“It will take some time for everyone to adjust. But we can make this work, Cassie. And I’m going to stay here until you believe that. This time I’m not going anywhere. We’re meant to be together. I know I can make you happy, if you’ll let me.”
She stared down at him silently for a moment then shook her head. “I don’t know. This is all so much to take in. I have to think.”
“Cassie—”
She shook her head again. “You need to leave, I have to be alone. This night has done a complete one-eighty on me and I need some space to breathe.” When she was around him everything seemed more intense. As though she’d been sleeping, now she saw everything in color, it was brighter, sharper. She felt more, she hurt more.
“But you believe me?”
“Look, this was meant to be a night of fun, it wasn’t meant to get all serious and heartfelt. I have to think.”
“Cassie—”
“No. Look, when you’re so close I can’t think. Give me a chance to think. Please, for now, anyway.”
* * * * *
“She’s not here.”
Jay’s gaze was drawn to the tall woman moving toward him. He was glad Cassie hadn’t gone for a strange haircut and color like hers. He almost shuddered at the thought.
He peered around Ella, hoping to see Cassie walk into the dining area of Fat Eddy’s. The wolf prowled, making his displeasure known. He was learning to let the wolf in more. When it came to Cassie, his wolf was determined to make his opinion known anyway. Their bond wasn’t completely repaired, but it was stronger. The more powerful it grew, the more possessive Jay felt toward Cassie. He could barely stand to be away from her, found himself thinking about her constantly. Wanting to reassure himself that she was okay.
Neither the wolf nor the man could believe his sister had waitressed in this dump. They definitely didn’t like the fact that their woman was working here, and as soon as he convinced her to trust in him and give their relationship a chance, he intended to whisk her out of this place and out of this town.
“Do you know where she is?” he asked the other woman.
The place stank of stale cigarettes and carpets damp with alcohol—and that was just the building. The residents were worse—rough, loud and odorous. He wanted his woman far, far away from them.
But he knew he couldn’t storm off with her. He was trying to woo her, to build up her trust in him. It was taking all his patience not to grab her, steal her home, claim her. He had to go slowly, ease her into the idea that she was his mate. The last thing he wanted was to overwhelm her, scare her off.
What he needed was to get her to open up to him, to talk to him about her feelings, her concerns.
“She’s at the food bank.”
Of course she is.
“Thanks.” He’d turned when her hand grabbed his arm.
“Listen, I was prepared to dislike you, on principle. But, well, you don’t seem that bad, I suppose.”
“Thank you,” he said drily.
She scowled at him. “Cassie seems to like you, so there must be some good in you. Just remember, you do anything to hurt her and I’ll kick your ass.”
* * * * *
It didn’t take him long to find her. She was out back, sorting food into boxes. Even dressed in scruffy jeans and an old t-shirt, she was simply the most beautiful creature he’d ever seen in his life. He stood and watched, drinking in the sight of her.
Then she turned and stared straight at him.
She knew he was there. It was hard to miss his presence. His gaze seemed to eat away at her, stirring her insides up, sparking arousal that never completely disappeared.
Her clit tingled as he strolled closer.
“Hi,” he spoke quietly.
“Hi,” she replied, smiling at him.
“Would you like a hand?”
“Really?”
He chuckled. “You don’t need to look so incredulous, you know.”
“Sorry, I didn’t really think this would be your thing.”
“Maybe not, but it’s yours.”
Her smile grew wider. “Come on then.” She gestured to the boxes beside him and for the next hour they worked together, packing up food.
Over the last few days, he’d given her some space, he hadn’t pressed her, hadn’t tried to talk to her about them. Instead, he’d simply been there for her, escorting her to and from work, bringing her flowers, chocolates. Yesterday he’d even dragged her away on a picnic.
He’d never once let her down, never once promised to do something and not followed through. Even though she knew he was needed back at the estate, he hadn’t mentioned it, nor had he used it as a reason to rush her. Slowly, she realized, she’d been trusting him more and more.
They worked together easily, smoothly. When they were finished, she peered up at him before taking his hand.
“Come home with me.”
Chapter Seven
Cassie moved into the living room and turned to look at Jay.
“I’ve gotta take a shower.”
He frowned, looking confused. “Oh, okay.”
She held out her hand and, putting herself out there, asked him, “Come shower with me?”
His eyes lit up. “You sure?”
“Uh-huh.”
He grinned as she pulled his t-shirt off. She clumsily attempted to undo his belt. He brushed her hands away, stripping the rest of his clothes off himself.
When they were both naked, she tugged him into the bathroom. He clasped her waist, setting her up on the counter before turning the water on. Moving back to her, he crouched before her, splitting her legs wide.
Using his fingers, he opened her, blowing lightly on her clit. Cassie fell back against the wall, moaning.
“You’re gorgeous. You know how attractive I find you, don’t you?” He leaned in and licked her folds delicately with the tip of his tongue, sweeping slowly up and down.
He stood and dragged her off the counter, sliding her down his smooth, taut body. She stared up into his gaze, amazed at the dark, deep sensuality she saw there. She placed her arms around his neck and let him carry her into the shower.
As he washed her shoulders, the sight of his chest became too tempting. Leaning in, she licked his nipples. She felt hungry, needy.
“I’m trying to get us clean.”
“I’m not stopping you,” she murmured, kissing her way from one shoulder to the other, across a strong chest then down his stomach. She knelt on the bottom of the shower and gazed at his erect cock. Grasping the base, she gave his shaft one long, slow lick.
“Turnabout is fair play, after all.” She gazed up at him. He was leaning back against the shower wall, his hands clenched as he stared down at her, his gaze filled with wicked demand. She slapped away the hands that reached down to grab her.
“Uh-uh, I’m not finished. Pass me the soap.”
He handed her the soap and she began washing his legs, moving up taut calves to his strong thighs. When she reached his groin he parted his legs. She took her time washing his balls, playing with him lightly.
“You’re killing me,” he protested as she moved up to his flat stomach.
“What do you mean?” She stood and slid her soapy hands up his arms, over wide, broad shoulders and then down to his chest, running her thumbs over his nipples.
“Babe.” He grabbed her thumbs, stilling them.
“Just making sure they’re clean.” She gave him an innocent look, which he met with a glare.
“Turn,” she demanded.
He turned.
“Spread your legs more.”
He moved his feet apart.
“Yum, I like it when you’re so obedient.”
He growled and she grinned. She slid her hands down his powerful back as she knelt once more. Reaching around his front, she grabbed his cock, pumping it in her hand as she ran her mouth over his buttocks, biting then sucking.
“Turn back around.” Her voice was more a husky plea than a dem
and. He turned and she gazed up at him. Water hit her face before he moved the showerhead, directing the flow elsewhere.
“I’m about to damn well explode.” His breathing had become harsh, his voice rough with arousal.
“Poor Jay, I thought that was the idea. For you to explode?” Before he could grumble at her further, she reached forward and took the head of his cock into her mouth. He slid in deep and she began to suck firmly, moving up and down his shaft with long, swift movements.
His hands clasped her face but he let her set the pace. She moved harder, faster until he gave a shout and thrust deep, his essence hitting the back of her throat. When he was spent, she drew back, licking every inch of him.
Jay pulled her to her feet. Grabbing her shower gel, he squirted some onto his hands before washing every inch of her body with firm strokes. He turned her around and ran his hands down her back, massaging her bottom then moving down her long legs.
Working his way back up, he lifted her leg, placing her foot on the built-in bench. He soaped her stomach, running one hand down between her folds, cleaning her thoroughly, driving her mad with his soft, sweeping touches. Pressure built in her body, so strong and violent she thought she’d explode if she didn’t find some relief soon.
When he pulled his hand away, she was hot and pulsing.
“Jay,” she wailed.
“What?” he teased. “I’m cleaning you.”
He moved his hands to her breasts and dropped his mouth, sucking on first one nipple before moving to the other. Then he stepped back and directed the spray over both of them, rinsing them clean.
He turned the water off and held out a hand. “Come.”
Body trembling with desire, she took his hand, letting him tug her out of the shower. Grabbing a fluffy towel, he dried them both. Each swipe of the towel over her sensitive nipples, her needy pussy, was its own sort of erotic torture.
“Jay, please.” She didn’t care that she was begging, didn’t care about anything but the pleasure.
“Shh.” He placed a finger over her lips. “Lean back against the counter.” She peered behind her and braced her bottom against the edge of the vanity.
“Hold onto it.”
She held on tight as he stepped up close to her, gasping as her nipples brushed against his overly warm skin.
“You’re so gorgeous,” she panted.
“Thank you.” He grinned before leaning in and grabbing her lower lips between his teeth. He bit down.
“And mean,” she wailed. “You’re torturing me.” She wasn’t sure how much more she could take.
“Are you all hot and bothered?”
“Yes,” she sobbed as he began to rub his body against hers. His hand slid between her legs, his thumb flicking her clit. One finger slid inside her. It wasn’t nearly enough.
“Look at me,” he ordered as her eyes began to flutter shut. She opened them wide, looking up into his intense blue gaze. “I need to see your eyes when you come.”
She gasped, overcome at this whole new level of intimacy. It was hard to keep her eyes open as another finger joined the one in her sheath, pulsing inside her as his thumb drove her higher.
She was going to shatter, she knew she was. When she came, she kept her gaze on his, let him anchor her as she shook and spun within a storm of decadent delight.
They stumbled into the bedroom. Cassie peered over her shoulder as she fell on the bed and realized he wasn’t beside her.
“What’s wrong?”
He stood at the doorway, looking unusually indecisive.
“I wasn’t sure if you wanted me to stay. Don’t get me wrong, I loved what we just did, I could do it over and over. But if you need some space then I can leave.”
“I’m tired of thinking. I don’t need space tonight. I need you to hold me. Come to bed.”
“You’re sure?”
“I’m sure.”
A purely male, self-satisfied grin crossed his face before he moved to the bed and tenderly, lovingly kissed her. Slowly, so slowly that it almost pained her, he drank from her lips, caressed them with his tongue, swirled over them, around them as she opened, inviting him inside.
Taking his time, he explored her mouth, playing with her, touching nothing but her lips. Shrouded in heat, she moved restlessly on the bed, wishing she could feel his body against hers. As if he heard her wish, he lay beside her.
Cassie’s nipples stiffened, thrusting upward as if begging for attention, and it was attention they got. His heated, liquid mouth surrounded one sensitive bud, sucking upon it as her hands grasped his shoulders, holding on, not daring to let go for fear she’d float away.
She whimpered in loss as he pulled back, sitting up.
“Easy, baby,” he spoke huskily. “Easy, now, I’m not going anywhere and neither are you.”
Leaning against the headboard, he patted his lap. Dazed with desire, she straddled him. His thick shaft brushed against her core, sending her nerve endings into a tailspin.
“Oh please.” She wasn’t above pleading, but he wasn’t to be rushed. His hands cupped her breasts as if weighing them, his thumbs rubbed her nipples. Back and forth, side to side, round and round.
Hips tilting, she begged for more and he obliged, moving one hand down her stomach until a single finger circled her entrance, slipping easily inside. One long, slow glide then fast and hard, he thrust his finger in and out as his thumb flicked her clit. Cassie cried and crumbled, her muscles clamping down hard as orgasm rocked her hard and fast.
Crashing, she fell against his chest sobbing.
Fascinated by her, enchanted by his woman, he watched with supreme satisfaction as she succumbed to a hard orgasm. He maneuvered her until she lay on her back between his outstretched legs, facing him, her thighs clasped around his hips.
Smoothing his hands over her soft stomach, he ran them down over her hips before massaging her strong, lean thighs. He kept his movements slow and sensual, watching as her chest rose and dropped, her pulse beating rapidly.
“Jay.” Just his name caressing the air was enough to have him snapping. Reaching underneath her, he claimed the firm globes of her bottom with his eager hands. Using the added strength of the wolf, he easily lifted her, spreading her open, drawing her sweet entrance up to his mouth.
“Jay.” This groan was louder, slightly alarmed, although in no way a protest.
“Shh, my love, you’re all right. You’re safe, lie back and feel. No talking, no moving, just enjoy.”
Drinking his fill with his gaze, he watched as her puffy, pink lips opened for him, allowing him to view her glistening inner essence. Unwilling to curb the impulse, he leaned in and inhaled, savoring her scent, drawing it in until it became a part of him. One leisurely, long lick of her had him closing his eyes in total rapture as the taste of her slid along his tongue.
Her cream called to him, a thick, smooth slice of bliss. For a moment he teetered on the verge of sensual madness, the urge to take her so strong he had to pull back and grit his teeth as he searched for some restraint.
Unable to stay away from her for long, he circled her clit with his tongue as he tugged her even closer, forcing her hips up and resting her legs over his shoulders.
Thighs quivered beside his cheeks as he heard her breath quicken, felt the muscles of her bottom tighten. Firming his tongue, he tapped harder, faster as her hands clasped at the sheet beneath her.
Laying her back, Jay moved until he knelt between her spread thighs and captured her mouth in a blistering, melting kiss.
Slipping inside her silken warmth, he rocked back and forth. She tilted her hips up, meeting each of his powerful strokes, letting him fill her to the hilt. He fought for each breath as his vision blurred around the edges. He stared down at her where she lay beneath him, looking like sensual sin, her eyes dazed, slumberous, her breathing rapid.
When she came, he felt every clenching pulse. It pushed him over the edge and he immediately lost himself in her arms, slamming into sati
sfaction with a force that both titillated and thrilled.
Cassie snuggled in close to Jay, resting her head on his chest.
“You know, I can’t seem to keep my hands off you,” he muttered.
“I’m not complaining.”
She nuzzled the tempting chest in front of her, licking and nibbling. Moving back, she ran her hands over his strong upper body, her thumbs brushing his nipples, smiling at his shuddering sigh.
“Your body makes me think wicked thoughts, you know.” She confided this in a hushed whisper, a trembling secret shared between the two of them. “Since the first time I met you, I fantasized about touching you like this, of being allowed to run my hands over your skin, to stroke and savor.
“To kiss.”
She kissed his way down the middle of his chest until she encountered his bellybutton.
“To lick.”
Her tongue followed the track her lips had forged, licking over slightly salty skin, enjoying the taste, the textures of him.
“To caress.”
She worshipped his arms and shoulders, caressing his arms and down the strong muscle of his back before cupping and squeezing firm, rounded buttocks.
“Do you know how much time I spent checking out this ass?” she asked.
His eyebrow rose arrogantly and she hid a secret grin. “Oh, the way I drooled, the way I yearned…I’m pretty sure my thoughts are illegal in some states.”
“Maybe you should demonstrate,” he suggested. His face was calm but she could hear the strain in his voice.
“Well, there was this one fantasy, but it would require some cooperation from you.” She peered up at him through her lashes, hoping she appeared seductive rather than simpering.
“Tell me.”
Pure order.
“I think I’ll show you instead.”
* * * * *
He couldn’t believe it. Was amazed he’d let her do this to him. His arms and legs were spread-eagled over the bed and tied with scarves, his eyes encased in darkness with a sleeping mask covering them. This was not quite what he’d had in mind when he’d encouraged her to act out a fantasy.
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