One to Protect (One to Hold 3)

He gives me a little nibble, and I’m coming undone. “You’re taking too long.”

In a flash he stands, pushes his dark jeans down his hips, taking his boxer briefs with them. My breath catches at the sight of his gorgeous body nude in front of me. He’s fully erect as he steps in and slides beneath the foam at the opposite end of the tub.

“Mmm… warm.” Large hands slide to my waist, pulling me onto his lap as he leans back in the water. I’m already slick, so it doesn’t take much. I reach around behind me and guide his tip into my throbbing opening. We both sigh as he rocks deep into me.

I lean forward, holding the tub on each side of his head while his mouth covers my breast, sucking a tight nipple.

A loud moan from me, and he moves up, his voice cracking in my ear. “We’ll probably get water everywhere.”

The sound of his growing desire sparks mine even hotter. “That’s what towels are for.”

His lips consume my words, his tongue sweeping in to find mine, and his hands grip my ass beneath the surface. Holding my body still, his hips rock into mine. Our mouths break away with a groan, and the water is swaying with us, splashing over the side. His mouth is at my shoulder, and he gives me another little bite. I tremble, holding him as his thrusting increases in speed and depth.

My orgasm mounts, and I feel my brow tense in ecstasy as he moves. The tightness below my navel becomes unbearable until at last it breaks, leaving me crying out his name. His movements don’t slow, and I clutch his shoulders. The sound of me coming seems to push him over, and after a few final thrusts, he groans low, shooting off deep between my quivering thighs.

His hips move slower, and I kiss him along his rough jaw. My body is so relaxed and satisfied. I make my way to his ear, whispering my love for him as his arms wrap tightly around my waist. He kisses my neck, moving his hands out of the water to cup my cheeks, bringing my face so our eyes are level.

“Nothing is going to take you away from me.” His blue eyes are intense, and his brow lowered.

Nodding, I lift my own hands out of the water, lightly holding his neck, my thumbs at the corners of his mouth. “Nothing.”

An inhale, and he pulls me against him, my cheek at his forehead, his face against my chest. For several moments we hold each other, until I notice the water is growing cold.

Lifting my head and sliding back down to kiss his nose, I smile. “Let’s move this party to the bed, okay?”

A sexy grin spreads across his lips. “I’ll have to get used to being with you longer than three days. We don’t have to be so urgent, trying to make the most of every moment.”

“Hmm.” I can’t help a frown. “I’m not sure I like the sound of that.”

“You won’t always be the ‘horny pregnant lady,’ as you like to say. I’m sure you’ll appreciate me pacing myself.”

My lips poke out as I consider this suggestion. Then my eyes roam from his thick dark waves tipped with bath water, hanging sexy in his blue eyes, his scruffy beard and full lips hiding straight white teeth. His amazing body…

“I think we should just play this whole ‘pacing ourselves’ thing by ear.”

He laughs and pulls me against him, rolling us in the tub so that we’re chest to chest, our bodies touching from head to toe under the water. I shriek and laugh, loving his possessiveness.

“Nobody. Is taking you away from me.” He emphasizes the words softly before covering my lips again with his.

Chasing his kisses, laughing as happiness radiates through my core, it’s hard for me to ever imagine having enough of him. But I wiggle, struggling to free myself from his vice grip. At once, he releases me.

“We’re going to catch a chill if we don’t get out of this tub. Not to mention turning into prunes.” Standing, I reach for a fluffy white towel as his hands slide up my leg.

He sits up and kisses the side of my thigh. I reach back and slide my hand through is hair before stepping out. “Come on.”

The grin on his face as he watches me dry myself tightens my stomach. His expression is a mixture of raw desire and pure appreciation. And love. Always love.

I can’t help feeling a little self-conscious about my new figure as I drop a few towels around the tub to soak up the spilled water. “Meet you in the bedroom.”

I head down the hall, hurrying to my dresser. I have something red and lacy in mind, something I know is Derek’s favorite, but I pause in front of my mirror, my eyes searching my neck in the reflection.

A flash of panic hits me, and I quickly feel all around the dresser top. I don’t know how I didn’t notice before. The excitement I was just feeling is gone, and I grasp my neck. Where is it?

Running back to the bathroom, the towel still tied under my arms, I pass him headed in my direction.

He steps back against the wall. “Melissa?”

Confusion is in his voice, but I can only think one thing. “No!” I cry, plunging my hands into the receding water and feeling around frantically.