Chapter 18

I couldn't tear my eyes away from her. The first golden rays of sunlight spilled through the window, turning Lily's auburn strands to fire where they cascaded over my arm.

For the past hour I'd lain here, just watching her, not wanting to miss a single moment. An emotion I couldn't describe flickered through my heart.

It was a strange waking up next to a woman. I'd never spent the night with any former lovers, never had any desire to spend any real amount of time with them. I'd been content to keep them at arm's length, seeking and giving pleasure before returning to my work. I'd been more than happy to keep my affairs short, never going to the same woman more than once. Never before had I allowed anyone to get too close—until Lily.

But lying here next to her felt good. It felt... right. My body curled around hers, my erection fitted between the lush cheeks of her bottom, my forearm pillowed between her breasts. Her body was soft and warm, and she exuded a tranquility that put me at ease. I never wanted to leave the little cocoon of contentment we'd created.

Most amazingly, I'd managed to sleep. She'd nestled close, and I'd fallen into a deep sleep with her by my side, resting well for the first time in weeks. Ever since my time in captivity, I hadn't been able to sleep for more than a few minutes at a time. I was always alert, grabbing snatches of sleep only when necessary.

She shifted slightly, unconsciously burrowing closer to me in her sleep. Just a few months ago, I would have shied away from the physical contact. Now, I wrapped my arm around her and pulled her even closer.

I knew it was a bad idea, yet I couldn't stop myself. I wanted to soak up every single second with her that I could. I would need these moments to sustain me for the rest of my life. I'd told her this would only be temporary, and I'd never regretted it more.

It was shitty timing, because I was beginning to realize that there was more to sex than the instant gratification. A woman like Lily invited a myriad of previously undiscovered emotions. Women were a complication, a hindrance. They always wanted more—more attention, more tokens of affection, more of me than I was willing to give.

I shouldn't have allowed this to happen. I definitely couldn't allow her to get any closer than she already had. I was already far too invested, though I supposed I owed her for saving my life.

A grimace pulled at my mouth, and I recognized the lie as soon as it crossed my mind. I hadn't slept with her just because she'd saved me. I wanted her more than anything—still did, if the way my cock swelled was any indication. I knew it wasn't smart to have sex with her again. But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to it.

I'd had dozens of affairs; this would be no different. We were two people seeking comfort in one another's arms for as long as it could last. Once this thing between us ran its course, Lily and I would go our separate ways.

A niggle of unease slithered down my spine, and I shoved it away. I wasn't going to overthink things. Right now, I had a beautiful woman in my arms, and I was going to enjoy the hell out of it.

I kissed the nape of her neck, drawing her sweet scent into my nostrils. She shifted and let out a sleepy little sound before burrowing back into me. A smile tugged at my mouth as I kissed my way over her shoulder. Her bottom wiggled against my groin, and fire raced through my veins.

My arousal swelled, pressing against her, and a soft moan escaped Lily's lips. I cupped her breast, and she arched into me, pushing the full globe into my palm. I dropped kisses along her shoulder, then up her neck, and she shivered, goosebumps sprouting along her skin. I kissed the shell of her ear before lightly biting down.

"Mmm…" She stretched languidly against me. "Good morning."

"Almost." I traced her nipple, reveling in the way it peaked and hardened immediately.

"Think you're going to get lucky again?" Lily turned in my arms, a teasing smile pulling at the corners of her lips. "Maybe I haven't forgiven you for yesterday."

I coasted my hand over the curve of her hip, then cupped her bottom. "Even more reason to let me continue."

"It's too early." She yawned, ducking her head to cover the motion.

I pulled her close and kissed her forehead, then rested my cheek against the top of her head. I didn't want to break the mood, but I couldn't put off our conversation any longer. "I want to go back to your house today."

She tipped her head up to meet my gaze, her expression intent. "I thought you said nothing happened last night."

"It didn't. No one showed; that's why I want to go back again today." I hesitated. "Alone."

Her brows drew together. "What about my shop? I can't just not go to work. I was already out yesterday."

"Do you have any deliveries scheduled for today?"

"Not at the moment," she replied, "but that could change at any time."

I thought about it for a second. "Everyone in town knows about the event here, right?"

She lifted one shoulder. "Most of them, probably. Why?"

"What if I put a sign on the door telling them you're here?"

Her mouth parted to speak, but I continued before she had the chance. "If someone contacts you, I can always come get you and take you to the shop."

She worried her bottom lip. "I don't know…"

I sifted one hand through her hair. "I'd like you to lie low, just for one more day. Let me make sure it's safe. That way…"

I abruptly cut off, not wanting to think about the fact that I would be leaving soon. "If those men are in town, I want to make sure you're far away."

"I still think we should talk to the sheriff."

"I don't want to drag anyone else into this until I'm certain. But if it is them, I'll call the sheriff myself and explain everything."

She didn't look appeased, but she nodded slowly. "All right."

I stroked her cheek with my thumb. "Everything will be fine. I promise. "

I stared at her, still marveling over the fact that this woman actually cared about my wellbeing. Something shifted in my chest, and heat swept over me. I couldn't bear to leave her just yet without touching her again.

My erection jumped to attention, and I pushed her to her back, then settled between her thighs. I pressed the head to her entrance, then froze. Her breathing changed, coming faster and harder, and her cheeks flushed pink with excitement.

I loved that look on her. Part of me wanted to prolong it, to break down every single reaction frame by frame so I could fully enjoy the way I turned her on.

Her teeth cut into her bottom lip as she lifted her hips, eager to feel me inside her. God, I loved how responsive she was. I held on to that feeling, reveling in it for a moment before thrusting deep.

A soft mewl of pleasure broke free, kicking my pulse into overdrive. Unable to hold back, I plunged into her over and over, hard and relentless, and a stifled scream ripped from her throat as she shattered in my arms.

Her silky flesh constricted around me, heightening the sensation, and I gritted my teeth as heat swept up my back and shoulders. I rammed deep twice more, then dropped my head against her shoulder as I pulled free and spilled my seed over her stomach.

Forcing my muscles to cooperate, I lifted my head and kissed her one last time, demanding and possessive.

As long as I lived, she would always be mine.