He threw both my legs over his shoulders and fucked me like he’d never get another chance.
And despite how good he felt taking me with such delicious brutality, I couldn’t get out of my head. Couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.
His thumb was on my clit, drawing circles and putting pressure until he brought me back to the moment, his name on my lips, as I felt myself climbing toward another orgasm. He pinched me between his fingers, and it was all it took. Derek came shortly after, fingers digging into my thighs as he grunted and groaned loudly until every drop was spent.
After several moments, he pulled me into a sitting position and stood between my legs. I wiped away the sweat dotting his forehead and held his face, forcing our eyes to meet.
“Talk to me,” I pleaded. “Are you okay?”
Derek nodded and kissed my hairline, lingering over my skin.
“Everything is going to be fine,” he finally said. “I promise.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“I fought with Ronan. It’s nothing to worry about.”
“You’re sure?” I asked, placing a short kiss on his lips.
His arms wound around me tighter. I’d never felt more loved, more protected than I did at that moment. Whatever was troubling him, we’d get through it together. That’s when I realized there wasn’t anywhere else I wanted to be than in his arms, like this, for always.
“Derek.” My voice was hushed as I caressed his cheek, and he put his hand over mine, kissing my palm as he waited to hear what I had to say. “I think… I think I love you.”
Derek’s eyes darkened, and he squeezed my hand against his face. “Eva…”
“You don’t have to say it back. That’s not what I expect. I just felt like you needed to know.”
I’d be lying if I said his silence hadn’t stung. At the same time, I didn’t expect him to reciprocate. I’d hoped he would, but I knew, despite his silence, he cared. The way he held me, made love to me, the things he said. This couldn’t just be one-sided.
He leaned in and kissed the tip of my nose, forehead, and lips. Even though I didn’t have his words, I had his affection, his love. For now, it would do.
“Have you eaten?” he asked, and I nodded. “Good, because I want to show you what you mean to me. And I want to take my time.”
The pit of my stomach ignited with anticipation, and I bit down on my lip. “Show me,” I urged before running my tongue along the seam of his perfect mouth.
Mine.
He was mine.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-NINE
EVANGELINA
Ipicked up Derek’s note, having lost count of the times I’d read it. He hadn’t called or sent a text. He’d left a handwritten note. It was his thing. His writing was shit, like a typical man, but it was the principle. I’d committed every word to memory, especially his parting phrase.
Make sure you’re naked and wet for me, angel. I’ll be home soon.
Love,
Derek
Love.
It wasn’t just a standard phrase. He wouldn’t have written it had he not meant the sentiment behind it.
My face hurt from the obscene amount of smiling I’d been doing since arriving home. Initially, I was disappointed he wasn’t here. I missed him. Wanted him. We’d burned the sheets well into the morning hours last night, rutting like damn animals. It was primal. Passionate. Derek didn’t need to say those three words. He showed me his heart with every kiss and caress and the endless times my name danced off his tongue as he came inside me.
I unclipped my badge and gun and set them on the dresser, swooning like a schoolgirl as heat crept up my neck.
