BEARing it All (Wylde Brothers 3)

Bram hadn’t so much as touched her in the way she wanted him to, and Kenzie found herself immensely disappointed because of it. He had kissed her, but it wasn’t nearly as thorough as she ached for. This arousal that grew inside her was becoming almost unbearable, and she knew he was going slow, not wanting to frighten her further.

There wasn’t any doubt in her mind he could smell her desire for him, but he was far stronger than she gave him credit for, because he could keep himself in check.

She really shouldn’t even be thinking about the lewd things that passed through her mind on a daily basis now, but it was unavoidable. How could she not want him, when he helped her far more than he would ever realize?

Pulling her top off and turning to the side to look at herself in the mirror, Kenzie started peeling away the tape and bandages. The claw marks were now just raised, pink lines, and her body was rejecting the sutures. She really didn’t need the dressing anymore, so she tossed it aside and ran her fingers over her flesh.

Twisting to look farther behind her, because one of the marks snaked behind her back, she gasped out as her skin was pulled taut. In the next instant, the bathroom door was pushed open. A squeal of surprise left Kenzie, and she spun around and braced one of her hands on the counter for stability. Bram stood in the doorway, a concerned and wild look on his face.

“What’s wrong? You okay?” He scanned her body, and it was after the initial shock of seeing him bust in that Kenzie realized she didn’t have a top on and her breasts were only covered by a thin, cotton bra. Fire raced up her neck, and although she wanted Bram with an intensity that startled her, she was embarrassed by her state.

“I heard you cry out in pain. What’s wrong?” He stepped farther into the bathroom and took hold of her arms. He pulled them away from her body and continued to scan her for injuries. Despite the fact that she was only dressed halfway, there was no arousal reflected in his expression, only a deep-seated need to make sure she was okay.

“I’m all right.” At his disbelieving look, she added, “I swear. I just turned a little too quickly, and it pulled at my wound.”

After another couple of seconds looking her over, he finally seemed satisfied and released her. He took a step back. Neither one said anything for so long that Kenzie started to get uncomfortable, especially with her lack of clothing. She grabbed her shirt, but before she could put it on, Bram had a hold of her hands, stopping her from moving.

“What are you doing?” Her words were a breathy mix of confusion and simmering arousal. The way he dipped his gaze down to her chest had her feeling like she wore absolutely nothing in front of him.

“I can’t even tell you what you do to me, what having you near does to my body.” He was still looking at her chest, and her breathing kicked up, causing her breasts to rise and fall at a rapid pace. “It isn’t just about the fact that you light my body up, Kenzie. Just having you near makes me feel so good. It feels so right, baby.” He took a step closer, and the mix of his cologne as well as his natural scent washed through her. “I have to fight my bear every minute not to tear your clothes off, run my tongue over your skin, and make you mine.” He rested his forehead against hers and closed his eyes. At that moment, he looked so vulnerable and nothing like the fierce male she knew he was. “But I know I have to be gentle with you and go slow. You’ve been through so much, so much more than I can even comprehend.” He opened his eyes but didn’t lift his forehead from hers.

“Bram?” Her eyes fluttered closed when he moved his mouth to her neck, and his warm breath teased the skin right below her ear.

“Yeah, baby?” His voice was low, husky, and the scent of his pheromones was a gust of intoxication that had her head spinning. “I’ll be gentle and won’t push you to do anything you don’t want.” The feel of his tongue on her throat had a small mewl leaving her. “I won’t take anything you’re not willing to give.”

Her head was suddenly too heavy for her to hold up, and so she let it fall back, baring her throat for her mate.

“That’s it; surrender to me willingly, and I swear to fucking God, Kenzie, I’ll never make you regret it.”

Kenzie didn’t regret it and wanted to just let go, so she brought her hands up, gripped his massive biceps, and nodded her desire for him to continue. “Bram, I want you, want this, but…” He lifted his head and looked down at her.