Deadly Vacation (Hardy Brothers Security Book 10) by Lily Harper Hart Page B

sure that I just want to hold you and forget about the past few hours,” he said. “That has to be enough for right now.”
    “Okay,” Mandy said, her voice small.
    James pressed his eyes shut, relaxing when he felt her hand come to rest over his heart.
    “James?”
    “Hmm.”
    “You still love me, right? When you were talking about loving me earlier, that wasn’t in the past tense, was it?”
    “I’ll love you until I breathe my last breath,” he said. “And then, when I die, I’ll love you for all of eternity. Now go to sleep, you complete and total pain in my ass.”
    “I love you, too.”
    “Go to sleep, Mandy.”

Thirteen
    Mandy woke to James’ busy hands roaming her body.
    “Good morning,” she murmured.
    “Good morning.” He shifted her, tossing her on her back so he could climb on top of her.
    “What time is it?”
    “It’s still early,” James said. “I just … I wanted a little time with you before I have to leave for the convention center. I usually don’t like to wake you up, and I’m sorry.”
    “I’m not,” Mandy said, running her fingers through his hair. “I’m the one who is sorry.”
    “I know you are,” he said. “I just … we’re not going to dwell on it.” He pressed his mouth to hers, sucking her lower lip and running his tongue over it. He reached for the hem of the T-shirt she was wearing and pulled away long enough to strip it from her body. She was naked beneath, and he was relieved because he needed to feel her flesh pressed tightly against his. “I love you, wife. No matter what – no matter how angry I am – never doubt that.”
    “I love you, too.” Mandy’s eyes were glassy, and James was worried she was about to start crying.
    “None of that,” he said, kissing her again. “I’m not angry.”
    He moved his head lower, sucking her nipple into his mouth and running his tongue over the hardened nub. She moaned at the tactile sensation, and after giving her other nipple the same attention, he kissed down her abdomen. He spread her legs so he could position himself between them, and then he buried his face in her moist center.
    Mandy cried out when his tongue slipped inside of her warm core, flicking her clitoris before moving lower. He licked her up and down, enjoying the way her body reacted to his ministrations, and then he attacked her with gusto.
    Mandy’s hand tangled in his hair as he loved her with his tongue. He held her thighs in place as she writhed, not letting go until she orgasmed. He licked his way back up her abdomen, claiming her mouth brutally as he rubbed himself against her. “I love you,” he whispered before thrusting inside of her ready warmth.
    Mandy grunted at his entrance, and James wrapped his arms around her waist and held her to him as he rocked back on his knees – drawing her into a crouching position on top of him.
    Once she was comfortable, Mandy started to raise herself up and down on his length, her mouth never leaving his as they made love. Sometimes the sex between them was fervent and needy. Sometimes it was sweaty and hot. And sometimes, like now, it was sweet and tactile. James wanted to feel every inch of her. He wanted her to know that he loved her, even without the words. He wanted things to be back to normal.
    Mandy gasped when she felt his fingers brush against her already throbbing nerve bundle. “Oh.” Her thighs were tense as she climbed up him and then fell back down. Over and over. “I love you,” she murmured. “I … .”
    “Shh,” James said, grazing his teeth against her throat. “I know. It’s okay. Everything is okay.”
    James’ strong back melted under her hands. Their hands and bodies were a frenzy of movement that mingled with their moans. A few minutes later, they came together. James cradled her as he lowered her back to the bed, not pulling out even as he rested his weight on her small frame. He knew this was one of her favorite times, the moments right after when they could