, Little Dragon,” he crooned, shifting us so he wrapped his arms around me, holding me tight. He dropped kisses to my face, brushing away the tears. “No crying. Please. Are you hurt? Was I too rough? Tell me,” he pleaded, running his hands along my arms and torso. “Where—tell me where?”
“Not-not hurt,” I assured him. I had no idea how to tell him. What to say that wouldn’t push him away. How did I tell him I was so happy he was here with me? That he filled a need within me I didn’t understand, and I knew would be empty once he left. That I was certain I would never recover from, yet was powerless to resist?
“Just overwhelmed,” I whispered. “That was intense.”
He lay back, taking me with him. He kept me close, pulling a blanket over us.
“It’s always intense with you.” He pressed a kiss to my head.
“Don’t stay away again,” I said quietly. “I know it’s not forever, but I have you for now and—”
He stopped me from saying anything else with a press of his fingers on my mouth.
“I won’t,” he promised.
I settled back to his chest, feeling safe.
“Sleep a bit, then we’ll talk,” he promised. “We can go see Cash. He’s missed you.”
I felt sleep pulling me under as he spoke again, the words so quiet, I wasn’t sure if they were real or not.
“But not as much as I did, Little Dragon.”
* * *
The pattern of my life changed in a subtle fashion over the next while. I went to work, handling my job with a renewed sense of purpose. I issued orders, filed plans and paperwork, and attended meetings, my head somehow clearer. Taking a page from Hunter’s book, I focused on now. Nothing else.
Addi hired Robert, and I was looking forward to his starting with the company. Having some help would remove some of the stress from my plate. It would take him some time to settle, but I was sure he would fit in well.
The biggest change was the end of my workday. I was never certain when I opened my door if Hunter would be waiting. Leaning against my counter, lounging on the sofa, stretched out on my bed. I never knew where I would find him. If he wasn’t there, I knew he was waiting at his house, and I would change and make my way up the path to his place. Cash always greeted me with excited woofs, a wagging tail, and his favorite game of trying to trip me as he wound his way around my legs over and again.
Hunter always greeted me with one of his slow grins, a tight embrace, and a kiss deep enough to make my toes curl. Every night was spent in his arms. My favorite part of the day was resting on his chest, listening to his rich voice read out loud. The day, the worries, everything faded away as I lost myself to him, his voice, and the stroke of his gentle touch.
I pulled up to the house and went inside, the silence telling me Hunter wasn’t there. But on my bed was a note, and I picked it up, scanning it quickly.
Busy day.
Can I interest you in a late dinner for four for two?
I promise to fill you up an hour later…
H
I grinned at his words, then changed, heading toward the back door. A knock on my front door stopped me, and I retraced my steps, opening the door to admit Gracie. She grinned at me.
“I thought I saw your car.”
“Come in,” I offered.
“No, just wanted to make sure you were still okay for tomorrow?”