Protected by Shadows by Aliyah Burke Page A

but we’re married now.” Something, which, despite his attitude that he showed to Lexy and everyone else, he was extremely pleased about. “And married we shall be.”
    Unfortunately, the other issue raising its ugly head from his past was what had happened with his first wife. He scowled and shook his head, as if that action would rid himself of her memory.
    She lied to you. Perhaps Lexy is as well.
    “No way.” He knew Lexy. She wouldn’t do that.
    Thought you knew Alyssa as well. How’d that turn out for you?
    Damn his thoughts and memories. He stomped up the front steps then entered the house. Reaching for the chain around his neck, he frowned when his fingers didn’t come in contact with the ring he’d worn there for years. His personal reminder.
    But Lexy had refused to let him continue to wear it. So he’d given in and put it away. Ignoring his desire to go check and make sure it was where he’d put it, Valentino made his way to the bathroom and stripped.
    After adjusting the water to his preferred temperature, he stepped under the pulsing spray. He braced his hands along the tiles and dropped his head as the water worked out the stiffness in his neck.
    All he could see was Lexy. Her naked body in the steam with him. Her tight pussy gripping his cock. Her pants and screams heightening his own pleasure as he took her hard and fast against the wall of the shower.
    He groaned and gave into his urge. Gripping his cock with one hand, Valentino began to stroke himself. Up and down from base to tip, he worked his hard length. It didn’t take much imagination to picture Lexy’s hand on him, her grasp strong as she jacked him. His nose filled with her scent and he recalled what it was like to have her hourglass curves pressed against him.
    He pinched the head of his cock, not willing to come so soon. His balls were drawing up, telling him there wasn’t much time left before he came. Faster and faster he moved his hand, holding out to the very end until it could no longer be stopped.
    His erection jerked beneath his touch as he shot his load all over the wall of the shower. His orgasm was so intense, his knees buckled slightly and he had to scramble to brace himself.
    “Lexy.” Her name was dragged out of him as he continued to shake.
    He was still hard as he made short work of the rest of his shower, but at least the edge had been taken off. Stepping from the shower, he reached for a towel only to freeze at the sight of Lexy standing there in the doorway.
    The turquoise silk robe she wore shot fire through him, and his shaft, which had been slowly softening, became rock hard in seconds. “What are you doing in here?” His question came out in a croak.
    “That was some impressive display you put on in there.”
    Lord, she’d been watching him jack off? That was even more of a turn-on for him.
    “Lexy?”
    Her fingers teased the end of her sash, slowly drawing on the material. His gaze was glued to her French manicure standing out against the vibrant blue. Pull it, baby. Expose that smooth brown skin to me. Let me see your naked body.
    “I can’t seem to stay away.”
    “I don’t want you to,” he admitted, ignoring the towel and reaching out for her.
    Thankfully, she didn’t argue, just stepped to meet him. With a low growl, he yanked her to him and slammed his lips over hers. God, the feel of her against him again was nothing he could ever explain.
    His hands made contact with her bare skin as he slid them inside the silk of her robe. Settling them along her waist, he ground against her. Lexy countered, placing her hands around his neck and curving up into him.
    Their tongues dueled as he removed the robe from her body. He cupped her breasts and she moaned into his mouth. Tugging on her nipples, he backed her up to the wall. She lifted herself and wrapped her legs about his hips. He tore his lips off hers and suckled one taut tip in his mouth.
    “Fuck!” she cried, arching her back, shoving more of