Chapter 14
“I hate that guy,” Rhys grumbled, shutting the door and locking it.
“Join the club.”
“You were shot?” Rhys’ brow creased with worry as he stroked her arms in a gentle caress. His eyes swirled gray, and his jaw hardened. Concern radiated from him in waves, and his sincerity caused her pulse to quicken.
She laid a gentle palm on his face, waiting for his hardened jaw to loosen and his eyes to turn back to the vibrant blue she loved. “I’m fine.”
He let out a deep breath, his hold stayed gentle on her skin. “Where were you hit?”
She pointed to her shoulder.
He reached for the hem of her shirt, lifted it over her head, and tossed it onto the bed. He eased the strap of her bra down over her shoulder before lightly running his thumb over the fresh pink mark. He leaned down and pressed his lips to the spot, showering it with slow caresses from his lips.
“Where else?”
She lifted her arms, and he traced his fingers over the angry marks before he eased her to sit down on the bed. He knelt in front of her and kissed a path up one arm and down the other. His tenderness toward her injuries, and his mouth on her skin ignited a fire in her veins. The sensual yet caring way he was treating her was unlike anything she’d ever experienced. His unfamiliar response made her heart soar and confused her at the same time.
“Where else?”
She unhooked her bra and tossed it on top of her shirt. Running a finger between her breasts, she teased, “Here.”
His lips quirked at the sight of her creamy flesh. There were no pink marks, but he was getting the picture. Inching her back on the bed, he climbed up her body, holding himself over her. He smiled up at her as he leaned in and licked a path from her navel up to her neck, where he pressed another kiss. He cupped her breast as he ground himself between her legs, letting her feel just what waited for her behind his zipper.
“Rhys.”
“Hmm?” He kissed a path up the side of her neck, stopping right below her ear.
“You can’t bite me.” She turned her head to look into his eyes. “Promise me you’ll never bite me.”
He eased off of her, sliding to the side but keeping a possessive hand splayed on her stomach while resting his cheek in his palm. “Why not? Is it because of Evan and what he said? Because I don’t give a shit what he says. You’re mine, Lizzie. I’ve known it from our first kiss, and I know you feel it, too.”
He moved his fingers to rest beneath the snap of her jeans and her skin. He was inches away from where she wanted him to be, but she knew the minute he touched her between her thighs, all rational thought would float away.
“Biting me could kill you, and I won’t take that chance. Not with you, not ever.” She turned to face him, cupping his cheek. “And I won’t bite you. I can’t. Not if there is a remote chance that I can hurt you. We can never have a full mate bond.” She swallowed around the lump in her throat, knowing her words were upsetting him. Better to get it out in the open now than in the heat of the moment, when she might have to fight off his damn bear.
Rhys rolled onto his back and laid his arm over his eyes. “Why are you doing this? Do you have feelings for him?”
“Damn it, Rhys.” She slid off the bed and grabbed her bra and shirt and clutched them to her chest. “I’m telling you because I want to be honest with you. It wouldn’t be fair for me to keep that information from you. I like you. I like us, and as far as feelings for Evan go, yeah, I do have some, but it’s not the same. I might not understand our connection, but he isn’t my mate.”
“Damn right, he’s not.” Rhys moved his arm and glanced at her. His face was unreadable as he slid from the bed, stalking toward her. He slipped the clothes from her hands and tossed them back on the bed. “I am.”
He popped the buttons on her jeans and slowly undressed her, taking his time and running his fingers down the outside of her legs and up her inner thighs, touching every inch of her except for where she needed him most. Goosebumps on her skin contradicted the fire raging in her veins. The erotic anticipation left her wet and wanting.
He stood up in front of her and began removing his clothes at a lot faster pace.
“Are you wet for me, Lizzie?”
Her breath quickened as he ditched his jeans, his erection and desire evident. She reached for him, wanting, needing to touch him. She stroked his silky shaft, rubbing her thumb over his bulbous head.
He clicked his tongue and moved her hands out of the way, pulling her closer. He spun her, pressing her back to his chest, the warmth of his body surrounding her. His hands rested possessively on her naked body. He cupped her breast with one hand, rubbing her nipple between his fingers until it pebbled, shooting a line of fire down to her clit. She moaned, resting her head back against his chest. His other hand rested on her belly, slowly moving down between her thighs.
He used his leg and inched her stance farther apart.
He kissed her neck as he held her tight. “I’m going to make you come with my fingers,” he whispered in her ear. He pressed another kiss to the sensitive juncture on her neck, licking her flesh. A haze of desire clouded her eyes. “Then with my mouth.” He continued to tease as he rolled her nipple tighter between his fingers. “Only then will I give you my cock.”
She moaned louder at his erotic promises, leaning into his touch. She was wet and wanting just from his words as she tried to lift her hips to position his fingers where she wanted them. Where she needed them.
