Chapter Twelve

O nce they reached Lucas’ place, Inda parked the Suburban behind the building and out of view of the main street. Just in case. She didn’t expect any more trouble, but she still planned on going in through the rear entrance. They got out and, without saying a word, he took her hand and guided her up to the back door.

“I want you to spend the night with me,” he said, searching her eyes.

She nodded. “I want that, too.”

Lucas leaned down, pressing his forehead against hers. “Thank you for coming with me, On?a . You have no idea how much it meant. Whatever I can do to help you and your team, I will.”

“I know,” she whispered, cupping his stubbled jaw and brushing her lips against his. Whatever doubts she’d had about him disintegrated under their connection. She’d seen who the man truly was, had glimpsed his heart and soul, and it was a beautiful thing.

Lucas stepped back, punched a code in on the panel and the door buzzed open. They walked down to his apartment and, the moment the door closed behind them, Inda was in his arms, rekindling their kiss. She wasn’t sure what it was, but when someone died it made everyone still breathing want to live. And she wanted that. Desperately.

Their mouths latched onto each other’s, tongues delving deep and exploring, almost frantically. The urge to comfort him filled her, and she was ready to do everything in her power to make him feel better. To remind him that he was still alive and very much desired.

Plastering herself against him, Inda reveled in the feel of his firm chest against her breasts. The man was all hard angles and lines, nothing soft about him. When his hands slid over her ass, she jumped up into his arms. He caught her easily, still kissing her deeply as he walked them back to his bedroom.

Just like the rest of the apartment, it was sparse. A simple queen-size bed with a navy bedspread and a nightstand with a softly-glowing lamp. He dragged his mouth away and tossed her onto the bed.

Inda looked up at him, breathing hard. The sadness in his eyes had been replaced by need, and hunger flared in his irises. She’d never seen eyes quite like his before—like two blue crystals, their facets sharp and bright like slivers of ice. A shiver ran through her body as he reached back, grabbed his shirt collar and pulled it over his head.

Seeing him shirtless had been worth the wait. Tanned, firm pecs led down to washboard abs, and her attention zeroed in on the dark trail of hair that disappeared into his waistband. Mmm. She nearly licked her lips as she imagined following that strip to its final destination.

After kicking her boots off, she popped up, tossed her shirt and shimmied out of her leggings. Standing there in front of him wearing only her plain white sports bra and matching panties, she hesitated, doubts creeping in, and she crossed her arms over herself. A man like Lucas probably preferred sexy lingerie made up of scraps of lace. His hot gaze swept over her body, and though she was rarely self-conscious, she knew her boobs were small and her thighs were thick. She was definitely more tomboy than supermodel, and maybe he wouldn’t like that.

Lucas wrapped his fingers around her wrists and slowly guided her hands down. “Don’t you dare cover yourself. You’re too beautiful.”

Zeroing in on the small, delicate tattoo inked on her side, he trailed a finger along the cursive writing. A shiver ran through her body.

“What’s this mean?” he asked, voice low and curious.

“Feroz means fierce in Portuguese.”

“I couldn’t think of a better word to describe you. Except maybe sexy as hell. Maybe you should get that inked on your other side.”

“You’re crazy.”

“And you’re stunning.” Blue fire burned in the depths of his eyes.

His compliment made her entire body heat up and her insecurities take a backseat. “You’re too far away,” she complained.

“I can’t stop admiring you.” He moved closer, his knees bumping into the bed, and reached out to grasp her hips. Pulling her closer, his hands curved over her ass and began to knead the soft flesh there as his attention dipped again to check out her cleavage. Or, lack thereof. “I’m just trying to figure out how all these curves are packed onto such a tiny body.”

“I have no top curves. They all got directed south.”

His large hands roamed up and she sucked in a sharp breath when they rounded over her breasts. “You have curves everywhere. Beautiful curves,” he murmured, sliding his fingers under the elastic and tugging it over her head.

Before she could think too hard about being topless, his head bent and he began kissing one of her breasts. All rational thought fled from her head as she arched her back, giving him better access. His warm, wet mouth closed around her nipple and a whimper tore from the back of her throat. He licked and sucked, moving from one to the other, that tongue of his swirling until her nipples were tight little buds. God, his mouth was heaven.

It had been far too long since she’d been intimate with a man. Years since she’d allowed anyone to touch her, and even then it had been a fast fuck. Nothing more than a quick release to satisfy an itch. Relationships had never been a priority, more like something to be avoided. Her mom had become collateral damage from a bad relationship and Inda had sworn to herself she would never end up the same way. So she’d avoided getting too close to anyone.

A life of caution had resulted in her keeping her heart locked up tight. She didn’t trust many people. As a result, when she’d had sex with previous partners, she never allowed herself to be fully naked, skin to skin. It was too vulnerable of a position. She always remained in control, half-clothed, and on top.

Every single time.

But, for some inexplicable reason, Lucas was different. She didn’t feel afraid when she was in his arms, and that was a first. Still, when Lucas hooked his fingers in her panties and began to slide them down, she tensed up, her fingernails digging into his broad shoulders.

He looked up, meeting her eyes. “Okay?”

Showing vulnerability had never been her strong suit. She hated it so much, but she wanted to trust Lucas. More than anything. Nodding, her heart beating so hard it threatened to burst out of her chest, she waited for him to continue.

But, he didn’t. Instead, he pulled her panties back where they’d been and took her face in his hands. “I don’t want you to regret staying here tonight. Or doing something you don’t want to do.”

“I’m okay,” she whispered. “It’s just…been a while. I guess I’m a little rusty.”

“ On?a,” he whispered, searching her face. “How long?”

“A few years,” she admitted, shifting and growing uncomfortable. “But even before then…”

“What?” he pressed.

“I’m not good at this foreplay stuff,” she blurted out. “Let’s just get right to it.”

A smile broke out over his face and it was the first time she’d seen his dimples in hours. She’d missed them. “I thought women liked foreplay.”

“I don’t.” She crossed her arms over her breasts, suddenly feeling exposed. “Maybe I should go.”

“No, please don’t.”

Even though she was supposed to be comforting him, it felt like the tables had turned and now he was trying to make her feel better. “I want you, Lucas. I really, really do. But, I’m used to doing things my way.”

“And how’s that?” he asked, studying her intently.

She chewed her lip, not sure how to respond.

“Because I’ll do whatever you want me to do. Just tell me. I can go slow or fast. Be on top or on bottom. Or behind,” he added with a wicked smirk, his voice becoming low and husky. “Or, we can lay down and I’ll just hold you. But, please, don’t leave . I need you here with me tonight.”

“Lay down,” she whispered. “On your back.”

He nodded and did as she said, his brilliant blue eyes following her every move as she crawled over and straddled him. His hands settled on her thighs, thumbs circling, as he waited patiently for her next move.

“I’m used to being in charge and I never stay the night.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’ve never trusted anyone that much.”

“Do you trust me?” he dared ask.

“I know it doesn’t make sense and I can’t explain it...” She dropped forward and brushed her lips over his. “But, yes. I trust you, Lucas.”

“I promise I won’t hurt you, Inda.”

In her experience, it was inevitable. But maybe Lucas Sheridan was different.

“If you do, I will hurt you ,” she promised. “With my nunchucks.”

“I believe you.” He threaded his fingers through her hair and pulled her down for another kiss. One full of passion and promise. Their mouths opened, tongues tangling, and she lowered herself down on top of his chest.

Skin touched skin—well, pretty much, anyway—and instead of freaking out, she sank into the pleasure of it. The brush of her nipples against the soft dusting of hair on his firm chest had her belly fluttering. His warm skin rubbed against her as the kiss deepened, growing wilder.

Maybe it was time to let go of what she used to do and open herself up to something new. To let her fear go and trust the man kissing her into sweet oblivion.

◆◆◆

If Lucas didn’t know better, he would think he was in bed with a different woman from the one who’d confronted him earlier and threatened to cut his dick off. He knew Inda was a strong, fierce woman, and she was sharing a vulnerable side he hadn’t expected. Seeing that softer part of her was nice, but he vowed to help her lose the insecurities that plagued her. He loved his tough warrior woman who could kick anyone’s ass.

The way she came with him tonight to the hospice center was something he’d never forget. She’d been there during the worst moment of his life—when he’d had to say goodbye to the most important person in his world—and she’d been a source of strength and light when he’d needed it most.

He didn’t know what was happening, but he could feel their relationship hit a turning point. And all he knew was he needed this amazing woman by his side tonight, tomorrow and always. First though, they would start with tonight.

Making Inda comfortable was his main priority. He hadn’t expected her to be so shy, but it clearly bothered her to feel exposed. They’d both been vulnerable with each other tonight. So he figured they both deserved some pleasure and he planned to give her more than she’d ever had before. But, he needed her to relax. And he knew once she truly trusted him, she would hand over the reins. At least long enough for him to give her multiple, back-arching orgasms.

When their mouths broke apart, Lucas looked up at her and almost had to pinch himself. How had he gotten so lucky? Her long hair fell forward and cascaded down over his chest like an ebony waterfall. Those big, light brown eyes reminded him of dessert—a brown sugar, toffee delight—and he wanted to sink his teeth into her. To savor her fully. But, in order to do that, he needed to take control. He needed her full and complete trust.

“Are you with me?” He locked gazes with her. When she nodded, he rolled them, moving on top of her and sliding a leg between hers. “Get ready for some epic foreplay, On?a .”

He lowered his mouth to hers, kissing her deeply. At the same time, he reached a hand down and cupped her mound through her panties. She whimpered into his mouth, shifting beneath his touch as he began to stroke her. It didn’t take long until her panties were soaked-through. Sliding the scrap of cotton aside, he dipped his fingers into her wet warmth.

“Mmm,” she moaned, rocking against his hand. All her tension seeped away under his touch, and he could feel her relax into the mattress.

Lucas dropped his face into the curve of her neck, licking and sucking the delicate skin there. Wanting to leave his mark. Maybe she’d held back with other lovers, but that wasn’t going to happen with him. He wouldn’t give up until he had her completely open to him.

Pushing back, he lifted his glistening fingers to his mouth and sucked them clean. “You taste so fucking sweet,” he murmured. “I need more, On?a . Now be a good girl and spread those legs.”