The Griffin's Mate (Hideaway Cove 1)

He stroked her cheek with the back of one hand, then ran it down her neck and shoulder. Lainie trembled as he caressed her breast, and he felt her nipple go hard under his palm.

Lainie moaned, and pulled the last of the blankets away. She slid against him, and every touch of her soft body sent thrills across Harrison’s skin. He kissed h

er breasts, moving his hands to her waist, her hips, her thick thighs…

Encouraged by the way Lainie was writhing against him, Harrison dipped his hand between her legs. She was already wet, and gasped as he stroked her.

“Yes…” she whispered, and he rolled on top of her. Lainie’s black eyes shone up at him, heavy-lidded with need.

“You don’t know how much it means to me, having you here,” Harrison found himself whispering back. “You mean everything to me.”

Lainie’s lips parted, red and wet. “Harrison,” she murmured. “My Harrison. My protector.”

He couldn’t hold back any longer. Not after that. Lainie opened her legs beneath him and he positioned himself at her entrance, watching her eyelashes flutter as she felt him press against her.

He thrust into her in one smooth motion. A deep moan escaped his throat at how hot and wet she was. How easily he filled her and how perfect it felt.

Lainie had closed her eyes as he entered her. Now she opened them, and took Harrison’s face between her hands. “I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I want you,” she admitted. Her whole face was flushed, her black eyes shining. “Is this…is this part of the mate bond? Everything feeling so right?”

Harrison rocked against her, making her arch her back with pleasure. “Yes. Because it’s right. It’s perfect. You’re perfect,” he said, increasing his speed. “My Lainie. My mate.”

Lainie’s whole body tensed beneath him and she cried out, digging her fingernails into his back as she came. Harrison rode her through her orgasm as long as he could before the sight of her pleasure became too much for him.

He groaned, burying his face in Lainie’s shoulder as he came deep inside her. He caught his breath, still nuzzling her neck, and then started to pull himself off her.

Lainie held on to him, keeping him on top of her. For a moment they lay together in silence, the only noise the sound of their intermingled breathing, and Harrison’s heartbeat thumping in his ears. His heartbeat slowed, his breath keeping pace with Lainie’s.

“I wish we could stay here forever,” she said quietly. “But we can’t, can we? I have to figure out what I’m going to do. Somehow.”

Harrison rested his forehead against hers. “We’ll figure it out. Together. Remember, I’m on your side.”

Lainie smiled up at him. “I remember.”

***

Harrison made a pile of scrambled eggs for breakfast, flavoring them with fresh herbs and serving them alongside a loaf of crusty bread from Pol’s shelf on the shared work pantry downstairs. His own kitchen supplies didn’t extend much far past grilled cheese. He’d even snaffled the lemon and honey for the drinks last night from Pol’s shelf.

I’ll need to step up my game now Lainie’s here, he thought, sliding the eggs onto two plates. …And head to the store before Pol notices his depleted supplies, he added.

“That smells delicious,” Lainie said, coming in from the shower. She buttoned her blouse and sat down, dropping her shoes under the table. “Mmm.”

“I’m better with a hammer and nails than in the kitchen, but I can manage some things,” Harrison said, grinning as he placed Lainie’s plate in front of her. “Simple, hearty meals.”

“After the storm yesterday, simple, hearty meals sounds perfect.” Her eyes widened as Harrison put a cup of coffee down by her plate. “And you just made it perfect plus.”

Harrison checked in with Arlo and Pol while they ate. *Is there much damage from the storm?*

*Not a lot. A couple of windows smashed by falling branches. The old Eaves place is gone, though.* Arlo’s telepathic voice grew outraged. *Pol says you were out there?*

*Lainie was in trouble. Hey, Pol—how did that job I gave you last night go?*

Pol gave a telepathic groan. *I’ve had to auction myself off for Christmas lights this year… but everyone’s on board. They’re willing to listen, at least.*

Harrison shoveled egg into his mouth, struggling to keep his feelings off his face. He didn’t want Lainie to ask what was going on before he had all the details sorted. He didn’t want to get her hopes up for no reason.

Harrison could feel the embarrassed wriggle in Pol’s voice when he spoke again. *Look, boss… this whole thing is bringing out a lot of feelings in people, not all of them good. You do what you need to do, Harrison. I’m on your side, whatever happens.*

A moment later, Arlo chimed in. *Me too.*