pulled her legs back, running her calves over his hard thighs, over the taut curve of his ass, her thighs sliding along his torso.
He held her gaze for a moment then pushed forward slowly, and she felt herself rocked upward, her body accepting him completely.
“Like that. Is that good for you?” His voice was a low rumble, one she felt against her heart. His question took her by surprise and she hesitated for a moment.
“Yeah. It is.”
“Your turn. Tell me what you want.” She looked up at him, his eyes briefly catching the light, deep and dark and endless blue.
“I like it when you...pay attention to my breasts. I like it a lot.”
She felt the need to whisper, aware now of the power her words had, awed by the fact he might actually listen to what she said.
He held her gaze a moment longer, then slowly curled himself around her, an arm sliding beneath her. He bent his body, lowering his head to her breast, caressing her with his lips and tongue. She arched against him, shifting slightly, and their bodies melted into each other.
Claire was completely enfolded in Gunner’s strong grip, held against his body as his hips began moving, slowly for a moment, then increasing speed. The urgency she’d felt before returned and he sucked at her almost greedily.
She clung to him, letting him carry her as he took control, took her body with his as he plummeted over the edge toward his climax. When he came, he tore his mouth from her breast, a cry of pure pleasure breaking from his lips, hips thrust far forward.
As the hot sweetness of his orgasm filled her, Claire let go, her shudders and tremors, no less powerful for being contained by Gunner’s arms, by his body pressing her to the mattress, shaking her to her very core. But even as she was restrained, she felt secure, able to let herself go completely, trusting Gunner’s hold on her would keep her from shattering into pieces.
Gunner finally fell across her, breathing hard, body covered with a sheen of sweat. She held him, fingers trailing over his shoulders.
“Yeah...you were right, that’s a lot better than okay.”
His shoulders shook, and she realized he was laughing. Then he lifted his head, propping it on his hand.
“I have my moments. You caught me on a good day...or night.” He looked out the window. “It is still night, I guess. I’ve lost track of time.”
He looked down at her. “Are you comfortable? I can move.”
“No, I’m good.” She smiled and slid one leg slowly down his body, foot trailing along his back. “I like it here.”
He returned her smile. “I like this, too.” He leaned down, kissing her softly. When he raised his head, the smile was there, but his eyes were dark, serious. “And I like you.”
Her heart did a funny little stutter step, her breath catching in her throat. “I...don’t know...”
“You don’t have to say anything, Claire. I’m not looking for a declaration...”
She shook her head, a burble of laughter on her lips. “But I do...I mean, I like you too. A lot...” The laughter took on a nervous edge. “I sound like I’m in junior high.”
“You sound fine to me. You just sound like a woman who hasn’t had a very good track record with men. You just need practice.”
“Practice using my words? Like before?” She frowned.
“Yeah. Practice makes perfect. Give it a shot, see what happens. I’m not going anywhere.” He settled back, obviously ready to make good on his word.
Her laughter died away. No one had ever asked things like this, how she felt, what she wanted, and then listened to her. It was new and strange and wonderful and scary, all at the same time.
She looked at Gunner. He was big and strong and capable, obviously a fighter. And he certainly wasn’t hard on the eyes. But there was more. His steady gaze, the way he looked at her, the way he listened to her. Everything was suddenly clear.
“You make me feel safe, like everything’s going to be okay. And I trust you. I’ve
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