Rebel (Wolfes of Manhattan 1)

But if she didn’t? I’d said them. I’d opened myself up to another human being, something I’d never done.

It was miraculously freeing.

“What?”

I smiled. “That’s the third time you’ve said what. I’m pretty sure you don’t have a hearing problem.”

“I… I…”

“You don’t usually have a speaking problem, either.” I touched her cheek, her skin like the softest velvet.

“You… You’re…in love with me?”

“Why is that so surprising?”

She shook her head. “Only for about a dozen or more reasons, not the least of which is that you made it very clear that we didn’t have a relationship.”

“I know. I apologize. I was burying the feelings I was developing for you. They scared the shit out of me, Lace.”

“We’ve known each other a week.”

“A week and three days.” I smiled.

“Oh, okay,” she said sarcastically.

“Look. I don’t have any experience in this kind of stuff. That’s for sure. But I sure hated seeing you with both of those pretty boys. I wasn’t sure what that meant, but when I came out here this morning and saw you pick that flower and put it behind your ear, I knew. And if I had any lingering doubts at all, they were erased when I watched that bozo cuff you. I was willing to do anything to protect you. I would have shot the motherfucker dead if I’d thought he was going to harm you in any way.”

She gulped audibly. “Rock, I—”

I touched my finger to her lips to silence her. “You don’t have to say anything. But I’m glad I told you. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever been happier to utter three words in my life.”

“No,” she said, brushing my hand away. “I’m glad you said it. Surprised…but very, very glad. Because… I love you too, Rock.”

Warmth spread through me like the joy of a child on Christmas morning. I’d never known such wonder, such happiness. I wanted to shout to the world that I was in love and then take her inside and make passionate love to her for the rest of my life.

“You have the most beautiful smile,” she said. “It lights up your whole face.”

“Nothing about me is anywhere near as radiant as you are.” No truer words. She stood before me in her simple clothes, no makeup, wildflowers behind her ears.

She was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.

“Are you sure?” she asked. “I mean, you said—”

“Forget what I said. I was scared. I love you, Lacey Ward. I love you so damned much.” I pulled her to me and crushed my lips to hers.

As many times as I’d kissed her, this one was different. Different and amazing and wonderful. The soft moan from the back of her throat hummed, and I felt more than heard it. The kiss was so raw, so powerful, and my cock throbbed.

I was wearing only the jeans, so the denim rubbed against me as I hardened. I pushed into her, trying to ease the ache, but only one thing would crush this yearning.

To be inside her. Inside that hot little pussy that gripped me so tightly.

I broke the kiss abruptly. “Inside,” I said. “Now.”

Her lips, red and swollen, trembled as she nodded. Then I scooped her into my arms and carried her through the door and into the cabin.

We’d been here since last night and I hadn’t made love to her.

Something had stopped me. Worry about my sister. About my responsibilities. About everything.

Those thoughts still niggled at me, but what better way to relax than to make love with my woman?

My woman.

I stopped in the living room and laid her gently on the couch. Then, not so gently, I pulled off her jeans and inhaled. Her musk was already in the air, so fruity and feminine. As much as I wanted to dive between her legs and taste her, that would have to wait.

I needed to be inside her. Inside her warmth and sweetness.

I pulled off my jeans quickly and my cock sprang out. Her eyes widened as she licked her lips. Had I been with someone else, I’d make a smartass comment. Not now. Not with this woman who I loved.

I mounted her, rubbed my cock head between her slick folds, and then thrust into her balls deep. “Ah, God,” I groaned.

She clamped her hands onto my butt cheeks and pulled me even closer so I was so far into her we were nearly one.

Nearly one.

Why had I fought this? Everything about Lacey Ward interested me, intrigued me.

Enthralled me.

I pulled out and thrust back in. Her eyes were closed, her long lashes a soft curtain over her cheeks.

“Open your eyes, Lacey. Please. Open your eyes and look at me. Watch me making love to you.”

She obeyed, her blue eyes sparkling.

I pulled out, missing her tightness already. “Get on top of me, baby. I want to show you something.”