She fit perfectly in my arms. Holding her this way, after making her body mine, I began to understand why Derek couldn’t talk about anything but Allison all that time we were in the desert.
I’d been with other women. I’d been with a lot of other women in a myriad of ways, but nothing was like this—and not just because she was a virgin. How was it different? Why? Answers to these questions escaped me, but I knew, holding her in my arms, I was seriously screwed.
Her head moved, and she leaned back to meet my eyes. The moment sunset hazel hit me, all my future plans disappeared. I didn’t care about being screwed. I only wanted more of her.
She started to giggle, and my arms tightened around her slim body. I felt the smile curling my lips. I was actually smiling. I was fucking happy. When was the last time I’d felt this way? Shit, for that matter, had I ever felt this way?
“Why are you laughing?” My voice was a low rumble against her skin as I kissed a trail behind her ear.
She squealed and pulled up her shoulder. I mentally noted that spot for future reference. “We probably undid all the massage therapy I just gave you.”
My lips sealed against the skin at her temple. They trailed over her brow before I leaned up to meet her eyes. “I have to confess... I couldn’t care less.”
Eyes twinkling, she smiled bigger, and I was pretty confident nothing could be more beautiful.
“I care,” she said, reaching up to trace a finger over my brow. “I don’t want you to be in pain.”
“I can assure you, baby, I’m feeling no pain.”
She laughed again, and I ducked down to nibble the skin along the base of her jaw.
“You never told me why I had to braid my hair.”
She communicated so much with her eyes. Excitement, curiosity, knowledge. For example, in this moment I could see she knew exactly why her hair was braided. Testing that theory, I put it out there.
“So it’s easier for me to pull your head back when I fuck you from behind.”
I had to work to hold my expression neutral. I waited for her to cower or draw back, but instead, her eyes sparkled. Cautious excitement. Heat tightened low in my groin.
“You like it rough... But just now you were gentle as a lamb.”
“I’m no lamb, angel. I want you to enjoy this as much as I do.”
Her lips pressed together as she considered my words. I took the opportunity to slide a hand up to her breast, to roll a nipple between my fingers and watch it tighten. Her body arched to mine, and her bottom lip caught in her teeth.
“You are so beautiful... so responsive.”
A shaky breath passed through her throat, and she didn’t answer.
I knew exactly what I wanted to happen next.
* * *
Mariska
Stuart held me against his chest, and I was so afraid, I could hardly breathe. His embrace was like iron. He smelled like heaven. He was the most amazing lover, and I was falling so fast. It was dangerous and frightening, and nothing could keep me away from him. I suspected it when I stepped foot on the plane in Bayville, but now it was concrete in my mind. I’d do anything for him.
“I want you to go with me to the cabin.” He’d kissed every inch of my skin, leaving a trail of sparkling shivers in his wake, noting every way my body responded to him. Now he threw out this challenge, and of course I’d say yes.
“What will we do there?” Impressive how I managed to sound aloof as his thoughtful gaze traveled over my body. After his braid revelation, I couldn’t even imagine what he might say in response.
“It’s pretty remote. One room, no television or phone.” His head propped on his hand as he thought about the answer. “In the past, I’d go by myself to get away, think, find peace.”
It was his place—the one he’d told me about at the gym! Still, I acted coy. “So you’re saying it’ll be me and you and nothing else?”
Again a small smile. Again, I melted. “Is that something that would interest you?”
I traced my finger down his shadowed cheek, not squealing the Yes! echoing in my brain. “Some men go hunting to get away from it all.”