Under His Protection (Protect and Defend 1)

“The property has been in my family for a couple of generations. My great-grandparents originally bought the land, and my grandparents built the second cabin. You’ll have to come over sometime and check it all out.”

Suzanne’s face brightened. “I would love to. Maybe we could get together next week.”

Blake returned the smile, relief flooding through her. She was so lonely, she really needed this new friend. “That would be wonderful.”

* * * *

They’d come to a silent compromise, he and Blake. It wasn’t something they’d discussed or fought about. They simply dealt with each other, staying out of each other’s way and spoke politely to each other only when needed.

Mason freaking hated every overly civil minute of it.

He watched her, seething inside. It appeared she was enjoying herself with her new friend. Joy was written all over her beautiful face. That genuine smile curving her luscious lips hadn’t disappeared pretty much the entire time she sat at the little table in the restaurant eating lunch. And she’d devoured a couple of slices of pizza in record time. Blake normally wasn’t much of an eater.

Always so careful of what she put in her mouth or how much she weighed. He thought she was friggin’ perfect. In fact, he’d always liked a woman with a little meat on her bones.

He could only conclude she was happy, laughing and spending time with her friend. And damn, it upset him he didn’t have anything to do with her newfound good mood.

With a grunt, he shifted his position on the park bench, adjusting his sunglasses with the nudge of a finger. It was sunny but cold, hovering around fifty degrees and his ass was falling asleep. She’d been in that pizza joint for nearly two hours, and on top of being uncomfortable and grumpy, he was hungry, despite the sandwich he devoured earlier.

And jealous. Yes, he was jealous over another female, for God’s sake. He wanted to be the one who put that bright smile on Blake’s face. He wanted to be the one who made her laugh and act so carefree.

Mason rubbed a hand along his chin, his lips tightening. He wanted to do a hell of a lot more than just make her smile and laugh. He wanted to make her breathless with his touch. He wanted to make her cry out with pleasure. He wanted to make her come again and again, always begging for more.

He shifted again, now because his cock was making its presence known, nudging against the fly of his jeans.

Shit, he couldn’t take this anymore. He was tired of pretending he didn’t want this woman. Simply put, he wanted her more than anything he’d ever wanted his entire life.

And so why should he deprive himself of something that would most likely be a mind blowing experience? His uncontrollable lust for her would no longer be denied. He’d argued with himself for days, weeks. Ah hell, months. Always depriving himself of what he wanted. What she wanted.

Blake was savvy. He knew she’d understand, convinced himself of this while he sat on the bench freezing his ass off. She didn’t want a serious relationship and neither did he. They’d both walk into this new situation with eyes wide open.

Sex for sex’s sake. Finally giving into the attraction that had been simmering between them since the day they’d met.

Breathing deep, he watched as she exited the restaurant with her friend. They hugged each other and then parted ways, Blake walking toward him while her friend headed in the opposite direction.

“Sorry I took so long. Are you hungry?” One delicate dark blond brow lifted, her lush lips pursed in a little smirk.

“Starved.” Mason stood, striving for subtle nonchalance though arousal coursed through his veins, making his blood pound heavy and slow.

He’d pounce later, when they were back at the cabin and away from prying eyes. One thing about this island, though quaint, it was full of gossip mongers who enjoyed nothing more than talking behind their hands about the local residents’ private business.

“I should’ve brought you a goody bag.”

She could be his goody bag. “I had a sandwich to hold me over. I’ll grab something when we get back.”

With a nod, she started walking, shooting him a sweet smile. “They have the best pizza there. You should try it.”

Well, she was certainly being friendly. Considering her cold demeanor the last couple of days, he found it encouraging.

Especially conside

ring what he had planned later.

“I thought you didn’t eat pizza.”

She glanced at him, her gaze meeting his. “I love pizza. I just don’t eat it when there are too many criticizing eyes watching. The media would have a field day if they caught me stuffing my face.”

“Trust me, sweetheart, there are plenty of criticizing eyes around this place,” he muttered.