Deadly Intentions (Hardy Brothers Security Book 1) by Lily Harper Hart

that was a good idea. There was no way that flimsy bedroom door would be able to keep him out tonight.
    “Thanks for the ride,” Mandy said, opening the passenger door and jumping down to the pavement. She didn’t wait for him to answer. Instead, she slammed the door shut and moved toward the building without a backwards glance.
    James watched her go for a second. Once she was safely inside of the building, she would be fine. She would be totally fine. He didn’t even realize he was following her until he’d already killed the engine and pocketed his keys.
    Mandy jumped when she saw him standing next to her in front of the door. “What are you doing?”
    “I’m checking out the apartment.”
    “Why?”
    “Because you’re in danger.” James said the words, but he didn’t believe them in the slightest. He was going into that apartment, but it wasn’t to make sure she was safe. He couldn’t think of anything else. He was too far gone.
    Mandy opened the door and pushed it open. Fine. If he wanted to search the apartment and then go, she would just have to live with it. His overbearing pride obviously couldn’t handle the thought that he wasn’t right every single minute of every single day. “Men,” she grumbled under her breath.
    James bodily pushed Mandy into the apartment ahead of him, slamming the door shut behind him once they were inside.
    Mandy turned in surprise. “What the hell?”
    She didn’t know what she expected to find when she met his gaze, but his dark eyes had turned almost black and it wasn’t anger that was fueling him right now. It was something else.
    “What are you doing?” Mandy asked, her voice dropping to a near whisper.
    James moved toward her, backing her into the closet door next to the bathroom. He pressed his body against hers, making sure there was nothing but clothes separating the two of them – and those would be gone soon, he had no doubt.
    Mandy ran her tongue over her lips nervously. His intention was clear and, even though she hadn’t been able to think about anything else since she’d first laid eyes on him after eleven long years, she suddenly felt nervous.
    The sight of her tongue did him in. James slammed his mouth over hers and gave in completely. He had no choice. His body wouldn’t let him walk away now even if he wanted to.

Eleven
    James’ mouth was hot on hers as he pressed against her. Mandy raised her hands so they were resting on his hips, opening her lips so he could gain easier access with his tongue. James groaned into her mouth when he felt her tongue brush against his.
    He raised his hand, cupping the back of her head so he could pull it back and give himself a better angle to ravish her mouth with. He slipped his tongue inside of her mouth again, swallowing the small mewling sound that was emanating from the back of her throat. Kissing her was like coming home from the military after a long trip overseas. It just felt right.
    She’d dreamt of kissing James Hardy for as long as she could remember, but the reality was so much better, Mandy realized. His lips were soft, yet demanding. One of his hands was behind her head while the other was wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer to him so she could feel his hardness grinding against the cleft between her thighs.
    After a few minutes, Mandy pulled away to catch her breath. She felt like she was drowning in a sea of need. Her lips were swollen, her eyes were glistening with unexpressed emotion. James sucked in a breath of his own, but only one. His lips were crushing hers again within seconds. He needed more. He needed more of her.
    James wrapped his arms around Mandy’s tiny waist, lifting her up so she could wrap her thighs around him. He stumbled backwards, knocking her bedroom door out of his way as he struggled to the bed. He dumped her on top of the mattress after a second, relishing the look of disappointment that washed over her face when their bodies were no longer pressed