He doesn’t need to be told twice. He thrusts in slowly at first, then picks up speed. He leans down and kisses my back, pounding into me relentlessly. Each thrust draws a moan from my lips.
My fingers tighten around the shelf, knuckles turning white. Books tumble to the floor on either side of me.
I scream as another orgasm washes over me, more intense than any before. My vision whites out as pleasure consumes me.
Ryder doesn’t stop, his movements becoming almost feral. “Oh God,” he groans, his hips stuttering as he comes, filling me once more.
We stand for a moment, both panting heavily. He pulls out, and I wince at the loss.
I straighten, standing on shaky legs, feeling thoroughly used in the best way possible. Wetness trickles down my inner thighs. “I need a shower,” I mumble.
Ryder’s lips curl into a half-smile. “Not yet.”
My eyes widen.
“Remember what I promised you?” he says in a low tone. “You’re going to beg me to stop making you come.” He grasps my thighs and lifts me as if I’m nothing but air and not a full-grown woman. “And I don’t think we’ve reached that point yet.”
Thirty-Nine
CORA
Iturn to Liam, seated to my left. “Pass the potatoes, please.”
Ryder squeezes my thigh under the table. I flash him a smile. I invited everyone here to start a new tradition. No more ten-course meals at the estate, stuffed into suits and evening gowns. Just a homey dinner for the Valeur siblings. No pretense. Only comfort food and fun.
I shift in my seat, a guilty smile playing on my lips. “Actually, I can’t take credit for this.”
Liam pauses, his fork halfway to his mouth. “What do you mean?”
I glance at Ryder, who’s suddenly very interested in his plate. “Ryder cooked everything.”
The table falls silent for a moment before erupting in a chorus of surprised exclamations.
“Ryder?” Lucas raises an eyebrow, studying my formerbodyguard turned boyfriend with newfound interest. “I didn’t realize bodyguards came with culinary skills these days.”
Ryder’s cheeks flush. “It’s just a hobby,” he mumbles, clearly uncomfortable with the attention.
I lean toward Liam, my eyes gleaming. “So, Liammy, I have the perfect girl for you.”
Liam’s fork freezes halfway to his mouth, a piece of steak dangling. “No,” he says, lowering the utensil.
“But you haven’t even heard who it is yet.” I protest, jutting out my lower lip.
“I don’t need to,” Liam retorts, reaching for his wineglass. “The last time you tried to set me up, I ended up on a date with a woman who believed the earth was flat and tried to recruit me into her ‘truth-seeking’ cult.”
Sloane snorts into her drink, and Lucas grins.
I wave my hand. “That was one time. Besides, Melissa is different. She’s smart, successful, and sane.”
Liam raises an eyebrow. “Sane? High praise indeed. What’s the catch?”
“No catch,” I insist, my fingers drumming on the table. “She’s a neurosurgeon. Brilliant, funny, and she volunteers at animal shelters in her spare time.”
“Sounds too good to be true,” Logan mutters, earning a sharp elbow from Sloane.
Liam narrows his eyes. “If she’s so perfect, why is she single?”
I shift in my seat. “Well...she might have a tiny quirk or two.”
