Bella stood under the shade of the enormous tree across her house and watched Nick, Damien and Joshua. Nick and Damien were carrying some planks towards the back of the house while Josh was perched on the roof.
Bella tried not to stare, but her eyes greedily roved down Joshua's handsome face to his glistening, ripped torso. His bare, tanned body was hot as sin. Every inch of his powerful body was hard defined muscle and his old, faded jeans hung deliciously low on his narrow hips.
The sight of his muscles rippling as he worked was making her stupid with lust. She could do nothing but stand and ogle openly at the gorgeous, half naked man on the roof of her house.
And apparently, she wasn't the only one. A few ladies had also stopped by to gawk and giggle at the sweaty, sexy men in her yard. The women smiled coquettishly and made a few flirtatious remarks to Josh and his team.
Nick and Damien grinned and came forward to chat and flirt with the women. But Josh didn't even seem to notice the women. His brows were furrowed in concentration as he worked steadfastly, replacing the broken roof tiles and patching up holes and leaks in her roof.
One of the ladies called out to Josh, and he merely glanced over his shoulder and nodded in acknowledgment. Then he turned his back on her and continued working.
Bella found herself inexplicably happy and triumphant at his response. She huffed and hurriedly wiped the smirk off her face. What was she feeling so smug and satisfied about? Josh wasn't hers. It shouldn't matter to her how he responded to other women.
He was an attractive, single guy, and he could date and bed any woman he wanted. It wasn't any of her business.
There was the sound of gnashing teeth and Bella started. She spun around but there was no one behind her.
She clapped a hand to her mouth when she realized that she was the one gnashing and grinding her teeth.
“I'm crazy,” she muttered with a wince. She was acting all possessive and territorial over a guy who wasn't even hers.
Why are you fighting this?
She hadn't answered Josh's question directly that night but she knew the answer all too well.
Because I'm afraid.
Bella shook her head at herself. She was almost thirty-six. She had a job, owned a house, yet she was so timid when it came to love. Yes, she had been burned and yes, her marriage had failed. But that didn't make her a failure. And it shouldn't make her a coward.
When the group of women left, Nick caught sight of her and whistled. “Bella!”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Josh was scrambling down a ladder and he turned at the sound of her name. Bella smiled and lifted a hand to wave at Nick, but her eyes were fixed on Josh.
She was vaguely aware of Nick crossing the road to her, but her whole body seemed to be in tune with Josh's. She took in every nuance of his expression, every twitch of his body and memorized every scar on his broad, powerful body.
There was no denying it.
Josh was the one she wanted.
It was obvious to everyone. Even Nick.
Nick's smile faltered as he came towards her. Silently, he followed her gaze and exhaled a slow sigh. When he turned to her, there was a look of defeat in his eyes.
“All the crucial repairs are done,” Nick said, his voice flat and impassive.
Bella nodded absently as she watched Josh. Josh had his back turned to them and was carrying the ladder away. The tension showed in every line of his body. His scars seemed to gleam white in the harsh sunlight.
“How did he get those scars?” she muttered. “They look like...whip marks.”
Nick stood beside her but he was careful not to touch her. “Josh and Jax, they had a rough beginning. And—Josh's scars aren't just physical,” Nick said quietly.
Bella made a sound of pain and pressed her hand to her chest. She could feel a sudden, acute pain in her heart. Nick noticed her gesture and stared at her with a sudden realization in his eyes.
“What happened to Josh and Jax?” she whispered.
Nick sighed heavily. “The twins are like my little brothers. But it's not my story to tell.”
“You've known Josh and his brothers a long time,” Bella said softly.
“I watched the twins grow up, and I'm really proud of them. Josh is a good guy, but he feels too much guilt for something which isn't his fault.”
He gave her a long look and said, “Maybe you'll be the one to pull him out of this.”
“Me?”
“Yes, you. When I told you about his physical and emotional wounds, you actually felt his pain. You feel for him, deeply. The lucky bastard,” Nick muttered and gave a quick, crooked smile.
Looking right at her, Nick said, “There is no doubt. He's yours.”
Bella opened her mouth then shut it. Why deny it? She would only be fooling herself. Nick certainly wasn't fooled.
“Damien and I will be leaving soon. I guess Josh will stay for a bit to pack up. And—do what needs to be done.” His final words were loaded and Bella gulped.
“Thank you, Nick,” she managed.
“You're welcome.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
Joshua tried to ignore the sharp pang of jealousy when he saw Nick talking to Bella. They were standing very close together. Much too close for comfort. Nick's head was bent towards her as he spoke softly to her, and Bella was smiling a little and nodding.
Joshua's muscles bulged and pulsated as his beast rose to the surface and fought to get out. His bear was roaring inside his head, wanting to charge at that intruding male and claw out his heart.
His claws gouged into the ladder as he grabbed the ladder and collapsed it. Throwing the ladder into the back of his pickup truck, he turned away from the tormenting sight of Nick and Bella huddled together, their bodies almost touching.
His bear slammed against his human form, and he shoved the murderous thoughts out of his raging, bear head. He couldn't let his beast rage out of control. He knew Nick's bear was equally ferocious and formidable, so there was little chance that he would actually kill the big guy. But he didn't want to hurt a guy who was like a brother to him.
His bear didn't care. Brother or not, the male was a rival. And a rival had to be eliminated.
Josh tossed his toolbox into his truck and slammed the door so hard he almost overturned the vehicle. He spun round and saw Damien standing a few feet behind him.
“Eh, Nick said to tell you that we're leaving now,” Damien said with a shrug.
“Where's Nick?” Josh asked. “Isn't he across the road…?” Talking to Bella.
Josh spun round and saw Bella standing under the tree alone. A horn tooted behind him and he saw Nick sitting behind the wheel of his car. Josh scowled. He'd had his head so high up his ass that he hadn't noticed Nick slipping into his car and starting the engine.
Damien jerked his thumb over his shoulder. Nick had his phone to his ear and he was gesturing impatiently to Damien.
“I gotta go,” Damien said, jogging backwards towards Nick's car. “You can finish the job by yourself, right?” Damien winked and gestured towards Bella's house.
Joshua gave a curt nod.
Damien blew Bella a kiss as he jumped into Nick's car. With another toot of his horn, Nick flashed Josh a lopsided smile as he drove off. There was both envy and encouragement in that quiet, knowing smile.
You lucky sod. You found your mate. Don't screw it up, bro.
Josh took a deep breath. He saw the sadness in Nick's blue eyes, and a part of him felt for the guy. But he wasn't going to give Bella up. Not for Nick, not for anyone.
He would give her the space to sort out her feelings but he would never give her up. A bear would never give up its mate to another.
Bella was his.
Josh turned at a step behind him. He already scented her sweet, floral scent and his body hardened immediately.
He turned around to face Bella. She was smiling and glancing over at her house. “It
looks great,” she said. “Nick said all the repairs are done. Just a few minor touch-ups left.”
“Yeah. I'll work quickly and finish up by tonight,” Josh said. “It should take a couple of hours and...”
“There's no hurry,” she said huskily.
Josh saw a faint blush creeping up her face. “I...I was wondering if you would stay for dinner,” she stammered. “I'm not a great cook, but...”
“Dinner sounds great. Thanks,” he answered, his face splitting in a grin.
“Okay. Ah, I better get started in the kitchen. I hope you like steak and mashed potatoes.”
“Bella,” he said quietly. “I'll eat anything you cook. And I'll love it.”
Her blush deepened as she ducked into the house. Josh stared after her, and dug his heels into the ground, refusing to let his horny beast hurtle after her. The animal would likely tear the door right off its hinges in its haste to get its paws on its female.
Patience, he counseled his sulky bear.
Fine, his bear growled back. We eat. Then we fuck.
Josh scrubbed his hand down his face. What did it say about him that he couldn't find a logical argument to counter his bear's lewd suggestion?
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Bella stood up to clear the dishes but Josh surged to his feet and stopped her. “Let me,” he said, holding her wrist. “It's the least I can do.”
He took the plates to the sink and rolled up his sleeves. Bella admired how his shirt stretched across his broad body. Josh had gone to his truck and put on a clean shirt before coming into the house for dinner. He didn't want to sit across the dinner table from her sweaty and bare-chested like a caveman, he said.
The look on his face had been priceless when she said teasingly, “I would have appreciated the view.” He had spluttered and blushed, and looked downright embarrassed.
He's sweet, Bella thought as she went to help him dry the dishes. He was sweet, sexy and protective. He would make a fine husband, she realized. Josh was honest, hardworking and responsible. It didn't matter that he was younger than her. There were a lot of older guys who never grew up. It was just who they were.
Josh turned round to face her after drying his hands. His gaze was heated and hungry, and when she took a step towards him, he seemed to freeze in place.
“You look like you're still hungry,” she whispered, running a finger down his taut chest.
She was playing with fire, but she couldn't help it. The knowledge that he wanted her so badly was heady and empowering. She had decided it was time to shed her inhibitions and shyness. She had flirted outrageously with him over dinner. It was fun and intoxicating, and she felt a little drunk. She had been stoking his fire throughout the evening, and now the fire was raging into an inferno.
Josh's nostrils flared as she pressed her palms against his chest. He seemed to be able to scent her desire, but she wasn't embarrassed or mortified. The look in his eyes inflamed her further, and she didn't hide her arousal from him.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, she murmured, “I've been a fool, Josh, a bloody fool. Will you be willing to take a foolish woman to bed, Josh?”
“You're not a fool, Bella,” he said, holding her possessively. “I'm the fool. I was...actually jealous of Nick.”
“I know.” She smiled. “And it was...kind of a turn-on, seeing you so jealous.”
Josh growled. “You made me jealous on purpose?”
Bella squealed when he nipped her neck. “I'm a single lady. I can flirt with all the single guys in town, can't I?'
“No. You can't.” His growl deepened dangerously. “You are mine.”
Bella gasped when he scooped her up in his arms. “I want you, Bella. If you don't want me to take you and claim you, tell me now.”
She blinked rapidly as she swallowed. “I want you, Josh. I've always wanted you,” she whispered.
Joshua leaned in and kissed her so tenderly it took her breath away. It was a long, lingering kiss, and his lips moved slowly and softly over hers. The kiss told her everything she needed to know. His feelings for her were deep and true, and he respected, cherished and loved her.
She buried her face in his neck and breathed in his musky, masculine scent as he carried her to her bedroom. She felt so safe in his arms, and so right.
As he laid her down on the mattress, she felt nervous and self-conscious all of a sudden. She was no spring chicken. She was curvy and fleshy, not toned, hard and lean. Josh had the body of a model, whereas her body was far from perfect.
Scooting to the pillows, she grabbed two pillows and hugged them to her.
But Josh wasn't deterred. With a seductive smile, he prowled to her and caught her ankles.
She whimpered when his large, rough hand closed around her leg. A delicious shiver of anticipation slithered down her body when she caught the feral gleam in his eye and glimpsed the tips of his claws.
“I'm going to strip you and spread you,” he said, his eyes and claws glinting.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Josh inhaled sharply and froze. Under the scent of her arousal was the faint scent of fear.
“Bella,” he said very softly. “Are you afraid?”
She gulped and gave a jerky nod.
“Of me?”
Immediately she shook her head. “No.”
“Then what are you afraid of? You're safe with me, Bella.”
“I...I'm not young and sexy and beautiful, Josh. You are a very attractive man, Josh, and I am only...”
“Bella,” he cut in, his eyes flashing with anger. He had no doubt that her ex had constantly belittled her and made her feel ugly and inadequate. She was too gentle with others, and too hard on herself. “You are beautiful, sexy, and perfect. And I am going to show you just how beautiful you are.” He grabbed the pillows and hurled them away.
Shedding his shirt, he loomed over her and stripped off his jeans to release his huge, rock hard erection. Her eyes widened and he saw the shadow of a smile pass her lips. She could see for herself the effect she had on him. There should be no doubt in her mind how much he yearned for her.
Tentatively, she moved towards him and trailed her hand down his bare body. Josh swallowed convulsively, resisting the urge to grab her. He closed his eyes, and let her torture him with her touch. He groaned when he felt her breath on his chest and her lips brush across his jaw.
He snapped his eyes open to see her undoing the buttons of her blouse shyly. She let the blouse slip from her shoulders and reached back to unhook her bra. Josh reached out to brush a strand of her hair off her round shoulders. By stripping in front of him, she was showing her determination to overcome her shyness and the stumbling blocks she had allowed her ex to put before her. It was a huge step for her, and Josh felt so proud of his mate.
As her bra fell from her shoulders to expose her generous, quivering breasts, Josh's restraint snapped and he lunged forward. His mouth latched on to one erect, dusky nipple and he suckled her furiously. Bella gasped and arched her back, wanting more.
Josh unzipped her skirt and dragged her skirt and panties down her hips. Pushing her on her back, he pinned her wrists to the mattress and laved his tongue down every inch of her soft, curvy body.
Growling, he spread her sweet thighs and buried his face between her legs. His tongue lapped greedily at her wet, sticky pussy, tasting and savoring every drop of her juices. He pushed his tongue into her slit and penetrated her. When he rubbed his thumb over her engorged clit, she came hard against his mouth. She was so sensitive, so responsive and so fucking sexy.
Crying out, she shuddered and fisted the sheets as her muscles clenched and rippled. Josh pushed her legs wider apart and nudged the head of his throbbing cock into her pussy.
“Open your eyes, Bella,” he commanded. “I want you to look at me as I enter you for the first time.”
Bella blinked rapidly and focused on him. Josh looked deeply into her eyes as he inched his co
ck into her body. He didn't release her gaze until he was fully inside her.
His forehead fell forward against hers, and he whispered, “God, Bella, you feel so good...”
She glanced down at their joined bodies and inhaled sharply. They fitted together perfectly, and the sight was erotic and beautiful.
Wrapping her legs around his hips, Bella cupped his face and whispered, “Take me, Josh.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
With a ragged breath, Josh began to move. His rhythm was slow and gentle at first as he made love to her. He felt her orgasm silently in his arms as he stroked steadily into her.
Once he felt her tight walls rippling around his cock, Josh began to thrust harder and deeper into her luscious body. Bella arched her back and cried out as she abandoned herself to another powerful climax. Josh's bear was roaring and beating its animal chest with pride. He had made his mate orgasm repeatedly, and he was determined to make her shatter one final time beneath him.
Pounding into her, he bent his head and sucked hard on her nipple. Bella panted and threw back her had. She shivered and screamed in ecstasy as she shattered, her pussy clenching and milking his cock relentlessly.
Josh roared and bit into her shoulder as he released his seed deep into her body.
She was his. His mate, his life and his future.
Holding her, he murmured into her hair as she fought to catch her breath.
He kissed her and felt her lips curve against his mouth. “Do you know how beautiful you are?” he murmured.
Her smile broadened when she felt him grow hard again. His hunger for her was insatiable.
“Yes. Yes I do,” she said confidently.
Josh grinned. “That's my girl.”
Resting her head on his chest, she traced her finger down his abdomen and back up to his shoulder. She sat up abruptly and made him lie on his belly.
Brash Bear: BBW Bear Shifter Paranormal Romance (BRIDES fur BEARS Book 3) Page 5
