Chapter 12

Zoey

It wasn't the way I pictured my first time but the way he ravaged my body was all-consuming. Every inch of me was overtaken by his touch, leaving no space for thought or doubt. I spent most of my life desperate for affection, needing to be loved, and in that moment with his hands on me, it was enough. They were rough and urgent, yet they conveyed everything he couldn't say. He may not believe he's worthy of love, but I know he's wrong. It's in the way he looks at me, with adoration and protectiveness. He may not express it in traditional ways, but his touch speaks louder than words ever could.

As I climb back into the safety of the truck, I can still feel him inside me, filling every inch of me. It was raw, passionate and beautiful.

Backdraft cranks my window down a crack, pushes the manual lock down, and secures me inside. After a few long minutes, the hood of the truck slams closed. The thud in the quiet night makes me jump, but I ease back into the seat when his eyes meet mine for a split second. I don't miss the way he averts his gaze and circles around to the other side of the truck. He slides into the driver's seat, doing the same to his window and door. We sit in silence, only the rapid beating of my heart breaking up the quiet.

I can't stop replaying the feel of his lips on mine, the way my heart raced when he touched me. I'd never felt so alive, so wanted, and I'm already missing that feeling. I steal a glance in his direction. His eyes are fixed on the darkness creeping in through the windows.

Backdraft doesn't strike me as a man who startles. He has nerves of steel and body to match but right now he's more on edge than I've ever seen him. I don't know if it's the situation we find ourselves stuck in or what happened between us. Something shifted back there, we both felt it. There's no denying the obvious connection but he's already told me he doesn't plan on staying. I'm a job to him. I should hate him for that. I should hate myself for falling so easily for him. But I don't. I don't regret a moment of what we shared. I'd give myself to him all over again to feel like that one more time.

The darkness has crept in, blanketing us in an eerie silence. The only light is from the lightning bugs, flashing and flickering in perfect rhythm. I look to the front window, knowing that this will be over soon, and when it is, Backdraft will be gone. The problem is, I don't know how I'll ever return to my old life. A life without him in it. The weight of this truth hits me hard and I slump into my seat.

I'm the first to speak, hoping to break the tension. "They're beautiful, aren't they?"

Next to me, Backdraft grunts and shrugs his shoulders, masking any emotions behind his tough exterior while digging through the duffel bag. Pulling out a flashlight, he flips it on and sets it on the seat between us. Then he hands me my sneakers before tossing the bag back on the floorboard behind our seat.

He looks at me then with his deep gray eyes. Butterflies flip and twirl in my belly.

"Come here." He tips his head to where he wants me.

I swallow hard, every nerve in my body tingling in anticipation. I can see he's already hard and I'm not even touching him yet. I love that I can do that to him. Shifting in the seat, I turn to straddle him.

"Turn around, Little Lamb, keep your eyes on the outside."

Although confused, I do what he asks and swing my leg over to climb onto his lap. His hardness presses against my ass and my body clenches in response.

"Are you sore?" he asks, gently caressing the ache between my legs through my pants. I can already feel myself getting wet from the warmth of his hand.

"Yes," I answer quietly, slightly embarrassed. I'm sore as hell but I don't want my inexperience to disappoint him. "A little."

"I'm sorry I used you like that, Little Lamb. You didn't deserve that."

I reach back, stroking the stubble on his face with my fingertips. "You didn't use me, Backdraft. I wanted it and I enjoyed it."

The light is dim making it hard to see his expression, but I think he's grinning.

He leans forward, his lips on the curve of my neck, and whispers, "Let me make it up to you."

My heart races when his hand slides under my pants and his palm grazes my bare skin. My breath catches in my throat as his fingertips glide over my swollen nub. He rolls them in small circles sending a wave of ecstasy through my entire body. I begin to rock back and forth as he slides his fingers into me. He's taking his time, caressing and teasing in deep but gentle strokes. Every nerve in my body is alive and tingling from his touch. My thighs shake from the building pressure, and for a moment, I forget where we are. All I can focus on is the tidal wave washing over me.

"That's it, Little Lamb. Come on my fingers."

My release hits me hard. My core tightens around his fingers. I cry out, a rushed moan ripping from my lips. His fingers continue to pump inside of me as I roll into them, riding my orgasm for as long as I can. I collapse forward onto the steering wheel, gasping for air. He eases his fingers out of me while I catch my breath.

This man has me twisted in knots and I can't figure him out. It's like there's two sides to him. One that is dark and commanding while the other is tender. One who ravishes me like a wild animal and one whose sole focus is on pleasing me. Somehow, they coexist, creating an electrifying and irresistible combination that keeps me wanting more.

"Backdraft?" I ask, being careful to use his road name since his real name, Dax, seems to elicit something dark and primal inside of him.

"Yes, Little Lamb?" His voice rumbles low and gravelly, sending shivers down my spine.

"Why do you call me that?" My heart races as his hand trails down my neck, leaving a trail of heat in its wake.

His fingers tangle in the long strands of my hair, pulling it back to expose my vulnerable neck. "Because you appear innocent and sweet on the surface, but when pushed into a corner, you're fierce."

With a predatory smile, he shifts me off his lap onto the seat next to him. "We're in for a long night. Get some sleep."

I try to resist, but my eyes are heavy, and my mind is hazy from the mind-blowing orgasms. Giving in to exhaustion, I rest my head on his lap. I succumb to the peaceful rhythm of his breathing, feeling completely content, and fall asleep.