“Yes. I wanted to be like him.” And nothing like my father.
Lisette closes the last distance between us. She’s so small, so delicate compared to me. Is this how Grandpa Morgan feltstanding next to Florine? No wonder he loved her. She would have fit perfectly in his arms, the way Lisette does in mine.
“Did you also win a silver star?” She reaches up and traces my scar. “For bravery?”
Her touch wrecks me. My eyes slide closed, and I lean into her hand, seeking contact. I haven’t been with a woman since before it happened. Most recoil from the scar. Not my Lisette. I don’t think she’s afraid of anything.
“For this?”
I feel her lips trace the ragged edge and my breath grows choppy. The curve of her hips fits perfectly in my palms. “Lisette,” I whisper, the word full of pain and longing.
My eyes open as her fingers spear through my hair, pulling my head down as she rises up to kiss me. It’s gentler than our first kiss. As sweet as she is, and far too short.
I kiss her again, feeling the fire build between us. It’s too soon, and I sure as fuck don’t deserve her, but I’ll give her anything she wants. Including myself.
I swipe my tongue into her mouth, deepening the kiss. She moans softly, meeting my urgency.
It’s rough and primal, tender and soft. I want to experience all of it with my Lisette. I kiss along her jaw to the shell of her ear, then down the satiny skin of her neck to the junction of her shoulder, bare from the slouchy sweater.
I nuzzle every inch I can reach, almost desperate for her.
The need to strip her naked and spread her out right here on the floor is the only thing that breaks through the haze of my need. I’m rock hard and aching, but I won’t take her on the hard floor.
I drag in a ragged breath, and then another, forcing my body under control.
Lisette lays her head on my chest, holding me close. “I’m glad I’m here,” she says.
Part of me wishes she wasn’t. She’s too much temptation. But I sure as fuck won’t send her away. Ever.
A little yawn escapes her lips. “The stew was too good. It’s making me sleepy.”
“You take the bed.” I’ll watch over her, as promised.
She frowns. “Where will you sleep?”
“On the couch.”
She eyes it doubtfully. “Where will the other half of you sleep?”
I huff a laugh. “I’ll be fine.”
At first, I think she’ll protest. Instead, she kisses me softly and whispers goodnight.
It’s torture, listening to her in my shower. Knowing the water is skimming down her naked curves. I want to be in there, pinning her against the tile while I make her come on my hand, then my tongue.
I’ve never burned with need like this for anyone. Only Lisette.
I check the doors and windows to distract myself, making sure they’re locked, and dim the lights. I also find the extra pillow and blanket in the hall closet. I toss them on the couch though I doubt I’ll sleep.
“Dorian?”
I turn at my name on her lips, and my heart flips in my chest.Holy shit.
Her hair is damp, and she’s wearing one of my old Army shirts. The olive drab hangs down to mid-thigh, making her skin look extra creamy, and brings out the honey in her eyes.
I clear my throat and fight not to adjust myself. “Yeah, beautiful?”
She chews her lower lip. Then, “After the break in… I can’t sleep. Will you keep me company? And…”
