Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 34715 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 174(@200wpm)___ 139(@250wpm)___ 116(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34715 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 174(@200wpm)___ 139(@250wpm)___ 116(@300wpm)
She settles deeper into my arms, head on my shoulder, one leg tangled with mine. I stroke her back in long, soothing strokes until her breathing evens out again. The nightmare is gone. For now, she’s safe. She’s mine to protect.
And as I lie there in the quiet bed with Anniston wrapped around me, kissing her softly between whispered reassurances, I realize something I’m not ready to say out loud.
I’m not sure I can let her go when this is over.
FOURTEEN
ANNISTON
I lie curled against Banks's chest, my head on his shoulder, listening to the steady beat of his heart. The room is dark except for the soft silver moonlight slipping through the window. His arm is wrapped around me, warm and heavy, one big hand resting on my lower back like he is afraid I might disappear if he lets go. I should be trying to sleep. Instead all I can think about is how badly I want him.
I want his hands on me again. I want his mouth. I want to feel that solid weight of him pressing me into the mattress until the only thing I can think about is us. It’s been years since I felt this kind of deep, aching want for someone. Years since anyone made me feel safe and wild at the same time. And now here I am, wrapped up in this man who’s supposed to be protecting me, not making my heart race like this.
I shift slightly, pressing closer. Banks's fingers flex against my back. He’s still awake. I can tell by the way his breathing has not evened out.
"Anniston," he murmurs, voice low and rough in the dark.
Before I can answer, he rolls me gently onto my back and leans over me. His gray-blue eyes catch the moonlight as he looks down at me. Then he kisses me again.
This kiss is slower than the one after my nightmare. Softer. His lips move against mine like he’s savoring every second. I sigh into his mouth and slide my hands up his chest, feeling the hard muscle under my palms. He deepens the kiss, tongue brushing mine in a slow, sensual stroke that makes heat bloom low in my belly.
I know I shouldn’t be doing this. I know we said we would keep things professional. But I can’t help myself. I want him too much.
"Banks," I whisper against his lips.
He pulls back just enough to rest his forehead against mine. "Tell me to stop and I will."
I shake my head. "Don't stop. Please."
He kisses me again, deeper this time, and everything else fades away. His hand slides under the hem of the t-shirt I'm wearing, his t-shirt, and skims up my ribs. Every touch is gentle but sure. He takes his time, like he’s learning me all over again. When his thumb brushes over my nipple I arch into him with a soft moan.
"So beautiful," he murmurs, kissing along my jaw and down my neck. "Every inch of you. I can't get enough."
He pulls the shirt off me slowly and tosses it aside. Then his mouth is on my breasts, licking and sucking softly until I'm trembling beneath him. He doesn’t rush. He worships. His tongue circles one nipple, then the other, drawing them into his mouth with gentle suction while his hand kneads the soft flesh. I thread my fingers through his dark hair, holding him there as pleasure sparks through me.
His free hand trails lower, over my stomach, across my hips, until his fingers slip between my thighs. He strokes me lightly at first, teasing, spreading the wetness already gathering there.
"You're so wet for me already," he whispers against my skin. "So ready. That's my good girl."
I gasp as he slides one thick finger inside me, then another, curling them slowly while his thumb circles my clit. The stretch is perfect, the rhythm unhurried. He keeps kissing my breasts, my collarbone, my mouth, murmuring soft praises between each touch.
"You feel incredible," he says, voice low and warm. "So tight around my fingers. I could stay right here all night just listening to those pretty sounds you make."
I rock against his hand, chasing the building pleasure. He adds a third finger, stretching me wider, and I moan louder. He kisses me through it, swallowing every sound, his tongue moving in the same lazy rhythm as his fingers.
When I’m right on the edge, trembling and gasping, he pulls his hand away. I whimper at the loss, but he’s already moving down my body. He settles between my thighs, spreading them wider with his broad shoulders. His breath is hot against my sensitive skin.
"Look at this pretty pussy," he murmurs, pressing a soft kiss to my inner thigh. "All mine tonight."
Then his mouth is on me.
He licks me slow and sweet, like he’s got all the time in the world. His tongue parts me, tasting me thoroughly before circling my clit with perfect pressure. Two fingers slide back inside me, curling gently while he sucks softly on the sensitive bundle of nerves. I cry out, hips lifting off the bed. He hums in approval, the vibration sending sparks through my entire body.