Say You Will (The Alexanders 5)

"I want you," she panted. She could barely get the words out. Immediately his thumb pushed into her wet heat and she contracted around the thick digit. The orgasm took her off guard, flashing through her bright and hot. She squeezed her eyes shut and rode the shattering waves that left her feeling completely wrung-out when they ended. Boneless, she collapsed against him. He caught her, helping her to the floor. He moved over her, his hands working at his own belt, tugging at the zipper.

"Aah, yes," she cried out when he finally thrust inside her, pushing through her still contracting muscles.

"Tell me you're mine," he growled against her neck, the sound one of desperate longing.

She arched as his fingers found her nipples. Her shirt was pushed roughly out of the way and his thumb found her through her bra. The sensations were heightened through the slightly scratchy lace. All the while, his hips worked a grinding rhythm, slowly screwing her halfway to insanity. Her own hips lifted with every thrust, accepting him, taking him as deep as possible.

"I need you," he mumbled.

She almost didn't hear the soft words, too distracted by the kisses he dotted over every inch of skin he could reach. Mara wrapped her legs around him, rocking up into his thrusts. He panted, harsh breaths against the side of her neck as he worked himself deeper, his hips fusing to hers again and again.

Her hands clutched at his shoulders, his back, his hair. Anything she could reach. Trent was usually a very gentle lover, allowing her to take the lead. But this was a side of him she'd never seen before. A dominant, forceful side of him that alternately thrilled and worried her.

“Say you'll never leave me. Promise me.” His eyes didn't leave her face the entire time.

She was suddenly hit with an overwhelming sense of protectiveness. Whatever had set him off, she didn't know but she would do whatever he needed, say whatever he needed to be okay. Because that was loving someone, Mara thought. Wanting them to be okay and doing whatever you needed to make sure they got there.

“I'll never leave you. I promise.” The words were still on her lips as she fell apart, coming so hard that everything turned into light as bright as diamonds.

* * * * *

THE NEXT MORNING, Trent woke to the unfamiliar light of the sun streaming through the wide windows. For the past few months, when Avery had been staying here, he'd always slept in the guest room so she could have the biggest bed. It had been a long time since he'd woken up here.

It had been a long time since he’d felt so light and carefree, too.

Mara rolled over and the movement drew his attention. Her hand roamed over the empty space between them, searching. At home, she usually slept half on top of him. She'd always been a snuggler. He moved to the center of the bed and once her hand connected with the bare skin of his chest she let out an indistinct murmur and plastered herself to his side. She'd probably be annoyed when she finally woke up but he was going to enjoy having her soft, warm weight against him in the meantime.

After making love to her like a maniac on the floor of her closet, things had gotten awkward. Trent had retreated to the kitchen to give her some space. When he returned to the room, M

ara had already been asleep or doing an excellent job of pretending to be. She'd gone to sleep all the way on the far right side of the bed so there was no chance that their bodies would touch during the night. Which was no wonder since he’d probably scared her with his intensity the night before.

After an hour of trying to fall asleep, he’d still been acutely aware of her every move. He’d known the exact moment when she’d fallen asleep in truth. He’d lain awake for hours after that contemplating how he was going to get her to trust him again.

Mara moved again and he held still, hoping to hang on to this precious moment before she woke up and he had to see the suspicion and pain enter her dark eyes. She'd gone to bed wearing a nightgown but the straps had slipped off her shoulders during the night. Her curls were tousled and falling over her bare shoulders. The sight reminded him that they’d made love last night for the first time in a long time.

After a few minutes, her eyes opened, squinting against the light. When she looked down and realized she was half on top of him, she smiled sheepishly.

"Good morning. I guess I used you as my pillow. As usual."

“That's the way I like it.”

At his words, she smiled brightly. Then as if remembering the prior day, she glanced away and scooted back to the other side of the bed. She sat up and stretched.

“I haven’t slept that well in a long time. I guess I was pretty tired.” She gave him one last undecipherable look before she slid out of bed and hurried into the adjoining bathroom.

Once the door closed behind her, Trent sat up too and pushed the covers back. If they weren’t going to stay in bed cuddled up, then he might as well start his day. He’d never been one for staying in bed once he woke up.

He padded over to the closet and pulled out a long black robe. After belting it, he wandered out to the kitchen. The staff had made sure the kitchen was stocked with the basics before their arrival so there should be enough food for him to make a quick breakfast. He could order a grocery delivery for later in the afternoon.

His phone rang while he was in the middle of scrambling eggs. Switching the spatula to his left hand, he reached across the granite counter to grab it. Now that his parents knew he was back in town, his plan to hide out for a few days and show Mara around was probably shot to hell. When he saw Gina’s face on the screen, he knew it.

“What completely unnecessary tasks has my father asked me to do today?”

“Good morning to you, too.” Gina didn’t sound too annoyed with his brusque greeting. She’d worked for his father for years and understood well his frustration with Townsend family theatrics.

“He’s scheduled an executive meeting for nine a.m.”

Trent pushed the eggs around the pan awkwardly with his left hand. “Nine, huh? I suppose waiting until I’ve unpacked would have been too reasonable.”