by Amelia Shea
“Okay.” A simple word came out strangled. She cleared her throat and nodded.
“You get to choose, Bailey. Your choice has got no repercussions, do you understand?”
She didn’t understand what choice he was referring to, and it seemed Saint could read her confusion.
“You want Dobbs. I won’t say another word. Won’t stand in the way.” He drew in a breath, then released it slowly. “But you can’t have us both. We’re brothers, sweetheart, can’t have you in the middle.”
Couldn’t have them both? Oh God, was that the impression she was giving? She liked Dobbs and could find forgiveness for him, but she didn’t want to be with him.
“I don’t want him.” Her mind blurred for a brief second, and she spoke what should have remained in her thoughts. “I want you.” The second she heard her own words, her eyes widened, and a trembling heat rippled over her skin. It was true. She did want him. However, she never meant to say it, have it lingering over her head and into his ears.
He moved forward, keeping a fair distance. There was a purposeful gap between them. It was for her benefit, she realized. Saint could be intimidating, and she was sure he knew it. It wasn’t so much his height or build, or even appearance. His demeanor and his silence made others alarmingly cautious.
“Are you afraid of me, Bailey?”
How was she supposed to answer him when she didn’t even know?
“No.” She bit her lip. “I don’t know.” She pressed her hands against his chest. “I don’t really know what just happened. I mentioned Dobbs, and it seemed to set something off in you.” She scanned his face. “I don’t know if you’re mad at me, or Dobbs, or what.”
The corner of his mouth curled softly. “Ah shit. I’m messing this up, Bailey.”
He inhaled a breath and settled into his seat, putting more distance between them. She didn’t like it. She wanted him closer. It may have been the answer to his question. If she was afraid, she wouldn’t want to be near him.
“No, you’re not, it’s just…” Her voice cracked, and she clamped her lips.
“What?”
She released a breath in a short huff. “It was all going so well until I mentioned Dobbs.” She bit her bottom lip. Under his stare, she was reeling from an unrelenting, desirable heat. “And I mean, I did just say I wanted you.”
The corners of his eyes crinkled. “Oh, I heard it.” Traces of amusement sounded in his tone. The mood was turning, lightening a bit. She lowered her hands onto his chest. One palm lay still over his heart which beat steadily.
“It’s not fear I’m feeling.”
“Good.” He glanced down at her hands. “You don’t know me, sweetheart, so I’ll tell you. I’m capable of being with you, protecting you if you need me.” He looked up from hooded lids. “I’m good at listening. Talking isn’t a strong point. I’m willing to give it a try with you, Bailey.”
She smiled at the sweetness of the statement and the sincerity of his tone. Her fingers dug into his shirt and she moved a bit closer. Saint remained where he was.
“I’m not capable of hurting you. I wouldn’t, it’s not who I am. Also not capable of sharing your affections with another man. If you give yourself to me, you’re mine, and I’m not sharing.” He smirked. “Probably have a hard time letting go too.”
It wasn’t just the words he spoke. It was how he said them. She found herself leaning closer, wanting to be near him, on him, with his arms back around her, holding her tightly against him.
Her heart raced, and her fingers dug into his chest. She hovered over his mouth, so close she could feel the warmth of his breath over her lips. “I want,” she paused, “you.”
She didn’t wait for a reaction or response. Her lips pressed against his, and she enjoyed the tingling sensation coursing through her body. It was almost electric. She angled her head as she moved over his mouth, wanting to get closer. His chin lifted, and she spread her lips getting exactly what she wanted. His tongue slid into her mouth.
Ah, this man can kiss. She’d have to spend time thinking if she’d ever been kissed so passionately. It was highly doubtful. His teeth grazed over her bottom lip, sending a shivering tingle through her body and zoning in on her lower region. Her pussy ached as she ground herself against him. The only thing which would have made it better was if he was touching her. She quickly glanced down at his hands resting on the armrest.
He was being cautious with her. Had they been in any other position, she would have appreciated it, however, here and now she just wanted his hands on her. It became apparent he was letting her lead. She pulled away from his lips, dragging her mouth down to his neck. His head extended back against the chair, and a soft groan emitted from his lips. She melted against him, licking his neck up to his ear.
“Touch me, Saint.” She barely finished her sentence before his hands wrapped around her waist, tugging her closer. It was confirmed he’d been holding back. It was her running this show, and he was following her lead. That notion made her want him even more. She found his lips again. Another kiss, another two or three, or forever, she just wanted to kiss him.
Ten minutes ago, she was wondering if she wanted to take it to another level, now she was practically crawling inside him. She wanted him everywhere. She draped her hand down his stomach. It was hard to wedge her hand between their bodies, but she was determined. She lifted her hip and slid down to the crotch of his pants. Her hand molded against his thick cock. He inhaled so deeply her breath was sucked from her chest.
It didn’t even slow her down from kissing him, swirling her tongue with his and moaning into his mouth. His finger caressed over her back. Again, she could feel his restraint. He moved across her back, touching her everywhere except where she wanted those hands to be—between her legs, over her breasts, and on her ass. She tightened her grip over his cock, slowly jerking him. His hands shifted to her neck. His rough palms scraping against her skin sent shiver down her spine.
She was done and made her decision. She was so ready to be in bed with Saint Monroe and have him inside her. She tore her mouth from his.
“We could go,” she caught her breath, “upstairs.” Her hand gripped the outline of his cock and tightened her hold, making herself clear in her intent.
Saint angled her jaw and took her lips again, keeping her steady as he assaulted her mouth with his tongue.
They definitely needed to move inside. She may not have neighbors close by, but she didn’t need anyone showing up and seeing her spread eagle on the dirt fucking Saint. If they didn’t go inside now, that scenario wouldn’t be farfetched. Despite the chilly night, she was prepared to strip down right here, right now.
Who the hell am I?
“Saint.” She breathed against his lips and stroked him through his pants.
Saint let his head drop against the seat and reached for her neck, stroking his thumbs down the column of her throat. His breath was heavy, and he hadn’t muttered a word. She leaned closer, her nose trailing lightly over his neck. She felt him shudder and she smiled.
Again, with his restraint. He needed more incentive. She dragged her fingers over his erection and looped her finger through his belt buckle. It would be difficult doing it one-handed. Try! She gripped his belt and pulled open the latch. It was as far as she got before his hand wrapped around her wrist. She glanced up at him.
“You don’t want me to?”
He puffed out a laugh though he didn’t seem amused. “There’s nothing more I want than what you’re doing right now.” He closed his eyes. “Fuck,” he whispered.
He was contradicting himself, leaving her confused. He was telling her he liked what she was doing, then cursing in frustration.
When she released his belt, he jerked open his eyes and aimed his focus on her. He sat up quickly and she scrambled to catch herself. She shouldn’t have bothered. Saint wrapped his arms around her waist and sat up with her pressed against his chest. Her nipples beaded. It was the most contact they had g
otten and were begging for more. She shifted her breasts against him and he smirked.
“You are making this hard, sweetheart.” He shoved his face against her neck. “Trying to take my time here, and you are killing me.”
“You could take your time with me,” her fingers caressed over the back of his neck, “upstairs.”
His hips shifted against her pussy, driving into her, and she moaned, letting her head fall back. He did it again, and she gripped his neck hard. She swiveled her hips, loving the sensation of riding against him. It felt so good.
“I want to take you up to your bed, lay you out, and feast on every inch of your body.”
She drove her hips into him, grinding against his dick. “Yes.”
“Bailey,” he grunted, and his fingers dug into her skin.
“I want you, Saint.”
His lips pressed against her neck and he tightened his grip on her body, keeping her steady and unable to further grind herself to orgasm. She raked her nails over his neck, up to his hair.
“Saying my name is cheating, sweetheart.”
She stopped, unsure she heard him right. He lifted from her neck, putting them at eye level. His gaze was heated, and his face flushed. She wondered if she looked as affected as he did. He kissed her and then smiled.
“You say my name and I’ll give you just about anything you want.”
She brushed her lips against his. “I want you,” she paused, “Saint.”
He smirked.
“Don’t you want me?”
His lips flattened. “Spent the last year wanting you, Bailey.”
Her heart raced. A year wanting her? She curled against his chest.
“Then what’s stopping you from taking me?”
He slid his hand over her chest, grazing her nipple, and she pushed her breast against his hand. Oh, God it feels good. “Let’s go upstairs.”
He palmed her breast and her lids lowered, loving the feel of his touch even through a thick shirt. His hand moved, and she felt the disappointment race through her body. He ran his finger over her cheek and across her bottom lip.
“I can’t stay the night,” he whispered. “Got Cia coming over tomorrow night and got a lot of work I got to get done beforehand.
His daughter’s name caught her attention, tampering against her arousal. She flickered open her eyes to his smiling face.
“Oh.” She understood, and it made sense. It did nothing to batten down her desire for him. She was on the verge of desperation mode. “You could leave after…” Her face flushed. After what, Bailey, we fuck? Just the insinuation was heating her up. She wasn’t sure she’d ever said the words out loud. Sex, yes, intercourse, probably, making love, just once. But fucking, no.
“I get you in bed, Bailey, I’m not leaving.” He kissed her softly. “You’re not leaving.” His lips brushed against her. “Gonna spend hours with you, and I’m gonna wake up with you. I know me, sweetheart. Not gonna be able to pull myself away from you.”
No, he couldn’t leave. Aside from being completely aroused, his sweet words were too much to let go.
“I could set my alarm.”
He chuckled. Of course he was laughing. She sounded like a desperate woman looking to get laid. She needed to shut her mouth before she embarrassed herself even more.
“Sorry.”
“Hey,” he whispered and lifted her chin. “Everything you’ve got going on inside. You multiply it by ten, and it’s how I’m feeling. Nothing more I want right now than to lay with you, naked and tangled up.” He rested his forehead against hers and sighed. “Been waiting so long for you, it’s almost painful to leave right now.” His nose skimmed the tip of her nose. God, his words were getting her as hot as his actions.
“You and me got all the time in the world, okay?”
She nodded. She had two more options and rebuttals for him to stay. It was best to save face and not open her mouth.
“I’m gonna knock down the fire and get you settled inside.”
She sat back. “I can do it. You don’t have to…” He lifted his hand to her cheek, and she clamped her lips.
“I’m gonna do it, then help you clean up. Probably gonna spend another fifteen minutes kissing you and repeating my own words in my head about how I can’t stay.”
She chuckled. “I’m probably gonna suggest other options so you can.” She glanced up at the sky. “Might even play dirty and say your name a few times.”
For the first time since they had met, she heard him laugh. It was deep and hearty. She was pretty sure it had just become her new favorite sound. She had the distinct feeling this memory would be etched in her head forever. Looking up at the stars overhead with Saint’s laugh ingrained in her mind.
He settled into the seat again, tightening his hold around her waist. “Come here.”
She went. He cupped her jaw.
“My girl is spending the day and night. Dropping her off at school early. How ‘bout I pick you after and take you out for breakfast?”
“On your motorcycle?” She perked up.
His brow arched. “Yeah, was planning on it. You up for taking a ride?”
“Yes,” she answered too quickly.
“You ever been on a bike?”
“No, but I want to. You can be my first.”
He snorted and kissed her. “And I’ll be your last.” He kissed her again and kept kissing her for well over thirty minutes.
She didn’t have much time to mull over what he’d said. All her thoughts were on Saint, his lips, his body, and her desperate need for him not to leave. He did eventually, later than he had planned.
She slipped past her small hall and out to the living room, peeking through her blinds. She angled her head to get a better view of the driveway. She caught his shadow then watched him stop at his bike. God, he was so hot. She dragged her hands over her lips, which remained tingling even after their last kiss. Saint stood silently then lifted his head, staring up at the sky.
“What’s he doing?” She crept to the door, lifting on her toes, and gasped when she saw him turn and head back to the yard.
She rushed to the back, and before she reached the door, she heard a soft knock. She grabbed the knob and pulled open the door.
“Hey.”
His jaw tensed, and his brows arched with a small sexy scowl.
“Need you to set the alarm.”
It was all he said before he stepped forward and grabbed her waist, tugging her chest against his, and his mouth dropped, meeting her lips.
Chapter Nine
Her fingers threaded through his short hair, and her grip tightened around his neck. He tried, really fucking tried to walk away. He couldn’t. He’d waited too long for her. Walking away was not an option. He lifted her against his chest and off the ground. He kicked the door closed and backed up, feeling for the lock without breaking the kiss.
Her hands were everywhere, on his neck, cupping his jaw, as if she couldn’t get close enough to him. The feeling was mutual. His only regret was not knowing the layout of her house. Where the fuck is her bed? His lips caressed over hers, and her tongue swirled inside his mouth. If his erection grew any harder, his zipper would bust open. His hands traveled down her back, and he gripped her thighs, hoisting her around his hips.
She moaned and clutched her hands on his shoulders. Her hips swiveled, setting him on edge and he thrust forward, tearing his mouth from hers. She left him no choice, he wanted her and he needed to get her to the bed. Saint wasn’t opposed to taking her on her kitchen table, or her counter. Hell, he was on the verge of taking her against the wall. Find her bedroom.
For their first time together, he wanted her laid out in front of him. He wanted her coming against his tongue before making her orgasm again while he was inside her. Bailey had no clue what was to come. Her body was going to be blissfully exhausted by the time he was through with her tonight.
“Where’s your room?” he whispered.
She panted and he felt
her hot breath against his neck. “My room or the closest bed?” she asked and licked his neck. He strained his neck, allowing her mouth to slide across. He gripped her ass tighter, unable to control himself. Ironic. He was a man always in control. With Bailey, he couldn’t contain himself.
Her tongue circled his neck, and his heart pounded with his cock straining against the seam of his zipper.
“We are two feet away from my guest bedroom.” She grazed her teeth over the lobe of his ear. “But I really want you in my bed, Saint.” The pads of her fingers glided down his neck. “Tangled up in my sheets.” Her lips skimmed his neck and she whispered, “All night.”
Oh, fuck me. Bailey was full of seductress surprises. It seemed sweet little Bailey had a sexy side, and he was fucking loving it.
“Where?” He growled.
“Upstairs, first door on the right.” She curled her hand around his jaw, angling his head and reached forward, taking his lips.
He stalked through her kitchen and into her living room, never breaking away from their fused connection. He slowed at the steps. He pulled away slightly and turned through the first doorway. A soft light from the bedside lamp had the room in a yellow glow. He hadn’t given much thought to what her room would look like. He was happily surprised. It was all Bailey.
She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, hugging him against her body while her fingers dragged along the back of his neck. He needed her naked and under him before he lost complete control. His want and desire ended downstairs. He was now at the point of insatiable need.
He stalked to the bed, lowering her and reaching out onto the mattress. She fell back, but hung onto him, leaning closer and taking his lips again. Kissing Bailey had played over in his head for the past year. For all he imagined, nothing came close to how it felt. Her hands tucked under his arms and trailed over his back, ripping up the back of his shirt. They were both fully dressed, for now.
He pulled away, and Bailey rose. He’d been too quick. He straightened, taking off his cut and tossing it on the bed, then gripping the back collar of his gray t-shirt and pulling it over his head, and promptly dropped it to the floor. Her gaze perused his body with a heated glimmer. His breath evened watching her eyes travel over his chest. He knew what he looked like. He’d seen the appreciative glances from women. Seeing Bailey’s eyes spark with desire, and want, had trumped any look he’d ever gotten from anyone. She reached over his stomach, and his breath hitched when the pads of her fingers draped over his skin. His body had never reacted to a woman’s touch the way he did with Bailey. She seemed mesmerized by his abs as her fingers gently skated over his tattoos. He wasn’t fully tatted, but there were more tattoos than bare skin. Her hands glided over his stomach, and she placed her hand over his heart.
