He’s never been more attractive to me than in this moment. Those hooded eyes peeking up at me. His teeth biting into his lower lip. The lust sizzling in his expression, and behind it, something deeper. Something that might normally scare me away but tonight only heightens my own pleasure.
I’m not using him, I realize. Not that I believed I was, but a tiny part of me feared that I’m only with him to prove something to myself. But I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want him right now.
I still the movements of my hips and lean forward, pressing my lips to his. When his tongue comes out to taste mine, we both make a desperate, needy sound.
I lift my head, opening my mouth to speak, but the words are trapped somewhere deep inside me, lost behind the sudden rush of emotion.
“I’m happy you’re alive,” I finally whisper.
“Hmm?”
“I’m glad you didn’t really die in the explosion.” I swallow hard. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“I’m glad I’m here, too.” He grins at me. “Now ride me.”
“That was a missed opportunity.”
“What?”
“You told me to ride you, but you didn’t call me cowgirl.”
“Forgive me if I’m too focused on the feel of you squeezing my dick with your tight—”
He cuts off abruptly when I slam down on him and start movingin earnest again. His hands grip my waist, eyes locked on mine, and soon he starts thrusting upward, meeting my now erratic strokes. I shift the angle so that the swollen bundle of nerves at my core scrapes his pelvis, and it immediately succeeds in unleashing tingles throughout my whole body.
“I don’t think I can tease anymore.” A whimper slides out, making him smile.
“It’s okay, let go. I got you.”
His fingers dig into my hips, and we’re kissing when the orgasm pulses through me. He follows right after, grunting against my mouth as his hips jerk.
My heart is beating fast, and I catch my breath as I collapse on his chest. He strokes my back. I listen to the sound of his heartbeat. And I realize I’m glad we took this long to get here.
It was worth the wait.
Chapter 52
We fall into a routine over the next month. One that involves a lot of time in bed. But a lot of time out of it, too. He takes me out flying. We visit friends in the valley. We have shooting competitions with Mako, and sparring matches with Saint and Henley.
It’s the first time in my life that I’ve felt…normal.
No hiding away on the ranch. No worrying that a Command unit will show up for an inspection and discover I’m a Mod. No fear of being marched onto an execution platform.
I haven’t forgotten the attempt on my life, but the more time that passes, the less paranoid I feel. I don’t know who slipped me that heartroot, but whoever it is, they’ve evidently decided to retreat into the shadows. As long as they’re not trying to kill me anymore, I suppose I can relax. Sort of. I certainly won’t accept liquids from anyone other than my man.
Life at the Dagger has been more relaxed than usual. Tana and Luisa are officially a couple, and I’m pretty sure Karra is sleeping with Henley. Evlynne is being nicer to me, I assume because she’s worried that if she acts like a quat, I might tell everyone about her son’s bloodmark. The last time I asked her about it, she admitted she’s decided not to disclose.
Perhaps the most promising development is that Fiona has eased up on the reins, so Poppy and I have been spending more time together, walking the trails, picking flowers. She never wants to visit the aviary, though. I’m learning Poppy is a sensitive soul, which probably isn’t a personality type well suited for a sanctuary with injured birds that often die. Still, I enjoy her company. During yesterday’s trail walk, I’m convinced we saw my wolf in the distance, but Poppy didn’t believe me, she of no faith.
Tonight, it’s late, and I’m in bed with Gray, admiring how gorgeous he looks. Shirtless. Black briefs hugging his firm thighs and impressive groin. The light of the bedside lamp casts a golden halo across his face, emphasizing his chiseled features.
My hair is pulled back in a ponytail, and he keeps playing with the end of it, flicking it around like a cat toying with a mouse. It makes me grin, but when I tip my head to tease him about it, he’s visibly distracted, sporting a faraway look.
“You all right?” I murmur.
Gray snaps out of his thoughts. He rubs his face, looking tired. “Yes. Sorry. That briefing tonight was a pain in my ass.”
I nod. The Authority was in the war room for more than two hours earlier, and I know the constant battles between Kallister and Adrienne are taking their toll on the others.
