Under His Protection

by Karen Erickson

  Good lord, the man was built. She knew this, had seen his naked chest before but never this up close. And oh, yes, it was a yummy, muscular treat all for her eyes, hands and mouth to enjoy.

  She reached for Mason, fingers trembling, and when they finally landed on his bare chest, the hiss of pleasure that came from him was unmistakable. Splaying her fingers, she smoothed her hands down, over firm pectoral muscles, through the light patch of dark hair that grew in the center of his chest. Over the washboard stomach that flexed beneath her touch.

  Blake glanced up, watching him. His mouth was tight and his nostrils flared with his every exhale. She smiled, her hands drifting farther down until she curled her fingers around the waistband of his jeans. Her fingertips brushed against the warm, lightly furred skin just beneath and his muscles constricted beneath her touch.

  She thrilled at the power she held over him.

  Mason crowded her, wrapped his hands around her upper arms as he walked her backwards until the back of her knees hit the edge of the mattress. “Lay down,” he said, his voice sandpaper-rough and really, she had no choice. He gave her a light push, sent her toppling back onto the bed and her butt bounced on the cushy mattress.

  She watched, hunger clawing at her insides as he stripped for her, revealing slim hips, muscular thighs and an impressive erection straining the front of his dark gray boxer briefs. The pale mid-afternoon shone through the open window, casting a golden glow to his skin and she had the sudden urge to ask him to shut the blinds, draw the curtains.

  A few weeks ago, she would’ve strutted around showing all she had, but since they’d arrived on the island, she’d been stuffing her face with junk and she’d gained a few pounds. Added some flab, an extra jiggle and wiggle here and there, especially on her butt and thighs.

  Mason, on the other hand, looked like a Greek god carved from pure marble. Sinew and muscle flexing with his every movement, his body defined by the gentle light that filled the room. His dark hair mussed by her hand, the glint in his eyes as he studied her warmed her from the inside out.

  “You’re beautiful in this light. Your skin...glows,” he whispered and she forgot all about her hang-ups, her worries over gaining a few pounds. Arching her back and thrusting her chest out, she rested on her elbows amongst the pile of pillows. She drew her knees closer to her chest, her legs curling to the side and she hoped he got a good look at the flash of her bare ass cheeks with that move.

  Thank you, thong underwear.

  Finally, he joined her, crawling over her like a sleek panther, ready to pounce. She stretched her legs out, sliding them apart to accommodate him and then his face was hovered above hers. They lay chest to chest, so close, his breath wafted across her face. Her lace-covered breasts brushed against him with her every movement.

  He pressed her into the bed, bracing his weight on his elbows so that they rested on either side of her head. Her head was cushioned by the plump pillows, her lips parted and ready for his kiss.

  She expected his mouth to crash down upon hers, braced herself for the carnal explosion that would follow, but instead he kissed her slowly, sweetly. His lips lingered, learning her texture, his tongue sweeping across her lower lip, feather-light and fleeting. It felt amazing, took her breath away and she sighed, enjoying this show of tenderness, of his utter control.

  He didn’t speak but no words were needed. Somehow, sometime when she hadn’t noticed, he’d grabbed a condom. Had he planned all along to seduce her today?

  The idea of his actually planning this thrilled her, made her feel even more wanted and she glanced at that wrapped condom, which he tossed onto the bedside table. Knowing that it meant he was going to be inside her. A part of her. Soon.

  But first, he had other things in mind.

  Mason moved down her body, his mouth and hands caressing her, driving her wild. He nuzzled her breasts, his mouth wet and hot against the thin fabric of her bra, and he tugged the cups down, baring her skin to his seeking lips.

  And when those lips wrapped around her nipple, she groaned, her hands sinking into his hair, holding him close. He reached behind her, undid the snap of her bra and with rapid fire movements, tugged it off. His big hands wrapped around her breasts, cupping her, like an offering for his mouth and he took it, sucking first one nipple and then the other, alternating back and forth while she writhed uncontrollably with pleasure.

  God, she had no idea it could feel this good. Everywhere his hands touched, she burned. Everywhere his mouth kissed, she tingled. She could come just from this, all of this undivided attention lavished upon her flesh. Like nothing she’d ever experienced before. When he trailed his hand down her belly to rest just over her panty-covered mound, she nearly shot off the bed.

  “Ssh,” he whispered against her chest, his gaze jerking up to meet hers. “I want to make you feel good.”

  “You’re already making me feel good.” She smoothed a hand over his head, savoring the feel of his silky soft hair. His fingers dived beneath her panties, threading through the light patch of damp curls that grew there. She drew in a sharp breath.

  He’d just made her feel a whole hell of a lot better.

  His fingers moved deeper, streaking down her slit, parting her gently and she bit hard on her lower lip. She wanted to scream, wanted to beg him to touch her deeper, harder, but he took his time, his fingers almost tentative in their search. Delicately, he caressed her folds, brushed against her distended clit and with that, she did let loose a moan, the sound of it long and desperate to her ears.

  So focused on her pleasure, he didn’t seem to notice. His mouth sought and found her nipple, sucking it so deep his cheeks hollowed. A single finger sunk deep within her, pulling all the way out before plunging back in, now joined by a second finger. She released a shuddering breath, barely holding on to her control.

  “Are you already close, baby?” His question startled her, brought her back so she could focus on his face. His handsome features now with a fine sheen of sweat coating them, his dark hair curling at his temples. He’d somehow changed positions and his mouth was so close to hers, she could reach out and kiss him so she did, nibbling and licking at his lips. Her tongue played, teasing with his.

  “I want to come with you inside me,” she whispered in his ear after she broke the kiss, and he shuddered, his hand moving away from her. He tore at her panties, turning them into shreds of lace and she gasped, horrified.

  And then she burst into laughter.

  Mason glanced up, a handful of black lace clutched in his fingers, his brows furrowed. “What’s wrong? What are you laughing at?”

  “I can’t believe you just tore off my underwear.” Her laughter had calmed, now turning into silly little giggles, and she covered her mouth with her hand, still in shock at his brutish—okay, arousing—actions.

  Smiling, he grabbed her hand and rested it directly upon his cotton-covered cock. “Think you could tear mine off?”

  Blake shook her head, curling her fingers around his length, doing a slow glide up and then back down his thick erection. “No. But I’ll gladly take them off for you.”

  She pushed his boxer briefs down as far as they could go before he took over and quickly shucked them, pressing his gloriously naked body on top of her. He felt so good, his broad chest rubbing against her breasts, his legs tangled with hers, their feet colliding. She could feel every hair on his legs tickling her skin, the rasp of his rough fingertips as he skimmed his fingers down her arm. And when he kissed her, those soft, soft lips melted her from the inside out. She wanted to weep.

  It was almost too much, the way he touched her, kissed her. As if it meant something, as if she meant something to him. But she knew it was a lie. This was just about sex. Those very words had come from his mouth.

  “I can’t wait,” he muttered, reaching across to grab the condom from the bedside table. Rolling away from her, he tore open the package and sheathed himself. “I have to be inside you.”

  Resuming hi
s position, he hovered above her, his cock probing at her entry, seeking to claim her in the most intimate way possible. The look on his face reminded her of a warrior, fierce and ready to conquer. He had no idea he already had her complete surrender. She wanted to give everything to him, hope for everything in return, but she knew he wouldn’t give it to her. Or couldn’t.

  Whatever. It didn’t matter now. All that mattered was he was here, in her arms, all hers. At least for this moment.

  Blake forgot her worries the second he entered her. His thick cock filled her, stole her breath, her every thought and worry. She arched beneath him, sending him further inside her body, and their mingled groans filled the quiet room.

  Slowly he began to move, withdrawing nearly all the way before thrusting back inside. She closed her eyes, savoring the sensation, the first time experiencing Mason inside her body and she slipped her arms around him, holding him close. Her hands roamed down his sleek back, over his muscular butt, feeling the tense and squeeze of his every movement.

  She wanted to remember this. Forever.

  * * * *

  Mason closed his eyes and clenched his jaw, trying to regain some sort of control. Difficult, considering the woman of his dreams was beneath him, naked and writhing, the tight, wet heat of her engulfing him completely.

  He wanted to pound deep and hard, overpower her, let his emotions for her overpower him. But he kept it under control, going slow and easy, wanting to make it good.

  So good.

  Her hands were all over him, tickling his back, pressing against his ass. Sending him deeper inside her tight, creamy heat and he groaned, his eyes closed so tight the corners downright hurt.

  “Mason.” Blake’s soft voice wafted over him, sent goose bumps scattering over his skin and he opened his eyes to find her staring up at him.

  Her blue eyes glowed in the golden-tinged light of the room and she reached up, cupping his cheek with her soft palm. Her fingers rubbed, streaked down his face in the most delicate of caresses and he turned his head, pressing a ferocious kiss to her palm.

  “Mason, don’t hold back. Don’t hold anything back. I’m not made of glass.” She smiled at him, that devastating, vulnerable little smile that killed him every time he saw it and he blew out a harsh breath.

  “I don’t want to hurt you, baby. It’s been a while and well...”

  “Say that again,” she interrupted, her eyes widening.

  Uh, oh. Why did he have to go and admit that it had been a while? “Say what again?” he asked warily.

  Blake shifted beneath him, her breasts jiggling. He was overwhelmed with the need to lick those pretty little nipples. “Call me that again.”

  “Call you what?” His brow wrinkled, but then he realized. “Baby?”

  “Yes.” She nodded, her hand sliding away from his face, down his neck, along his chest. Her gentle touch sent heated sparks shooting across his skin. “I love it when you call me that. No one ever calls me anything but Blake or Ms. Hewitt or pain in the ass.”

  Mason chuckled and dipped his head, giving her a mind blowing kiss that almost made him woozy. Fuck, he could kiss her for days and never grow tired of it. “You have the most delicious mouth, my little pain in the ass.”

  She swatted his chest, a laugh escaping her. “Don’t call me that.”

  “Okay I won’t.” He kissed her again. “Ms. Hewitt.”

  “Now you’re just being rotten.”

  He began to move once more, a little faster this time, a little rougher. Her breathing accelerated, her protests dying on her lips and the dazed expression on her face made his heart swell. “I just like teasing you.” He kissed her again, his tongue doing a slow sweep of her delicious mouth. “Baby.”

  Blake groaned and closed her eyes, her hands clutching at his sides as he drove himself into her. Glancing down, he could see where their bodies were connected, could watch the in and out slide of his cock, glistening with her juices. He thrust forward, his dark pubic hair mingling with hers, and the groan that tore out of him at the sight startled her, her eyes flying open.

  “Are you okay?”

  Hell yes, he’d never been better. Had it ever been like this? All consuming, overwhelming, mind blowing?

  He didn’t think so. Hell, he couldn’t think at all.

  “I’m fine,” he said through gritted teeth, his arms shaking with the strain of holding himself above her.

  She fluttered her hands over his ass, stroking, kneading the muscles there and he pumped even faster, the familiar tingling starting at the base of his spine, the base of his cock.

  He was going to come, and it was going to be a big one. Was she close? Her pussy was so tight. Like the hottest, sweetest fist, and her swollen tissues dragged along his length with his every thrusting move.

  Reaching between them, he touched her distended clit, his index finger twirling and stroking. She gasped, tossing her head back and forth amongst the pillows. “More,” she urged and he gave it to her, circling her clit, driving them both over the brink.

  Mason came with a shout, his entire body tense for that one, hanging moment before it surrendered completely to the orgasmic sensation. The unmistakable clench of her inner walls fluttering around him followed soon afterward, and he slumped over her, his body shuddering again and again.

  She held him close, her harsh breaths so close to his ear, and he nuzzled her there, inhaling her sweet, sex-tinged scent.

  That had been amazing. Unbelievable.

  And probably the biggest mistake of his life.

  Chapter Eight

  Blake’s eyes fluttered open and she sat up quickly, glancing about her darkened bedroom. It had to be late, the sky was already dark, stars twinkling at her through the window and she checked the clock.

  Past six at night. Good lord, they must’ve fallen asleep. And where was Mason? She didn’t particularly like waking up alone, especially after everything they’d just experienced.

  She shivered, remembering every delicious thing Mason had done to her body and she snuggled back under the covers. The man had amazing hands, an amazing mouth and the most amazing...

  A little giggle escaped her and she slapped her hand over her mouth. Oh yes, everything about Mason was amazing and he knew just what to do with all of it. Her body felt sated, her limbs languorous and the satisfied curl of her lips had everything to do with the most delicious orgasms Mason had given her earlier.

  She wanted another one. Right now.

  Climbing out of bed, she grabbed the robe that hung on the back of her closet door and slipped it on, tying the sash extra tight. She was naked, didn’t even bother putting anything else on because she fully expected to drag the man back to her bedroom where they could resume their earlier activities.

  If she had her choice, they’d remain in her bed for the rest of their stay on the island. And if she had to go back to DC for election night, then she hoped to have Mason standing next to her. Not as her assigned protection, but as the special man in her life.

  Blake frowned as she reached to switch on the lamp that sat on her dresser. She needed to quit thinking like that. Mason didn’t like her beyond the sexual. It hurt, heck, it stabbed her directly in the heart, but she needed to get over it.

  She needed to remember her place in his life. And really, why did she always have to adjust herself for someone else? Why couldn’t she ever get what she wanted? People thought she was a spoiled brat and yes, she’d been indulged much of her life but when it came to the things she really wanted, the people she really wanted, well, she was always left without.

  And she hated it.

  Sighing, she strode out of her bedroom, down the hall and toward the kitchen. The scent of coffee brewing lingered in the air and she breathed deep, her stomach growling. The coffee smelled good but food sounded even better. Light glowed from the kitchen and she knew Mason was in there, making them coffee and maybe even something to eat.

  She smiled. How sweet.

  Blake
entered the kitchen to find Mason standing in the middle of the room, wearing only jeans and looking vaguely uncomfortable. His gaze met hers, his expression grim. Her heart dropped into the bottom of her stomach and she remained in the doorway, immobilized by his intense gaze.

  “You’re awake.” He stated the obvious.

  “I am.” She moved toward him, then past him, headed straight for the coffeemaker. Grabbing a mug from the cupboard above, she poured a steaming cup, then went to the refrigerator to grab a bottle of flavored creamer. She dumped in way too much and gave a quick stir with a spoon.

  “More coffee with your creamer?” At least he sounded jovial and hope soared within her.

  “You know I like it sweet,” she teased.

  “I like it sweet too, but not that sweet.” The double meaning to his words did not go unnoticed and she brought the cup to her lips, smiling at him.

  “I should probably go.” He set down the coffee cup he’d been holding into the sink and turned back to face her, the uncomfortable expression on his face saying it all.

  He didn’t know how to behave after everything they’d just experienced.

  “Where should you go?” Why wouldn’t he stay with her for the night?

  “To my temporary office.” He referred to the smaller cabin. “I have some stuff I should check up on.”

  She’d hoped for light and easy and teasing, maybe another round or five of wondrous sex before the sun came up. But she knew she’d have to work a little harder before they got to that comfort level.

  This was Mason, after all. The man of few words, of quiet strength and above all, absolute dignity.

  Her legs grew weak when she saw the way his gaze lit upon her. Those beautiful eyes did a slow perusal of her, from the top of her sleep-mussed head to the tip of her bare toes and her skin warmed.

  Even though this was Mason, he was still only a man. And a mere man could only resist so much.

  With that in mind, she approached him, putting an extra sway in her step, the rustle of her silky robe against her skin arousing her, making her nipples harden. He kept his gaze trained on her face, his expression unreadable but she knew that look.