Under His Protection (Protect and Defend 1)

And so she’d let him be. She’d pushed him too hard, too fast and it had fallen apart. No way did she want to make him angrier or give him reason to dislike her.

So she’d focused on her art instead. Locked herself up in her studio and worked long into the night. She didn’t think he really knew or paid attention to what she did and she didn’t tell him either. She’d only come out of her studio because of her lunch date with Suzanne.

Now she was eager to get back to work.

The front door shut and the sound of the lock turning rang loud in the foyer of the cabin. Blake turned to see Mason leaning against the door, his thick arms crossed in front of him, a grim expression on his face.

Dread filled her. He looked ready to do battle. With her.

For once, the man had the upper hand. She wasn’t near ready for yet another go round with Mason.

“Is everything okay?” Her voice sounded small, frail and she wanted to smack herself. She especially hated appearing weak in front of this man.

He shook his head slowly, his piercing gaze never leaving hers. “No.”

That one single word reverberated throughout her body, making her tremble, her stomach bounce with nerves. Swallowing hard, she ventured another question. “Did I do something wrong?”

Oh, now she really sounded pitiful. Why did she have to phrase it that way? What could she have done to him anyway? Not like they’d spent any quality time together.

“Baby, you never do anything wrong.”

Her mouth dropped open. The little thrill that skittered down her spine at him calling her baby in that deliciously rough voice barely registered. She was too surprised by his entire statement.

“Then what is it?”

Pushing away from the door, he approached her, his stride slow, predatory. She stood completely still, everything frozen in place, waiting for him. Fear and anticipation rippled through her body, making her shake.

Mason stopped in front of her, so close she could smell him, feel his body heat reaching out to her. “I’m sick of doing...this.” He waved a hand between them.

“Doing what?” She frowned. He confused her so much.

“I don’t want to deny myself—or you—any longer.”

Blake gasped when he encircled her waist with his arms and hauled her close, pressing her firmly against his muscular body. She reached out, rested her hands on his chest, curling her fingers into the soft fabric of his shirt. A shiver stole over her, stealing her breath, and she couldn’t believe this was happening.

“Wh—what are you doing?”

“Doing what I should’ve done a few days ago.” He dipped his head, his mouth brushing against hers. It was as if a thousand fireworks just exploded between them. All dazzling light and deafening sound, his kiss sent a roaring into her ears, a flash of color behind her closed lids. She clutched at his shirt, felt the warmth from his flesh burn her fingertips. When he touched his tongue to the seam of her lips, she nearly jumped out of her skin.

“Open up, baby,” he whispered. She actually felt the smile curve his firm lips. “Let me in.”

Who was she to deny him? To deny herself? This was what she’d wanted, what she’d craved from the first moment she set eyes on him. His strong arms wrapped around her, his hard body pressed to hers, his mouth and tongue doing wicked things to her. Things that made her want to give in to him.

But would he push her away again? Tell her it was all a big mistake? Once again deny the heated attraction between them? If he did, she didn’t know if she could take it.

“Mason.” She pushed him but it was like shoving a brick wall, he was so solidly built. “Mason, please.”

She didn’t know how she even found the ability to speak, what with the soft play of his lips upon hers, the teasing slip of his tongue. But she needed to understand his intentions.

Before it was too late and she lost her head.

“What?” He released his hold on her. Looking irritated, frustrated as hell and perfectly gorgeous with it, too. The flash of arousal in his beautiful green eyes was unmistakable, and a thrill moved through her. “Don’t tell me you don’t want this.”

“No, I do. It’s just...” His gruff tone almost frightened her and she didn’t want him angry. She wanted him hot for it. Hot for her.

But she had to ask. “Are you sure you really want this?”

His brows drew together. He looked positively fierce. “Of course, I want this.”