Releasing her, he moved away from the bed and was about to dispense with his boxers when he thought of something. He looked back at her. “What about you, Desiree? Are you ready to break your celibacy project?”
She smiled. “Mine ends when yours does. I made that decision weeks ago. You are the only man I’ll ever want.”
Smiling, he eased his boxers down his legs and then picked up his slacks to retrieve a condom from his wallet. He knew she was watching as he sheathed himself. Then he strolled back to the bed and joined her there, immediately capturing her mouth. They had kissed numerous times before, each one more mind-drugging than the last, but this kiss was different. It was not only a kiss of commitment, trust, and mutual respect, but the main thing he was tasting in this kiss was love. Unadulterated love.
He paused and looked down at her. He wanted their gazes to be connected when he entered her. He didn’t just want her to feel him; he wanted her to see love in his eyes when he moved inside her.
Holding her gaze, he slowly began to slide into her, taking his time so they could both enjoy the anticipation. Then, when he was buried deep and couldn’t go any further, he smiled at her, and she returned it.
All systems were on go, and he intended to give her the ride of her life. “Ready, sweetheart?”
“Ready when you are.”
He moved gently at first, then with rising passion, giving himself to her as he never had to another—completely, heart and soul. His thrusts were long and deep, and they came hard and fast. The emotions reflected in her features said she felt how special this was, too. They shared a flawless rhythm, bound together in perfect unity, totally aligned and deeply connected.
He saw the dazed look in her eyes and knew what was about to happen. “Let it go, baby. I’m right here. Right where I will always be. Let’s soar through the universe together.”
His words had the impact he’d intended. She released one hell of a scream and lifted her hips to receive more of his downward thrusts. He felt the intensity of their joining in every bone. Her screams urged him on, and suddenly, he felt as if he was having an out-of-body experience.
Cobra threw his head back, releasing one gigantic guttural growl as they reached orgasmic gratification together. It was only then that he collapsed beside her and held her in his arms, knowing that this was where she belonged.
***
Desiree slowly opened her eyes when Cobra returned to bed after dispensing with the condom. He drew her into his arms. “Will you go to Straw and Paula’s wedding with me as my plus-one next month?”
She turned in his arms and smiled. “Of course.”
He returned her smile. “And I want you to meet my parents and any other Masters who might be there.”
“I will look forward to that, Cobra.”
“Since I’m part of the wedding party, I have to be there early. Probably the Thursday before, since my brothers and I are in charge of the bachelor’s party.”
“Sounds like fun. If it’s okay with you, I’ll leave on the same day, and we can travel together.”
He grinned. “I was hoping you would say that.”
“Will you tell your brothers that you lost the bet?”
He chuckled. “I doubt if I’ll have to. When they see us together at the wedding, they’ll figure things out for themselves. However, I will tell my other childhood friend, Anthony Tombstone, though. It seems Tomb and Straw had their own bet going. It’s only fair that I pay Tomb the two hundred dollars he will owe Straw.”
He gathered her close to his arms. “I may have lost the bet, sweetheart, but I gained something far more valuable. You.” He leaned in and whispered against her lips, “I love you, Desiree.”
“And I love you, Cobra Masters.”
CHAPTER 21
Desiree slowly opened her eyes, blinking against the bright sunlight shining through her bedroom window. She changed positions and looked up at the ceiling, realizing this was the first time she had slept in her own bed in a week. She and Cobra saw no reason to spend time apart when they didn’t have to do so.
She loved waking up to him, his warm, masculine body spooning her backside. He’d make love to her the moment he realized she was awake, then, at night, they would make love and fall asleep the same way. It was like they were both making up for lost time. The only reason she had come home last night was that her grandfather had returned home.
Desiree had promised Cobra she would talk to Richard the first chance she got, though not about her relationship with Cobra, since he wanted to be the one to tell her grandfather about them. But Cobra felt she should talk to her grandfather about what Cobra thought were misconceived notions about their relationship.
She’d learned that her grandfather had no plans to go into the office until after the weekend, so she had taken the day off. There was no telling what sort of mental state she would be in after their conversation. But at least now, she had a man who loved her and who was only a phone call away.
Both she and Camille had reasons to be happy these days. Her best friend was back home in Paris and happily in love with Léandre. A wedding was planned around Valentine’s Day, and ofcourse, Desiree would be returning to Paris for that. Wild horses wouldn’t keep her away. Cobra had agreed to go as her plus-one.
She smiled when her phone rang. She knew it was Cobra since she had given him his own ringtone. Picking it up off the nightstand, she said, “Good morning, Cobra.”
