Then she shocked him by swinging her leg over his lap so she was sitting facing him. “Then touch me.”
Chapter Eight
Elise knew she was playing with fire, but she was willing to risk getting singed. Mikhail was offering her everything she needed to move beyond her painful past. She had no idea if it was even possible, but she wanted to try.
She was tired of feeling like she was only partially alive. She wanted to run and laugh and play, not feel as though she had to weigh every thought or action before she took it.
She could do that with Mikhail. He wouldn’t judge her. And he would understand if she had an adverse reaction to something and pulled away. He awakened a part of her she’d buried so deep she’d thought it dead.
Or maybe it hadn’t been buried quite as deeply as she’d thought. He seemed to believe she was a sensual woman. There was no denying she’d changed over the past ten years. She wasn’t the same woman who’d arrived in Salvation all those years ago.
The past decade had been a time of great learning for her. She’d discovered what she liked and didn’t like in clothing, food, and home decor. It sounded simple enough, but for a woman whose every choice had been dictated for years by a man, it had been a revelation.
She and Mikhail were both fully dressed, but that didn’t lessen the impact of sitting on his lap. He was all hard muscle beneath the layers of clothing. His shoulders threatened to burst the seams of his shirt.
He placed his hands on her waist. “Okay?” he asked.
It was more than just okay. The heat from his body transferred to hers. “Yes.”
A muscle ticked beneath his left eye and his jaw tightened. The green of his eyes darkened. At one time in her life, she would have assumed the changes were a result of anger. Now, she knew better. She knew it was because he wanted her.
His erection was visible beneath his jeans. All she had to do was slide forward a couple inches, and she’d be pressed against it.
A low growl broke from this throat. “Stop me if I do anything that makes you uncomfortable.”
She appreciated his restraint, but he was going a bit too slow, even for her. Elise grabbed one of his hands and shoved it beneath her sweater. The skin-to-skin contact made her suck in a breath.
She was a werewolf, and touch was a huge part of her life. Her children and grandchildren hugged her, and so did the other members of the pack, but it was restrained and infrequent. She hadn’t realized just how starved she was for a deeper intimacy. Not sex, but the kind of close contact she and her wolf both craved but were afraid to ask for.
He slowly stroked her sides before sliding around to her back. She arched her spine, enjoying the contrast of his callused fingertips and gentle touch. He briefly closed his eyes, showing off thick lashes that didn’t detract in the least from his masculinity. If anything, they emphasized it even more.
He stroked up and down her spine, and she found herself moving in anticipation of where his hand would be next. Thinking became impossible when he slid both hands around to her stomach and up to cover her breasts. The mounds nestled in his palms and her nipples stabbed them through the thin fabric of her bra.
“Take a deep breath.”
Elise sucked air into her lungs. Her skin tingled and heat spread from where he was touching her, moving from her breasts all the way to the tips of her toes and back up to the top of her head.
“You feel so damn good, Elise.” His voice was no longer smooth but rough. There was wonder in his tone. “You were made to be loved.”
She didn’t know about that, but she did know that she loved how his fingers stroked her, the way he gently squeezed and caressed. It was wonderful but not enough. Elise licked her lips and took a brave step forward. “More.”
Mikhail wasted no time in shoving her bra up. Even though her ex had fondled them many times before, this felt like the first time they’d truly been touched.
“How does this feel?”
He needed the words, and she knew he deserved them, too. “They ache, but in a delicious way. Your skin is hot against mine. My nipples are so tight they hurt.”
“Jesus, Elise.” Mikhail stilled his hands on her briefly before continuing his exploration. “And you don’t think you’re sensual. Lady, you’re the most sensual woman I’ve ever known.”
“Maybe it’s not me. Maybe it’s you.” She’d lived a long time without ever experiencing what she was feeling now.
“Maybe it’s us,” he countered. “I want to see you.”
Elise didn’t want this moment to end. This next step was a big one, but necessary if she wanted to be able to move on in her life. She grabbed the hem of her sweater and pulled it over her head. Mikhail kept his hands where they were and let her go at her own speed.
The garment fell from her fingers when she first caught sight of his hands on her. His skin was darker, tanned from years of working and living out doors. Hers was much finer and paler, having never been exposed to the sun except while she was in wolf form, when her thick fur coat protected her skin.
Mikhail wasn’t looking at her breasts. He was watching her face. She reached behind, unhooked her bra, and tugged it away. Naked from the waist up, she sat on Mikhail’s lap facing him. His breathing was deep and slow, and the muscles in his arms and shoulders were tight. The veins of his hands and forearms were prominent.
She really should be afraid, but this was Mikhail, and she trusted him. Her wolf was beside herself, rubbing and rolling around inside her.
Elise licked her lips. That tiny action drew a groan from him. “Kiss me,” he commanded.
She really wanted to get closer to him. He was so controlled that a part of her wanted to destroy it, even as she knew it would be dangerous to do so. She wasn’t ready to have sex. Not yet. She scooted forward on his lap and gasped when her pelvis came in contact with his. His erection was hard and hot. It made her ache in the most delicious way.
All it took was the slightest tilt of her hips for her to rub herself against his thick shaft. Even through the layers of clothing, it sent shockwaves reverberating through her. It felt so good, she did it again.
“Elise.” Mikhail gripped her hips and held them so she couldn’t move. He wasn’t hurting her, but his hold was like iron.
“I ache,” she told him.
His eyes flashed, and for a second, she thought he might shift. His wolf rippled just under his skin.
“I can help you,” he promised. “I can make the ache go away.”
She was past all caution. All she knew was that she needed more. “Yes,” she all but hissed when he put his hand on the small of her back and pushed her more snugly against his hard heat.
“Kiss me,” he demanded again. “And I’ll make you feel good.”
She already felt good, but she wanted to feel even better. Mikhail could give her what she wanted. Elise leaned forward and pressed her mouth against his. She liked kissing him. His lips were firm and warm but soft, too. He didn’t try to overpower her or thrust his tongue into her mouth.
He coaxed his way in, teasing with quick forays until she was dying for his tongue. She sucked on it and then boldly explored his mouth. He groaned and wrapped his arms around her, making it difficult to breathe.
She didn’t care.
She loved his hard embrace, loved the press of his cock against her, loved the way he kissed her as though he never wanted to stop. What she didn’t love were the layers of clothing between them. She was naked from the waist up, but he was totally dressed.
It took a supreme effort for her to break their kiss. “Shirt,” she gasped. “Take it off.” She barely had the words out before she dived right back in for another kiss. His taste was hot and masculine, tinged with rich, dark coffee, and tart lemon pie.
She pushed her hands beneath his shirt and shoved it up. Ridges of muscle met her palms as she exposed more of his torso. She’d seen him shirtless many times when they were building his sister’s home. She’d seen him totally
naked after he’d shifted from man to wolf, but this was different.
This time, she was touching him in the way a woman does the man she wants. And Mikhail was right, she discovered. She was a sensual woman.
…
Mikhail’s blood burned in his veins, and his cock was so swollen it hurt. He didn’t care. All that mattered was Elise.
Her breasts fit his hands perfectly. Her skin was smooth and soft. He wanted to spend hours just stroking his hands over her, making her sigh, making her yell his name as she orgasmed.
His dick flexed, and he barely swallowed back a groan. Patience was the key, but his was nearing the breaking point. And now she wanted him to take off his shirt.
He released her long enough to reach behind him, grab a handful of fabric, and yank. He pulled the shirt over his head and tossed it aside. Elise’s pupils dilated and she licked her lips as she spread her hands over his chest.
“So strong.” She trailed her fingers over his abs and then back up to his shoulders.
“All the better to protect you, baby,” he assured her.
“Hmm.” She leaned forward and kissed his chin before working her way down his neck. Mikhail dug his hands into the cushions and prayed his claws didn’t break free. The last thing Elise needed was to have to explain how her sofa got shredded.
He wanted to put his hands on her. God, how he wanted it, but he needed a sign from her that she was ready for him to take the next step.
He knew they couldn’t have sex. Not this time. His wolf howled in disagreement, but he ignored the more primal part of him. Elise needed to be wooed. She needed to understand the pleasure he could bring her before they took that final step.
He took a deep breath, released his grip on the sofa cushions, and slid them over her hips to her waist.
“Tell me what you want, Elise.” He normally wouldn’t talk so much at a time like this, but the situation was different from any other he’d been in, and so was the woman on his lap. This was more than just sexual gratification between two mature wolves.
He growled when she ran her thumbs over the hard nubs of his flat nipples. He returned the favor, covering her breasts with his hands before using his thumbs to arouse the taut buds.
She moaned and began to pant. “That feels so amazing.”
“It does,” he agreed.
“What’s next?” she asked.
Mikhail slid one of his hands down to the front of her jeans and popped the button. She sucked in a breath but didn’t stop him. He grabbed the metal tab of her zipper and slowly tugged it down to expose her plain white cotton underwear. Cotton had never been this sexy.
He inserted his hand into the opening. He didn’t try to push his way past her panties. Not yet. His cock was throbbing nonstop but being able to touch Elise like this made it totally worth any discomfort.
She wrapped her hands around his wrist and pushed his hand lower. His brain scrambled at the dampness at the crotch of her panties. He could smell her now and shuddered at the sheer pleasure of her sweet scent.
He fingered her gently, paying attention to her every sigh and whimper, wanting to learn what she liked. She undulated her hips gently, so his fingers pressed more firmly against her underwear.
Mikhail took a chance and slipped his fingers under the elastic. His big body shuddered when her wet heat coated the tips. Elise was panting hard, her eyes wide and pleading.
He circled her opening before inserting one finger into her slick channel. He didn’t push in very far. Just a scant inch. Her inner muscles clamped down hard, and Mikhail maneuvered his thumb until he found her clit. The little bundle of nerves begged for his touch.
“Just relax and enjoy,” he told her.
Her eyes widened, and she shook her head.
He stilled. “Do you want me to stop?”
“No.” She tightened her grip on his wrist and circled her hips against his hand. “Don’t stop.”
He pushed his finger deeper into her core, loving the way it tried to suck him inside. She was tight and hot. Imagining it was his dick instead of his finger entering her had him shaking with desire.
He growled and kissed her. He might not be able to fuck her, but he could use his tongue to lay claim. The kiss was deep and hot and demanding.
The small part of his brain that was still sane warned him to stop, that he might overwhelm her and cause her to panic. Her taste and scent were making him a little crazy. He wanted to bury his cock inside her and bite her neck, marking her as his.
Warnings flashed in his brain. He was close to blowing this. That fear gave him the strength to ease back. But Elise was having none of it. She leaned into the kiss and plunged her tongue into his mouth.
She was laying claim to him.
Mikhail growled again and began to move his fingers and thumb to bring her the most pleasure. He loved the sexy little whimpers and moans of pleasure she made. She dug her fingernails into his shoulders, broke their kiss, and gasped for breath.
He inserted a second finger into her hot depths and was rewarded with a high, keening sound. Her sheath rippled, and her entire body tensed.
He wanted to howl his triumph.
She shuddered and shook as he continued to stroke her, stopping only when she slumped forward. He immediately lightened his touch, making it soothing rather than arousing.
Eventually, he pulled his hand out of her panties and banded both arms around her. He was still painfully aroused and on a hair-trigger, but strangely enough, the scent of her release had helped take the edge off.
To have her nestled so trustingly against him was a gift beyond price.
Some of her hair had come loose from her braid, and he smoothed it away from her face. He wanted to run his fingers through the thick mass, but that was something for another day. She’d already let him go further than he’d imagined he’d get this quickly.
He had no idea how long they sat there and didn’t care. He enjoyed having her breasts plastered against his chest and her head resting on his shoulder. Finally, she stirred and raised her head.
“That was…”
“Amazing?” he teased. “Earth-shattering?”
She ran the tips of her fingers over his cheek. “All of that and more.”
Her honesty pierced his heart like an arrow. “For me, too,” he told her. He turned his head, captured one of her fingers, and gently nipped it.
She shuddered and pulled her hand back. “You’re still aroused.”
“I am, but that’s okay.” He’d done what he’d set out to do—bring Elise pleasure and gain more of her trust. It was a good first step.
He reached for her sweater and tugged it over her head. He didn’t bother with her bra. It was better to get her covered as quickly as possible. She looked at him quizzically but didn’t stop him. She eased her arms into the holes and tugged the garment into place.
“Why?” she asked.
“You’re not ready yet.” He put one finger over her lips before she could deny it. “And I’m not, either.”
Elise tilted her head to one side when he lowered his hand from her face. “Why?” she asked again.
There were a dozen or more excuses he could use, but Mikhail opted for complete honesty. “It’s too important. You’re too important. And you need time to get used to me.” He brought his fingers to his nose and sniffed. Elise’s cheeks turned pink when she realized he was smelling her release. Then he put his fingers in his mouth and sucked them.
She groaned and covered her face with her hands. “Really?”
“I love the way you taste. Sweet and spicy. Delicious.” He tugged at her hands until he could see her eyes. “Someday soon, I plan to strip you naked, bury my face between your thighs, and feast.”
She shuddered, her eyes going dark. “I think…” She took a shaky breath. “I think I’d like that.”
“On that note, I need to go.” As much as he hated for their time together to end, they were already pushing their luck. He was surp
rised another member of the pack hadn’t dropped by to check on her.
He lifted her off his lap and stood. It wasn’t easy with his cock so swollen. “When will I see you again?” she asked.
It pleased him to no end that she’d asked. “Tomorrow. Maybe I’ll try some of your apple pie.”
“Thank you.” Her soft words stopped him in his tracks.
“Baby, it’s entirely my pleasure.”
She ducked her head and then looked at him and smiled. He almost fell to his knees and begged her to let him stay. Before he did something stupid—like haul her off to bed—he headed to the back door. He had the presence of mind to stop and check the surrounding area before stepping outside. When he knew the coast was clear, he walked out into the cold late afternoon air. The wind whipped over his heated skin, cooling it some but not nearly enough.
Mikhail jumped off the porch and headed for the woods. When he was out of sight of her house, he yanked off his clothes and jammed them up in a tree branch. Cold air and snow brushed his skin. His erection was still painful. Not even the winter chill could dampen his ardor.
He embraced his wolf, and the beast surged forward. The wolf started to turn back, but Mikhail exerted his willpower and made the beast head toward the woods. Then he began to run.
But there was no way he could outrun his need for Elise or his destiny. She belonged to him…with him. And he’d do whatever it took to make her understand that.
Chapter Nine
Elise stood at the open door and watched Mikhail disappear. She wanted him to come back even as she was glad he was gone. Today had been an emotional roller coaster, and she needed time to process everything.
She started to close the door but then decided to leave it open. She needed to air out her home in case one of her sons came to visit. The last thing she wanted was for Jacque or Louis to scent Mikhail. They weren’t stupid and would know exactly what had happened. She was a grown woman and didn’t need their permission for anything, but she understood they were protective of her. And while she appreciated their concern, it could be a little suffocating at times.
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