Savior

“I think I love hearing you beg.”

But he gave in and sucked on my clit, flicking his tongue hard and fast. My hand gripped the comforter and I moved my hips, flexing my ass, digging my heels into the mattress as everything in me pulled tight and snapped. I shot off and didn’t hold back my moans. I cried his name over and over as I fell apart only to come back to him softly kissing every inch of my pussy. He lifted himself and kissed up my stomach, past my heaving breasts until he reached my lips and had me tasting myself again.

“Will you sleep with me tonight?”

Tears burned the backs of my eyes and I nodded, managing to hold them back. Tonight had been a whirlwind of emotions and curling up next to him was more than I could have ever asked for.

He shifted the blankets back and neither of us bothered dressing. He asked me if it was okay before he wrapped me in his arms and pulled my back to his front.

“Thank you, Alexandra, for your gift,” he whispered behind me.

A smile stretched my lips. “Thank you for accepting it.”

He hummed and pressed a lingering kiss to the base of my neck. “Sleep. We’ll talk in the morning.”

My mind whirled with the possibilities of what he could say when the sun rose and shined a light on what we’d done. I was sure I wouldn’t be able to sleep, but in the warmth and safety of Erik’s arms, I passed out in an instant.

23

Erik

For the first time in my life, I woke up with a woman in my arms. Thirty-one years and I’d never stayed the night. My initial thought had been that I had been missing out because Alexandra felt damn good in my arms, but then I figured no one would have felt as good as she did.

She shifted in my arms and I waited for her to open her eyes, but instead, she rolled to her back and threw her arm above her head. The move dislodged the blanket and the way she stretched exposed one beautiful breast. I wanted to lean over and suck on the pale pink nipple. I wanted to drag my finger around the bud before rolling her nipple between my thumb and forefinger. I wanted her to wake up aroused so she would want me again.

I managed to hold back—barely.

Last night had been a nightmare followed by one of the best experiences of my life. She’d been so tight, so responsive, so beautiful. She’d been everything I thought she would be, which was why I held back. She deserved more than the man who was thirty-one and never stayed the night with a woman. She deserved more than a workaholic. She deserved more than a man who purposefully provoked criminals.

I was careful but had a reputation from years of working, and in the beginning, I’d been less than cautious. I’d been loud and angry and wanted everyone to know I was coming for them.

But screaming in people’s faces tended to get you punched in your own. And I’d been a hell of a lot more than punched when I boisterously went after too much. They’d set me up. I went in and almost died. I probably would have if Jared hadn’t been around ready to call the cops.

After that, I didn’t go out anymore. I hired MacCabe and funded the rescue and recovery.

But it didn’t make me completely safe from people finding out.

I stared down at her. Her almost black hair stark against the white sheets, her face soft and serene, even after the trauma she faced. She was a light that still managed to shine through whatever darkness she faced. She was smart and tenacious.

And I was done pushing her away. I wouldn’t repeat yesterday, leaving to hide—leaving her to fend for herself when I should have been there.

It all felt inevitable like I’d be fighting a lost cause if I tried to get out of bed and act like last night had meant nothing. It would only serve to hurt us both. At least, with her by my side, I could keep her safe—protect her from any more harm.

I eased my arm out from under her and went to the restroom. When I came out she was sitting up, the sheet clutched to her breasts. Her shoulders were slouched as she stared at the bed, looking defeated.

“Alexandra? Are you okay?”

Her head jerked up and she took me in, her eyes dropping to my cock. I hadn’t bothered to put pants on and the more she stared the harder I got.

“I thought you left,” she answered, still watching.

“No, not leaving. Just had to answer nature’s call.” She breathed a soft laugh and finally raised her gaze to mine. “Come on. I’ll make us some breakfast.”