Chapter 20

CHAPTER 20

R aphaella

And the thunder rolled.

I hated storms. I always had and there was no reason why other than they reminded me there were malevolent forces on this earth. I'd always anticipated they'd eventually get me. I just hadn't realized it would be this way.

The storm was even more electric than before, which I didn't think was possible. I'd rolled over, staring out the open blinds. I hadn't wanted to close them earlier, maybe because I'd felt claustrophobic. The entire day was little more than a blur, but the gunshots continued to echo in my mind.

Pop! Pop! Pop!

And the screams. Even now, the moment another rumble of thunder sounded off in the distance, I was forced to cover my ears. I'd been shocked, at first by the horrific accusations being made. Then as chaos had erupted, the fact Aleksander hadn't hesitated to dive over me, knocking me to the concrete continued to weigh heavily on my mind. He'd saved my life. There was no doubt about that.

I could barely remember anything after he'd gently shoved me into the car, forcing me to slump down as he got the hell out of there. I do remember him driving like a maniac, narrowly avoiding hitting a solid dozen people. The only saving grace had been the entire group had panicked, rushing away from the scene.

I'd heard him making several phone calls, his rage increasing with every passing second, but by then the echoes had started, my mind doing its best to shut down. His world was much more dangerous than mine. I knew he'd said that I was now a target, but the shooter hadn't wanted me. Right? Jasmine. Had she known? Oh, I couldn't keep doing this.

A flash of lightning forced me to close my eyes. Tonight, the storm was also ravaging my soul. I pulled the covers up higher, my fuzzy memory being that he'd contacted a doctor of some kind to check me out. Other than bumps and bruises, I'd been labeled okay.

They had no idea how emotionally distraught I was.

That troubled me as well. I was much stronger than this. Perhaps I'd just been taking the entire situation as a game more than I should have. Someone was out to get him, or me, or us. Us. It was so amazing to think a couple of days ago I hated the man with all I had. Now we were…

Getting married.

Crack!

The blue light tumbling across the horizon was electrifying but I was more terrified than before. I realized only a few seconds later I was shaking like a leaf, beads of perspiration trickling down my face. The sheets were damp from me sweating. I was a basket case. More thunder rolled in the distance, the vibrations skittering through me.

Yet even with the fear coursing through me like white-hot heat, sultry images rolled from one side of my brain to the other. They were filthy yet comforting.

Of him.

I had such a sudden need for him, likely because he'd been my protector. Fighting the hunger, the urge was already difficult. He'd left me alone to get my rest, but I couldn't stand the darkness. I rolled over, gasping for air. It was late, almost three in the morning. Evidently, I'd fallen asleep. I don't know how unless I'd been given a sedative.

Unable to stand the fear any longer, I reached for the light by the bed. After flicking it twice, I realized the power must be out. Was that possible? Didn't he have some huge household generator? I had no idea, but the thought didn't provide any comfort anyway.

Still shaking, I threw back the covers, hesitating before planting my feet on the floor. I was still somewhat disoriented in his house, the darkness making it much worse. When I reached the door, a different kind of fear washed through me. What if something was wrong? The terror was palpable, but I tried to remind myself it was irrational at the same time. I'd had a horrible ordeal only hours before. It was logical I'd feel off kilter. However, I couldn't stand the forever changing shadows and being alone.

I hesitantly opened the door, listening for any sounds.

Including gunshots.

A nervous laugh almost bubbled to the surface. I opened the door wider, realizing everything was quiet. Dead quiet. I didn't like it at all. The powerful man would think I was silly acting like this. He'd shown no signs of fear. A real hero. Sighing, I willed myself to step from my room, making it a few feet down the hallway when it seemed the entire house rumbled. I slammed my back against the wall, trying with everything I had to control my breathing. I wasn't prone to panic attacks but that's exactly what this felt like.

I clung to the wall, sliding down it as if I was stuck in the middle of some wretched nightmare. Maybe that's exactly what this was. There was so much angst inside of me that my stomach was in knots but even worse, my nipples were sore, aching to the point they were pressing uncomfortably against the tee shirt I'd chosen to wear. At least I think I had. Now I wasn't certain of anything.

If it hadn't been for several flashes of lightning, I likely would have fallen on my butt trying to make my way down the hallway to his room.

His room.

My savior.

My boss.

My forbidden.

My fiancé.

Would it ever stop feeling strange?

A few seconds later, I found myself smack in front of his door. It was closed. Was it locked? Was he trying to keep me out? I had to stop being ridiculous. It was very late and we both needed rest, although I doubted I could get any additional sleep. My hand shaking, I tried the doorknob, breathing a slight sigh of relief it was unlocked.

Thankfully, the door didn't creak, but I sensed a room full of electricity even now. I could also gather a whiff of him, his scent so intoxicating I had to stop momentarily. The distinct fragrances of cedar, cigars, smoky wood, and spices continued assaulting my senses. I was lightheaded, although it could be for no other reason than being drained because of the ordeal. I tried to figure out something adequate for why I was here other than I was scared but nothing came to mind.

Another flash of lightning lit up the room in shades of neon blue. It was beautiful yet eerie, my skin still prickling. It couldn't have been more than a few seconds until I sensed he knew someone was invading his privacy. The sound of sheets sliding, a gun being cocked was unmistakable.

"Aleksander," I managed, the whisper hoarse yet full of far too much lust.

"What's wrong? What happened? Are you okay?" His deep, velvety voice sent a shower of tingles through me, my core heated to the point of eruption. He peppered me with questions, another flash outside the window highlighting the fact he'd returned the gun to his nightstand and was padding toward me. He was worried about me. That was endearing.

I hated admitting the way I felt but as with so many things with him, it was impossible to hide anything. "I'm terrified. I can't get warm. I don't feel like myself. It's a nightmare."

He moved so close I could feel the heat of his body leaving his and coursing into mine. Sometimes, I forgot how tall he was, tonight even more so in my bare feet.

"Don't worry. You're safe here. It's just the storm. I don't like them either." Somehow, his heated breath skipped along my jaw, almost immediately crawling down the length of my spine.

"The power is out."

"I know. It happens. That doesn't mean a breach in security."

I tried to keep from shivering, but I'd never felt so cold, so lifeless in my life. All it took was another cracking sound and I lost what was left of my nerve, flinging myself at him without thought of recourse or that he might be trying to put some distance between us.

He stiffened, every muscle in his carved body tensing, and I could feel the raggedness of his beating heart as well as sense the burning need that we'd both experienced since our first shameful meeting.

"The threats. They were real," I said, maybe for no other reason than to try to shove the nightmares away.

His sigh was heavy. "I'm checking out Jasmine and everyone else who might have had a hand in this."

I had a terrible feeling the list was long.

Creeping a little closer, I felt how much he wanted me, his cock thick and hard, throbbing as it pressed into my stomach. I also sensed his concern had manifested itself in trying to keep me at arm's length. So I could heal? So I could come to terms with the fact someone had tried to kill us?

To some, this was considered forbidden but to me, our connection was starting to feel almost normal. Did that shove aside this was still a sin in some worlds? No. It made my hunger burst off the charts.

"I was worried about you," he whispered, gently pulling me away but only by a couple of inches. His head was hung low, our lips coming dangerously close to touching. He was doing everything in his power to hold back. The why didn't matter. That made me want this, him more than before. Maybe it was just as irrational as everything else but I didn't care.

There was only this moment, this beautiful period where everything and everyone else vanished. Just us.

Lust.

Need.

Passion.

"I'm okay. Because you saved me. I'm a little tougher than I look."

His exhalation was so ragged, full of a range of emotions. "Yeah, but you shouldn't need to be. Hell, I almost lost you. Putting you in harm's way like that was such a bad decision."

"Do you know who it was? The shooter?"

"Not yet. He will be hunted down." There was such conviction in his voice along with his intense need.

I had no doubt he'd do everything in his power to make that happen. He was so dominating, more commanding than I'd believed possible. I tilted my head just enough our lips did finally touch.

"I need you," I whispered and it was likely my admittance shocked us both.

He let out another exaggerated sigh, as if he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. He was still holding back, maybe worried he couldn't protect me in his bed. At that moment I couldn't care less.

My lips parted involuntarily, encouraging his tongue to slip inside; he thrust it in, sweeping it back and forth as he took control. Just the way he held me in his arms was entirely different, his protective armor sliding off.

His growl was dominant, so possessive I was shaking for another reason.

As the passion erupted, the world fading away, I wrapped my arms around his neck once again, tangling my fingers in his thick locks as the heat of his body rolled through me like a flow of lava. I couldn't think, couldn't breathe. There was only the feel, the need, the unbridled desire.

He swept his arm under my bottom, lifting me from the floor, walking toward the bed so slowly that I wasn't certain we were moving. After yanking the sheet, he eased me onto my knees. Then he took several deep breaths as he cupped my breasts, still debating what he was doing. This felt dirty yet so right, as if we were meant to be together.

" Mne ochen' povezlo, i yesli kto-nibud' snova popytayetsya prichinit' tebe vred, on umret ot moyey ruki ."

"Please tell me what you said. Please," I begged, the action so unlike me.

"That I am a very lucky man and if anyone ever tries to hurt you again, they will die by my hands."

I believed him. The dangerous words shouldn't thrill me so much, but they did, creating a wave of energy and longing more intense than before.

He ripped off my tee shirt, tossing it aside as if it meant nothing. I wasn't wearing panties and while I should feel completely naked, I was exhilarated. Even the next flash of lightning no longer terrified me.

Because I was with him.

My protector.

Just from the way his expression changed, becoming darker, reeking of all the filthy things he wanted to do to me, I'd never felt so elated, so feminine.

"Sweet Jesus," he whispered, daring to touch me with just the tips of his fingers.

I shifted my hips back and forth, realizing I was doing nothing more than enticing him. I wanted to. I needed to know I was special to him.

Then he shuddered, the husky growl he emitted stirring me to the point of losing control as he drank me in with his eyes. I shifted my gaze, another beautiful flash of neon blue allowing me to see the thick bulge between his legs.

Unable to help myself, I placed my hand on his naked chest, marveling in his muscles the way I had the first time I'd felt them. They were marvelous, creating a need that was more intense than the requirement to breathe.

I dared brush my hand down further, savoring the sounds of his labored breathing as he allowed me to play. It didn't mean I was in control. That would never happen and in truth, that was fine by me.

When I cupped the bulge between his legs, I sensed the beast in him clawing its way to the surface. His chest rose and fell, the flashes of blue light highlighting how flared his nostrils had become.

"What am I going to do with you?" he growled.

"Taste me. Touch me. Fuck me. Use me." The dirty words were easy to say.

"Be careful, my little ideal'nyy yagnenok . You were right in that I'm the big, bad wolf."

"The better to eat me then, but what did you call me?"

"My little perfect lamb."

I almost wondered if he meant for the slaughter before, but now, I knew he rarely used terms of endearment. He hadn't allowed himself to get close to anyone.

He crawled off the bed seconds later, his eyes never leaving mine.

I dragged my tongue across my lips, unable to stop shivering, never blinking as he stripped off his pajama bottoms. There was no way to hold back a gasp at the sight of him, all of him. Of course I'd already known he was gorgeous, the crisp white shirts and tailored suits unable to hide his powerful muscles. Nothing had been able to suppress his gorgeous physique or the hint of tattoos that had drawn my attention from the beginning.

But tonight everything felt different, as if I was seeing him for the first time.

Now, as he stood fully naked, the shimmering light every few seconds accentuated his glorious masculine form, his broad shoulders and sculpted abs.

And I wanted all of him, every inch.

I needed his cock deep inside my quivering pussy.

I needed to feel his massive arms around me, protecting me from both sinners and saints. Once again, he crawled on the bed, taking his time doing so. I sensed he didn't want to rush this when I felt such a sense of urgency.

I wanted to tease him as I'd done before, to remind him that waiting wasn't in his best interest.

As I brushed my fingers down my neck, moving ever so slowly to my breasts, I felt so alive and so very much like a woman. Up until now, I'd been pretending how much I didn't need a man. Now here I was longing for all of him. What did that say about him? Still, I reminded myself I was giving him a gift, whether he knew it or not. But I didn't expect him to be gentle. That wasn't him. He was rough and dark, deliberate and dangerous.

And I wanted all of it.

Just like before.

Just like I would have often when we were married.

When I placed my hand on his chest for a second time, he shuddered audibly, a painful look crossing the shadow of his jaw. The jolt of white-hot heat was already searing the tips of my fingers and I just didn't care. I allowed them to slide down the length of his chest, my breath skipping the second I rolled the tip of my index finger across his sensitive slit.

The deep rumble leaving his throat was another indication of his raging desire, his need to devour me. He cupped my face, pulling me closer, his hold firm and possessive. Then he rubbed his thumb back and forth across my lips, gently at first then with more pressure, increasing the air of possessiveness. I opened my mouth, waiting until he shoved his thumb inside, sucking on the thick digit as I refused to take my eyes off him.

The word sinful continued to come to mind although I wasn't certain why. We were two consulting adults, two people who needed strength and comfort.

Or maybe I was fooling myself and for him, this was all about lust and domination. Still, I didn't care.

As I concentrated on his thumb, I noticed his eyes glazing over, the flash of neon highlighting the carnal look that had replaced one of concern. Our mingled sounds were ripe with passion, the taste of the forbidden fruit more spectacular than I'd imagined.

His chest continued heaving, current rippling through every muscle. I found I was holding my breath once again, caught in a moment of fire and ice. As he dropped his lips to mine, I shivered more violently, barely darting my tongue inside. His mouth was hot and wet, igniting the embers just like I'd known he would.

He gripped my throat, stretching my neck as he rolled his lips back and forth across mine. There was so much emotion that I was frozen in the moment, shivering even though his touch was like a wildfire consuming me. When he captured my mouth again, his actions became unyielding, his needs increasing. I was caught in a lust-filled web and there was no place I'd rather be.

As the kiss exploded, the anticipation of having his cock buried deep inside kept me on edge. There was nothing like the taste of him, or the protected way I felt while being in his arms.

I was lightheaded, the feeling more joyous than I'd thought was possible. Around Aleksander, anything was possible, his words in Russian a powerful aphrodisiac.

The powerful, muscular man rolled his hands down my back, pulling me as close as possible, grinding his hips back and forth. When he tugged on my hair, exposing my neck, several whimpers escaped. The lightheadedness continued, dragging me into the middle of a storm. I trembled with the next round of thunder, shaking even as he wrapped his hot mouth around my taut nipple.

I was immediately thrown by the pleasure, greater than from our intimacy before. It was as if I'd never experienced anything so wicked and wonderful. His guttural sounds flowed through my ears, stirring the darkest reaches of my heart and soul. Just the way the rough pads of his fingers tingled my skin kept me fully aroused. As he shifted to my other nipple, he pinched the first one between his thumb and forefinger, immediate anguish sizzling every nerve ending.

"Oh. Oh…" My body was swaying, even in his firm hold, my mind a blurry mess of images and fantasies, all of which I'd had from the first moment I'd met him. As he sucked on my tender bud, I kept my eyes closed, whimpering more than I had before.

He bit down, pulling the tender tissue between his teeth, the heated breath of his mouth driving me crazy. I struggled to wrap my hand around his cock, finally able to stroke the tip. He tensed almost immediately, then gently eased me to the bed, nestling my head on his pillow.

The way he hovered over me was even more possessive, the darkness unable to hide the way he was looking intently into my eyes. It was as if he was searching my soul, perhaps looking for his own. I pressed both hands on his chest, suddenly uncertain of anything I wanted any longer. The day was the reason why. I was certain of it.

When I involuntarily tried to pull away, he broke the kiss, using the tip of his index finger to pull my face back in his direction. "Just let go, Raphaella. I will keep you safe."

"It's not that."

"Then what is it?"

"It's us. Is this supposed to happen?" Why was I even asking? It honestly didn't matter.

"Maybe not but now, you won't be able to stop me. You belong to me."

"I just…"

He placed his finger across my lips, his chest heaving. "Shush. You're perfect in every way and we need each other."

That was true. I nodded, unable to keep from doing so.

"I would die for you."

Die.

The thought was startling, but his meaning was clear. And I liked it. God help me, I liked it.

The few words sent another rush of excitement into me and the second he nipped my chin, I arched my back, opening my legs as a blatant invitation. He pulled back, his nostrils flaring as he lowered his head, allowing his eyes to trail all the way down to my smooth pussy. As he started to pepper kisses across my shoulder, I twisted back and forth on the sheets. Just the way he was taking his time continuing his exploration, darting his tongue across my skin was driving me crazy. The need only continued to build, pushing the limits of pleasure, guiding me straight into the beginnings of rapture.

When he reached my stomach, I fisted my hands, another wave of embarrassment stifling my breath.

"Relax, baby. I'm going to make you feel so good." The husky tone of his voice was soothing, but when he passed his hand across my naked pussy, I jerked up from the bed, my breathing shallow.

He crawled between my legs, lifting and spreading them wide. There was no rush, no need for me to do anything, just an amazing closeness as he rubbed his hands on my inner thighs. His caress was soft, tingly, and amazing. I closed my eyes as he blew across my wetness, muttering something under his breath that I couldn't understand.

As he gathered my legs into his arms, I bristled, every muscle stiffening. He rolled his thumb around my clit, pressing against it as I struggled to keep quiet. The moment he pinched the already sensitive bud, he sent heart-stopping sensations straight to my pelvis. Then as he slid his tongue around my tender tissue, I was pulled into a beautiful vacuum that I never wanted to leave. Breathless, my mind spinning out of control, I squeezed my hands around the sheet, tugging and pulling as I pointed my toes. "Oh, God. Oh… My God." I tried to keep from laughing out of nervousness.

"Do you like that?"

His voice dripped of continued lust, the gravelly tone sending an array of vibrations to the darkest center of my being. "Yes, God. Yes." My mouth was dry, my pulse racing.

The way he was taking his time left me aching, wanting more.

This was completely unlike before, the connection even stronger. Lights sparked in front of my eyes that had nothing to do with the storm. I was elated, so very alive that no outside source needed to electrify me.

With every growl he emitted, every brush of the rough pads of his fingers, I was pulled into a deep lull. If this was what passion was all about, I'd become insatiable.

He lifted my hips off the bed, burying his tongue inside my tight channel and it was all I could do to keep from screaming. I bit my lower lip, twisting my head back and forth. I'd never had such pleasure and a series of emotions raced through me. I was cold and hot, anxious and floating on air, my mind completely frozen to anything but the utter bliss. I writhed in his hold, spinning out of control as he pushed a single finger inside. I was so tight, so hot and wet that I couldn't seem to stop panting.

He issued another series of guttural sounds as if understanding and appreciating my condition.

He widened my legs, sliding a second then third finger inside. I gasped for air as he plunged his tongue inside, flicking it back and forth.

Oh, dear God. I was going to lose my mind. "I… Yes, um…" The laugh finally came, my vision completely blurred, but I no longer cared. My breathing was all over the place, and I was so close, so close to releasing that stars etched in gold floated in front of my eyes.

As he continued licking, he flexed his fingers open, driving in slow and even thrusts. Within seconds, I was no longer breathing, unable to think, the pleasure was so great. Panting, I arched my back, reaching for him with one hand as the beginnings of an orgasm tickled my toes, shooting up my legs.

"Come for me," he ordered and there was no way to ignore his command.

I wanted to pull back, to keep him waiting but I had a feeling I'd be punished for doing so. The thought was almost too riveting for my own good.

Another jolt of electricity signified I couldn't hold on.

He was whispering words in Russian and I was so aroused, so wet that I was finally letting go. This was what it was like to feel completely free.

"Oh, God. Oh, God. Oh…" As the climax tore through me, I pressed the back of my hand across my mouth. This was what ecstasy had to be. My entire body was like a live wire, crackling in the middle of a storm, my core throbbing.

"Come for me again." His voice rumbled and I had no idea how I possibly could. He seemed to know how to make me even wetter, driving his tongue so deeply inside that there was no chance of being freed from another wave of sheer bliss.

The wave was incredible, the explosion of sensations stealing any sound that I might consider making. I was blinded by the extreme passion, falling into the sweet release that before him I'd only achieved with my fingers. This was entirely different, a freedom that I'd fantasized about, envisioning the perfect man.

And here he was, as if the gods had provided me with a perfect gift.

If only it could last forever.

When I'd stopped shaking, he eased my legs down, brushing the tips of his fingers down the outside of my thigh. I rolled partially over, embarrassed for no other reason than I'd never climaxed in front of anyone before. I took several deep breaths, staring out the window, the sound of twigs peppering against the glass from the storm matching the rapid beating of my heart.

When he straddled me, I slowly lifted my head, darting my eyes back and forth. For some reason, I expected to see disappointment, but there was nothing but an increase in need, the tenseness of his muscles indicating he was no longer capable of controlling his desires. I planted both my palms on his chest, kneading his muscles as his scent filled me, sizzling me.

I was determined to remain covered in his scent, wearing it as if it was the finest dress in the world.

"What do you want, baby?" he bothered to ask. Couldn't he tell? Didn't he sense my irrational need?

"I don't know."

"Don't lie to me. Tell me. Now." His voice dipped dangerously low, so seductive I was quivering to my core.

As he shifted his legs between mine, I held my breath as I'd done so many times before, my pussy muscles clenching and releasing several times in anticipation.

He was so large, his cock fully engorged, and I was fearful that he'd rip me apart. There was something so special about the way he splayed out my hair on his pillow, sliding his fingers through my long strands. As if he wanted this moment to last as long as possible, just like I did. After trailing his fingers down my chest, he lifted a single leg, bending it at the knee then pressing his lips against the inside.

There was such a connection between us, heated and intense, and as I slowly lowered one of my hands, finally wrapping my fingers around his thick shaft, a smile crossed my face. His cock was throbbing, so large that I shuddered all over again just thinking about him sliding it deep inside.

Yet he'd done it before. Why was this different? Letting go? A near death experience?

Did it matter? Honestly, not in the least.

As I started to stroke him, the corners of his mouth were turned up, his eyes narrowing. He allowed me to explore, enjoying teasing him as he'd done with me, relishing the feel of his sex. But as our combined hunger continued to grow, he took full control once again, removing my hand and shifting the tip to my swollen folds. I'd never been so wet, the ache unlike anything I'd felt before.

When the tip was just inside, he placed his forearms on the bed on each side of me, lowering his head until our lips were almost touching. I rolled my hands down his sides, marveling in the feel of his hardness. He never blinked, never allowed his eyes to shift away from me for one second as he slowly pushed inside.

There were a few seconds of pain that were quickly washed away into the most incredible roar of tingling sensations. Panting, I wrapped one leg around his, arching my back, hungering to feel all of him. My muscles stretched, screaming as he filled me completely. The ache was intense, powerful in a way that I couldn't attach words to.

He hesitated, keeping the remaining inches from being driven into my core. I tilted my head, forcing our lips to touch. Then I said the words he wanted me to say without reservation.

"Fuck me long, hard, and rough."

I adored every guttural sound he made, the way he allowed himself to enjoy every moment of this. He was much more experienced than I was, but he didn't seem to care.

The expression on his face was even more carnal than before. He brushed his lips back and forth across mine then did as I asked, thrusting the remainder inside, capturing my mouth to keep my cry exploding into his.

The shiver coursing through me was also different, much more electrified. I wanted this to last forever.

I scratched my nails down his arm, wrapping my fingers around his solid muscle as if I needed to hold on. He was the only stabilizing presence in my life, the only reason I got up every morning. And he was the sole reason I was still breathing.

He was my everything.

"That's it, baby," he muttered. "That's it."

"More. Harder. Faster."

"I told you to be careful what you asked for."

My handsome fiancé grabbed my other leg, yanking it around his hip as he broke the kiss, his heavy breathing floating across my face like a wildfire. As he pulled almost all the way out, I grasped his hips, trying to lift mine. The hunger was too great, fulfilling the need the only thing that mattered.

I loved it when he was rough, his form of letting go. To me, it was as if he was allowing the real man inside to be seen by someone for the first time. For someone considered a playboy, he'd been so closed off.

Another series of stars floated in front of my eyes as the sweet betrayal of our bodies came to fruition. I clung to him, intertwining my legs as he lifted his hips once again, plunging even harder.

My breath turned to slow, soft gasps as he developed a rhythm, plunging in and out, pushing every beautiful boundary. I was driven into a lull, unable to focus as he trailed rough, hungry kisses down my jawline, rubbing his lips across to my ear. His whisper was harsh, telling and a promise of things to come.

"I'm going to fuck you for hours."

If only that could be the truth.

Shuddering in his hold, every plunge became more brutal as his needs intensified, and he lost his ability to maintain control. As my muscles continued to stretch, I knew that without a shadow of a doubt I would never be able to free my mind of wanting him. This wasn't just about being lovers any longer. This was about something much darker, something that could eventually drive us both into hell.

But as before, I didn't care. I was happy. I was insanely happy and while it didn't make any sense, I wasn't certain anything ever would around him.

He was so strong, his hold firmer and more comforting than before.

I shut my eyes, squeezing them to keep from becoming emotional, concentrating on the continued blast of pleasure. As he drove into me hard and fast, the tingling morphed into another climax so shockingly powerful it twisted my stomach, igniting every synapse.

"Yes. Yes…" I lolled my head to the side, gasping for air as the orgasm continued roaring through me, every nerve ending in flames. When he finally pressed the full weight of his body against mine, I let out a slow and scattered sigh. Then he wrenched my arms over my head, holding them captive, kissing me as if his life depended on doing so, hungrily and without reservation. I was taken aback by his aggressiveness, his need to devour every inch of me, but I'd never felt such utter bliss in my life.

I could tell he was just as insatiable. Together, we were explosive.

As he overwhelmed me with his tongue, thrusting it in and out, I realized I'd never felt so wanted or so alive. I struggled in his hold for no other reason than I wasn't used to being treated so possessively, but his kiss continued to ignite the stoked fire deep within.

He lifted his head, holding my gaze as he'd done before, grinding his hips into me as his jaw clenched. His entire body was shaking, and I knew it was only a matter of seconds before he released deep inside, filling me with his seed, fulfilling another beautiful fantasy. I refused to blink, taking in every precious moment and when his hips began to jerk, he thrust even harder, stealing what was left of my breath.

He gasped for air, grunting as he threw back his head. As he erupted deep inside, I had never felt so fulfilled or satisfied in my life.

Seconds later, he pressed his forehead against mine, gasping for air, and I closed my eyes, falling into a dark abyss, a sweet golden haze that I prayed would never end.

My protector.

My lover.

Soon to be my husband.