London glances back at me with a wild-eyed look in her eyes.
It makes me want her that much more.
The feeling grows as I bend her over and thrust into her from behind.
I ease in and out at a slow, even pace, but soon London’s whimpers unleash the last of my control. I dig my nails into her hips, and press the other into the small of her back. Then, I change my pace, slamming into her in a frenzy.
It’s still not enough to drive away the fact that I almost lost her.
London continues to chant my name, a plea and prayer on her lips as I drive into her.
She meets each thrust with a buck until I lose all sense of time and space.
Too soon, the release within me reaches a boiling point, and I throw my head back to shout. Pleasure rips through me as my body jerks, and spots dance in my field of vision. The tightness in my chest unfurls. As I come down, I realize the hot water is still cascading around us, and London is looking at me.
Her eyes are soft and unflinching.
She reaches for the bar of soap and runs it over my glistening skin.
Once she’s done cleaning me, I return the favor, paying attention to every curve and dip of her body until she’s shivering again. I switch off the water and scoop her into my arms. Water drips on the floor and forms a path into the room where I set her down on the dresser chair. Then I dart back into the bathroom and return with a towel.
I bundle her into it, and she reaches for my hand to pull me into bed.
She throws a leg over me and snuggles into my side.
I press a kiss to the side of her head and exhale. “I won’t fail you again, London.”
I can’t meet her eyes. “You haven’t failed me, Mason. I’m fine.”
I squeeze her shoulders and press another kiss to her temple. Slowly, I swing my legs over the side of the bed and walk back into the bathroom. After towel drying myself, I see London in the doorway, the towel secured around her chest, and her eyes worried.
When I’m dressed, I spin around to face her. “I have to take care of a few things.”
London nods. “I figured.”
I cross over to her and whip off her towel. “I won’t be gone long. I’ll have someone bring you some food and water. Katia will be nearby if you need her.”
“I’m fine,” London repeats with a sigh. “We’re fine.”
My throat closes as she kisses my cheek. I smile before forcing myself to walk away. Carlisle is waiting for me in the hallway. I glance at Katia, whose arm and thigh are bandaged. Carlisle matches his pace to mine, and at the bottom of the stairs, we stop in front of my father.
His sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, and he’s got blood on his knuckles. “How nice of you to join us.”
“I had some matters to take care of,” I reply, stepping past him. “The damage has been contained, and we didn’t lose a lot of men.”
“You’re missing the point.” Jack matches his pace to mine as we make a beeline for the basement. “They shouldn’t have been able to break in to begin with.”
I wheel around to face him and clench my hands into fists. “I’m using the same security company you did.”
Jack snorts. “It takes a lot more than a security company to make sure the estate is a fortress. You should’ve had more men stationed here, not out trying to put out fires.”
I narrow my eyes. “Fires that will turn much worse if we don’t nip this in the bud.”
Jack’s expression darkens. “I warned you this would happen. You’ve let your guard down, and our enemies are going to be gloating.”
“We’re still here, and they aren’t.”
“Have I taught you nothing?” Jack is exasperated. “It’s not about the last person standing.”
