Page 12 of Wild & Wanted

"Hadley!"

I freeze right as I my hand rests on the doorknob. Turning around, I see Wolf storming across the lot toward me, a terrifying flash of raw panic and fury blazing in his green eyes.

I instinctively step back, backing up against the cold metal wall of the warehouse, trying to tuck myself into the shadows like I could somehow vanish. But Wolf sees right through it. He marches straight up to me, his broad chest heaving, and presses me firmly against the wall, caging me in with his solid, immovable body.

"Where the hell are you going?" he demands, his voice trembling slightly around the edges. "Why did you leave? What are you doing out here alone?"

Looking closer at his face, the fierce anger abruptly shatters. I realize he isn't angry at me. He’s… He’s terrified. He was worried sick. That is a very real, very raw emotion that resonates deep within my being.

"I'm sorry," I whisper, my voice dropping. "I just... I felt overwhelmed. I felt like a little kid pretending to matter, like I'm totally helpless. I just wanted to go do something useful, like work." I offer a self-deprecating shrug, trying to mask the sting of my own inadequacy.

Wolf doesn't let me get away with it. He lets out a long, ragged breath, physically forcing the tension out of his massive shoulders, softening his expression entirely for my benefit. Closing his eyes, Wolf inhales deeply, like he’s soaking up my scent and everything about me. Is he really this concerned about my well-being?

"You are anything but silly or childish," he says softly, his thumb reaching out to stroke my cheek. I lean into his touch, the rough pad of his finger sending sparks up and down my spine. "You uncovered a massive break in a case we've been hunting for weeks. That is the exact opposite of helplessness, Hadley."

He leans down, his gaze dropping to my lips. "As far as doing something useful..."

He kisses me, full, deep, and unhurried, wrapping me in a cocoon of desire that makes me feel entirely cherished. When we finally break apart, my lungs are burning for air.

He rests his forehead against mine, his voice a husky purr. "You can do one thing for me."

Still breathless and dizzy, I whisper, "What?"

"Let me taste you."

I lean in for another kiss, my head spinning with the knowledge that this man truly cares for me. Our tongues tangle, and while I’m still new to this, I can tell Wolf likes my enthusiasm. Each time the tip of my tongue drags along his, a low, beastly growl claws its way up from his chest and the hand at my waist tightens possessively.

“As addicted as I am to your kisses, I was wondering if there’s something else you’d let me taste.”

“Um… My neck?” I guess, my brows furrowing in confusion. I tilt my chin up, giving Wolf better access.

He chuckles darkly, the sound reverberating through my chest and landing between my thighs, slick with need. Wolf nips the sensitive spot between my neck and shoulder, then flicks his tongue over the same place, finishing with a soft kiss. He lavishes my neck and collarbone with attention, his hands slipping under the hem of my shirt.

“Will you let me kiss you lower?” Wolf asks, his dark eyes flashing up at me from where he’s positioned between my breasts. His hand slides down my curves, lower, lower, lower, until his knuckles brush over the spot I’m hurting for him the most.

My eyes widen as the heavy, intimate meaning of his words hits me square in the chest. I swallow hard, my heart hammering a frantic rhythm against my ribs. In a sudden, uncharacteristic burst of bold courage, I reach up and run my fingers deep through his long, soft hair.

Wolf groans, squeezing his eyes shut as he surrenders to the friction of my touch. He loves how I respond to him. I can feel it in the way his muscles tense.

"Please," I whisper, my voice thick with a sudden, aching hunger. "Please taste me, Wolf. I ache for you."

He doesn't hesitate. He groans a raw, guttural sound, dropping to his knees and pinning me against the warehouse wall with his large, rough hands.

“Love hearing you beg for me,” he grumbles before loosening his grip on my hips. His hands slide down my legs and beneath the hem of my skirt. I don’t usually wear dresses or skirts, but God, I’m glad I chose to wear one today.

I shudder out a breath when his calloused fingers trail up, up, up the inside of one thigh and down the other, tightening my hold on his hair. Wolf growls and hooks his thumbs into the waistband of my panties, pulling them down and off of me in one swift move.

“Fuck,” he groans, his eyes fixated on my most private area. Wolf gazes up at me, a pained, pleading look in his eyes. He’s silently asking permission one last time.

I bite my lip and roll my hips, letting him know how much I want his touch, his tongue, and whatever else he’s willing to give me. Wolf hikes up my skirt around my hips, the cool air hitting my exposed pussy, followed by his hot breath. Closing his eyes, Wolf inhales deeply, as if he’s already addicted to my scent.

When he opens his eyes again, his dark pupils are blown wide and staring directly into my soul. He’s a man possessed, and he’s done holding back.

Wolf dips his head back down between my thighs, slowly, so slowly, dragging his tongue through my soaking wet slit. I whine and twist beneath him when his warm, wet tongue glides over my clit. He grunts in approval, swirling the tip around my pulsing, raw bundle of nerves.

“Need more,” I breathe out, not caring how desperate I sound.

Wolf guides one of my legs over his shoulder, opening me up even more for him. This time, he doesn’t hesitate or take it slow. His thumbs part my lips, and then he’s lavishing me with his wicked tongue.