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I didn’t question how he already had a room at this place. Madden Cross likely had homes, apartments and hotel rooms all across the country that he could use at a moment’s notice.
“I can walk,” I protested.
“Maybe. But you could be hurt and so I’m going to carry you.” He strode inside and I tried to ignore the curious glances being thrown our way.
The truth was, part of me liked how it felt to be held this way, despite the embarrassment.
“Send up a doctor,” he barked at the concierge before stepping into the elevator.
“I don’t need a doctor. A drink of water maybe, but I’m fine. And you can put me down now.” I lifted my head away from his shoulder and found myself only inches from his face. Despite my protests, I tightened my grip on his neck.
His eyes darkened and he tilted his head, bringing his lips closer. “It would make me feel better to have an expert weigh in on whether or not you’re okay. For my own peace of mind.”
Hot breath washed over my lips and an ache started in my lower stomach. It would only take a fraction of an inch more to press my lips to his. Anticipation made my skin tingle. Awareness rushed through my veins like fire.
I tugged at the back of his hair and a low growl came from his throat. His eyes flashed. “You’re playing with fire.”
Hardness dug into my hip and I tilted my head so that I could brush my lips over his throat. His fingers dug into my waist. I shifted, settled firmer against his straining co**ck.
“Skylar.” The warning was clear in his voice, but it only excited me more. I wanted him. I needed him--right now more than ever.
The elevator dinged softly and opened. He carried me to our room and only when we were inside did he finally set me down. His gaze moved over my face as if he were looking for something.
My breath was shallow and he tilted my chin up. He scowled and swore and took my hand, leading me into the living room. Once he had me seated, he kneeled between my legs and again tilted my head from side to side.
“Your neck is bruised. I can see where that bastard had his fingers around your throat. I should have killed him.” His touch was gentle, completely opposite of the storm raging in his eyes.
And I knew from the way he said it, from the look on his face and the way he’d fought in that motel room that Madden wasn’t making an idle threat.
For the first time ever, a small part of me was actually worried for Jacob. As much as I hated and feared him, I didn’t want to be the cause of his death. Nor did I want Madden to do anything so rash.
I didn’t want to think about what almost happened tonight. I didn’t want to dwell on being so close to death. I wanted to live. I reached up and laid my hand along Madden’s strong jaw. The muscles under my fingers twitched. Stubble abraded my fingertips as I stroked along the hard planes of his face.
I heard his sharp intake of breath when I brushed my thumb over his bottom lip.
“Are you sure?” he asked. “I don’t want to do anything that might hurt you.” He ran a gentle finger over the ridges of my collarbone. I sucked in a breath and closed my eyes, but then forced them open again.
“I need to feel something...not bad,” I admitted. “I feel safe with you and I’ve been scared for what seems like forever and I just want to know that everything isn’t bad. That I can feel something good again.”
Madden cupped my face between his hands and leaned forward, brushing his lips over mine. “I promise I will only ever make you feel good, Skylar.” His mouth opened over mine and he swiped his tongue over the seam of my lips. I opened immediately, needing to feel a connection with him.
He groaned and slipped one hand behind my neck, holding me firmly but gently while he deepened the kiss. I tangled my tongue with his, pushing back until he growled deep in his throat and took full control.
I slid from the sofa and straddled his thighs. A dam burst inside me and I couldn’t get enough. I wrapped my arms around him, drove my fingers into his hair and rocked my hi**ps. This was what I needed. I felt so alive with him and I had to have that connection.
His hot mouth slid from mine and trailed down over my neck, gently to barely a touch when he rained kisses over the place where I was bruised. I drew in shallow breaths that hitched in my chest when he ran his hands down my sides, then back up under my shirt. Fingers splayed over my skin, pushing upwards and taking my top with them slowly.
Cool air washed over my heated skin. I held my arms up so that he could push my shirt up and off. He dragged his fingers down over my arms and then along my ribs. When he slipped them under the thin fabric of my bra and brushed his thumb across both nipp**les, I arched back.
