AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Is that why you’re squeezing me to death?”
His arms relaxed a touch. “I freaked out a little bit.” His even breaths filled the silence, until he asked, “Would you like me to let you go?”
Her brain was at war with her body, especially at his words. Her body was winning the war. “No.”
She knew he smiled even though she couldn’t see him. “We probably shouldn’t hike back in this.”
“Agreed.”
“If it clears–”
“Tomorrow will do.”
“But–”
“Why are you always moving? What are you running from?” he asked. He released his hold to caress her, his hand skimming over her ribs, her waist to her hip and back again. Back and forth.
Her breath hitched, rediscovering a rhythm, her concentration on his hand and the possibilities. “I’m not–”
He squeezed her waist gently. “In the time I’ve known you, you’ve collapsed with exhaustion every time you stop moving. Otherwise, you’re in constant motion.” She felt him shift behind her, leaning closer somehow, though she wasn’t sure there was much space between them as it was. “Don’t lie, Tarley.”
He was right. From moving between the cottage and The Copper Pot. From making the means to be out in the forest where movement was a requirement to living, a requirement to not allowing emotions like loneliness a grip on her. “I don’t think I’ve ever thought about it before.”
He hummed, and she felt his breath move through her hair like a caress. Chills coalesced at the nape of neck and raced down her spine. Then she felt his morning erection pressed against her backside. Her own breath caught as that familiar heaviness returned between her legs.
She arched into the feeling. When she did, Ollie responded, his breath stalling, restarting, and his body shifting. His hand fisted against the linen of the tunic covering her belly, and the length of him pressed even tighter against her bare bottom.
Then the pressure was gone, and he moved. “Maybe–”
She moaned, a refusal, tightening her hold on his hand on her belly. “Stay–” Her body needed the feel of him more than the need to flee.
“Tarley.” Ollie realigned his body behind her and leaned forward, pressing his lips against the skin between her neck and shoulder.
Her heartbeat pitched, slamming up against her ribcage, and a deep breath escaped her. She clasped onto the back of Ollie’s head, holding him there, and tilted her head, offering him more space. “I want to feel you–”
“I promised–” His mouth moved across her skin, the silk of his tongue creating a hot trail.
“Promised what?” she asked on a breath, driving her bottom back against his erection.
“To keep you safe.” His hand opened and pressed more firmly against her belly as he tilted his hips against her, moaning softly, “Tarley–”
She took a deep breath, alive with all the sensation moving through her. “I don’t feel unsafe.” She rocked her hips back, against him again, her core melting with need.
He groaned. “Stars. You feel–”
She caught hold of his hand, and his breath caught.
“I feel… like… I need–” She panted the words, unable to catch her breath, and guided his hand lower until it was pressed between her legs. “I need… I need…”
“I know what you need,” he said, his voice rough and demanding. His fingers skimmed through her sex, until he found the cluster of nerves that made her suck in a breath the moment he connected. “So wet–” he murmured and bit down on her shoulder.
“Oh,” she gasped.
“Fuck, Tarley. Is this okay?”
“Yes.” His finger circled her clit. “Yes,” she repeated and tilted her hips toward him.
“Spread your legs wider for me,” he ordered.
