Chapter 41

41

ALAINA

I watched Roan and could immediately tell something was wrong. He sat forward, his elbow resting on his knee as he listened to whoever was on the other end. I had a feeling our night was over. Maybe it was a sign. We weren't supposed to be doing this.

I scooted over, putting some distance between us. I watched as he ran his hand through his hair. His frustration was evident.

He ended the call and looked at me. "Have you checked your email in the past few hours?"

I frowned, sensing his concern. "No, why? What's wrong?"

"Just a second. Jake is sending me the email."

"The email?" I asked with confusion.

He handed me his phone. I scanned the screen quickly, reading the email. Kyle Klein had sent him a threatening email, saying he'd seen us in the park earlier today. He'd even managed to contact someone at Roan's office, threatening to out our relationship to the press.

My blood boiled. "That slimy creep." I grabbed my own phone and quickly opened my email. Sure enough, there was an equally scathing email from Kyle, with Trudy copied on it.

"He's mad about his son being removed from the upcoming trip because of his bullying," I said, my voice trembling with indignation. "Can you believe this?"

"I'm not worried about the press," he said softly. "I'm worried about your job."

I shook my head, feeling a spark of determination. "Trudy will handle Kyle," I said confidently. "I did nothing wrong."

He looked at me, his eyes filled with concern. "Why aren't you more worried about what will happen at school?"

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my composure. "The reason we were thrust together in that cotton candy booth weeks ago was because Trudy was trying to set us up. She's probably already seen this email and is thrilled. She's been pushing me to talk to you for one stupid reason or another. Trust me, this is not going to be the bomb Kyle thinks it is. Asshole."

Roan laughed, a real, hearty laugh that I rarely heard from him. It was infectious, and soon, I found myself laughing too.

"Would you like to pick up where we left off before being so rudely interrupted?"

I nodded, my heart racing. "Yes," I breathed.

He crawled over me, kissing me with more urgency, as if trying to make up for lost time. His hand slid down and cupped my breast.

Suddenly, he pulled away. I had flashbacks to that first night we tried this. I was about to let him know I was pretty damn sick of him getting me fired up and then leaving me cold. "I can't do this," he said.

"Roan, what the?—"

He grabbed my hand and pulled me off the couch. "Let's go to my room," he said. "I cannot move on this couch. I need space."

I smiled. "You scared me."

"Scared you?" he asked as he pulled me out of the room. He was walking fast, like he was in a hurry.

"I thought you were going to tell me we couldn't."

"Not a chance," he replied.

We quickly climbed the stairs with him leading me down the hall to his massive bedroom. It was at least twice the size of my whole apartment—maybe bigger. He grabbed a remote from a table and turned on what looked like candles on the bedside table.

"You have remote candles?" I asked with surprise.

I suddenly felt like I was stepping into a love den. I wasn't sure that was a good thing.

"I have them because sometimes Rafe sleeps in my room and needs a nightlight," Roan explained. "I can turn on the Snoopy nightlight if that works better for you."

I laughed. "No, but that's very sweet."

He closed the door and turned the lock. Neither of us needed Rafe running in. We both stood there, looking at each other in the dim candlelight. The first time we were together, there was a sense of urgency. It was as if we were trying to outrun our consciences. But now, I felt like we were both on the same page. We knew what we wanted.

I pulled off my sweater and let it fall to the floor. Roan watched me intently, his eyes dark with desire. I felt vulnerable, standing there in just my bra and jeans, but I knew I wanted him. I wanted him to touch me, to make me feel alive.

"Roan," I whispered, taking a step closer. I could see the hunger in his eyes.

"Alaina," he said, his voice low and thick with need.

I reached up and ran my fingers through his hair, feeling the tension in his muscles. He let out a soft groan. His arm snaked out and jerked me against him. His mouth slammed against mine, sealing us together. I melted into him, my hands gripping his shirt.

His lips were demanding, yet gentle, as if he needed to taste me, to own me. The scent of him, a mixture of earthy cologne and something more primal, filled my senses. I moaned into his mouth, my body responding to his touch, craving his warmth.

He pulled away, his eyes dark, and he ran his hands down my body, tracing over my skin the places he knew would drive me wild. I shivered, needing more. Needing him.

"Take off your bra," he commanded.

His voice was low and husky, sending a shiver down my spine. I reached behind me and unclasped the strap, letting it fall to the floor. Roan's eyes widened at the sight of my breasts. He actually licked his lips.

"Take off your jeans," he said, his voice rough with desire.

Heat coursed through me as I hooked my fingers into the waistband and slowly slid them down my legs. Roan reached out, running his fingers along the curve of my hips.

"You're beautiful, Alaina." He pulled me closer, his lips brushing against my ear. "So fucking beautiful."

I closed my eyes, savoring the feeling of his lips on my skin. Dear God, I wanted him. I wanted him more than anything.

He lifted me onto the bed, his hands caressing my hips, my waist, my breasts. I wrapped my arms around his neck, clinging to him as he lowered me onto the soft sheets. I could hear the pounding of my own heart as he hovered over me, his eyes filled with raw desire. I could see the fire in him, the need that consumed him. I knew what he wanted, what he needed. I wanted the same thing.

With a low growl, he claimed my lips, his tongue demanding entry. I met him with equal passion, hungry for the taste of him, the feel of him inside me. His hands roamed my body, tracing every curve, every line, as if he was memorizing me.

I moaned into his mouth, my body responding to his touch, craving his touch. I wanted him inside me, his body pressing against mine, our bodies becoming one. He broke away, his eyes dark and fierce as he held my gaze while he quickly took off his pants. An appreciative groan escaped my lips at the sight of him.

"I really, really like looking at you." I smiled.

He grinned, a look of pure mischief in his eyes. "Well, now you've got a chance to touch what you're looking at, sweetheart."

I watched him pull open the drawer in his nightstand. He pulled out a condom and paused. "Just for the record, I bought these a couple of weeks ago."

"Okay," I said, not sure why he was telling me.

"That night, on the couch, I did not have condoms in the house," he said. "I haven't needed them. But after that night, I thought it might be a good idea to have them."

I nodded with understanding. I got it. He was telling me he wasn't the kind of man that brought a parade of women into his bed.

"I'm glad you did," I said.

He quickly put the condom on and climbed back onto the bed, positioning himself between my legs with his weight supported on his elbows. I could feel his hardness press against me. He kissed me before sliding his mouth to my jaw. His teeth nipped and teased as he made his way to my breasts.

He took one nipple between his lips, gently suckling while his hand cupped and squeezed the other. My breath hitched as my desire built. He looked up at me, his eyes burning with intensity. He flicked his tongue over my nipple, sending a shock of pleasure straight to my core. I arched into him, my hands gripping his hair.

"Tell me if you want me to stop," he murmured against my skin.

"I don't want you to stop. I want you."

He smiled, then lowered his head and took one nipple in his mouth, sucking and biting gently until I was writhing beneath him. The man's mouth should be illegal. He was very skilled. My breaths were coming faster. I could feel my body heating up with desire. Roan was relentless, and I loved every second of it. His fingers trailed down my stomach and between my legs where he gently cupped me, sending shivers up my spine.

"I want you so much, I can't stand it," he growled, his eyes still locked on mine.

"I want you too," I whispered, my voice shaking slightly.

He didn't need to be asked twice. He positioned himself at my entrance, and slowly, inch by inch, he slid inside me. My breath hitched as he filled me. He groaned and his eyes closed as he buried himself inside me.

"Oh, God, Alaina," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "You feel so good."

I smiled, loving the feeling of him. He began to move, his thrusts slow and deliberate at first but quickly picking up speed as the desire between us grew. My body responded to his, our movements becoming more urgent, our breaths ragged with need. Suddenly, he pulled away.

I gasped, blindly reaching out for him. Before I could ask what was happening, he pulled at my arm. "Roll over. Get on your knees."

I obeyed, feeling a little unsure but trusting him. I positioned myself on all fours. His hand gripped my hips, while his other guided his cock to my opening. He pushed inside me once again. I felt him deep. My body responded, arching back toward him, loving the feeling of him filling me.

He gripped my hips tighter, his movements becoming faster and more frenzied. I cried out, my body trembling on the edge of something incredible. I felt him growing closer, his breath hot against my neck.

"Roan," I gasped, feeling my release build. "I'm going to come."

He groaned, his hips pounding into me harder. "Come for me, Alaina. Come while I'm inside you."

That was all it took. I cried out, my orgasm washing over me like a tidal wave. I could feel myself clenching around him, the sensation sending him over the edge as well. He thrust harder, his body stiffening as he found his release.

I dropped to my stomach, his body half covering mine. Our heavy breathing filled the room. He kissed my neck and shoulder while running his hand up and down my back. It was such a sweet gesture. I sighed, telling myself to get up and go to the guest room, but I couldn't actually bring myself to move.

Roan's arm stretched out across my body like he never wanted me to leave. The heavy weight combined with the glass of wine and being absolutely sated was too much. Sleep pulled at me. I told myself I could sleep for a few minutes and then I would move out of his bed.