Her Heart's Desire

proved.

Ivan went to grab her wrists. Without hesitation, Tiffany escaped and caught him with a blow to the stomach. He leaned over and let out a loud breath.

“Oh, Ivan, I’m sorry,” she cried. “I didn’t mean to actually hit you.”

“Don’t apologize, Tiff.” He laughed. “It’s fine, I’ll survive.” He took a moment, and then stood up to his full height. “See?”

Without thought, she began to rub her hand over his stomach. That simple action generated more of a response than her hitting him. He sucked in his breath and covered her hand with his. Ivan slid her arm up his chest. When it reached his face, he kissed the inside of her wrist.

Suddenly, the air sizzled around them. Without warning, Tiffany used Ivan’s weight against him and propelled him to the floor. He pulled her with him, but made sure that she landed on top of him.

She gazed into his eyes. “Are you always prepared for anything?”

“I try to be.”

“You need to relax,” she instructed. “No more shop talk, no more self-defense lessons. I’m here with you, and I’m fine. You worry too much.”

“I’m sorry. It’s my job.”

“I know. But I’m not work.”

He nodded. “You’re right. The next time you think I’m being overbearing, just hit me.”

She smiled. “Deal.”

Ivan kissed Tiffany, and she immediately responded. Moments later, he said, “It’s time for me to leave, before I do something…ungentlemanly.”

“I don’t mind finding out what that is,” Tiffany said coyly.

Ivan’s eyes smoldered to a golden brown. He got up and helped her to her feet. She immediately jumped in his arms, refusing to let him go.

“Tiff, tell me to leave,” he growled into her ear. “Tell me before it’s too late, and we both end up sprawled on your bed, and I’m buried inside you.”

His sensual words sent shivers up her spine. Her heart beat a steady staccato inside her chest.

“Say it,” he commanded.

“I can’t,” she choked out. “Because I don’t want you to leave.”

“I don’t want to leave, either.”

She caressed his jaw. Their eyes met. “Then don’t.”

It was all the incentive he needed. Ivan swept her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom. He set her down. “It’s not too late to reconsider,” he told her solemnly.

Tiffany ran her hand up his massive arm. His thick muscles flexed under her firm touch. “Why would I want to do that? I’m not going to change my mind, Ivan. I want you to make love to me.”

Ivan leaned her back over his arm and kissed her on the neck. His lips trailed down her chest to the top of her shirt. He kissed her, and then moved lower. When he gently clamped down on her breast through her shirt, Tiffany gasped with pleasure. Her legs grew weak, but Ivan held her in a tight embrace.

“Relax. I’ve got you, sweetheart. You won’t fall,” he promised her.

He continued sampling her through the cotton fabric. He used his free hand to ease her top higher. He slid his tongue across her belly, causing her to squirm against him. He picked her up and placed her in the center of the bed. He followed her down. Stretched out next to her, his hand caressed her flat stomach. His fingers moved over the button on her slacks. He unbuttoned them with one flick before he unzipped them. The noise filled the silent room. His hand went lower, and then he palmed her through her pants. Tiffany sucked in her breath.

“How does that feel?” he asked.

“Incredible,” she groaned. “Like I’m on fire.”

“Are you on fire, Tiff? Are you burning for me, baby?”