Parting her knees wide, she coaxes me to step in between them. Easiest thing to do. Once I’m where she wants me, she grows hesitant. Reaching for my cut, she pushes past the flaps to touch me directly. Growing bolder, her fingers curl around my sides.
“I’ve always wanted to do this.” Staring at my shirt, her smile grows softer. “You won’t believe how many times.”
Now I’m feeling foolish for waiting for something dangerous to come our way to learn this sweet woman has wanted me.
“I feel…” She pauses as she searches for her words. “You’re at the top, Judge. Are you really sure—”
Before she can finish her question, I dip down to kiss her. Refusing to let her even think I would want anyone else in my life, I’m careful, licking into her mouth to get a good taste of her. There’s nothing more delicious than swallowing down her sweet sighs as she melts instantly.
The careful licks become a hungry stroke of my tongue against hers. A shiver runs through her, a fine tremor that I feel everywhere we’re pressed together.
I explore the silken heat of her, tasting the unique flavor that is hers alone—the underlying sweetness of her, a taste I’m already addicted to. She makes another small, breathy sound, and I swallow that, too, drinking her down like a man dying of thirst.
She is melting, softening against me, her weight sinking into my chest until I’m all that’s holding her up. The surrender is absolute, and it makes my blood run hot.
Pouring every ounce of my focus into this single point of contact—the softness of her lips, the heat of her mouth, the little gasps she gives me, I briefly pull back only to surge in again.
The only thing stopping me from completely forgetting there’s an audience surrounding us is Pen’s need for oxygen. She’s not used to this; she’s not breathing like she’s supposed to.
That’s something we can work on through practice.
Parting ways, she blinks a few times before staring up at me with those wide eyes of hers. “Judge…”
There are a few whistles in the background, but I don’t pay any mind. Not while Penelope is blushing so pretty against my thumbs.
“I’m going to come back.” Promising her firmly, I frown at the idea of there being any other options. “I won’t let them kill me. When I come back… you’re mine, alright?”
She inhales sharply as she fully understands what I’m telling her. Nodding her head, her hold on my body tightens. “I’m really going to be the president’s old lady?”
Nodding my head, my mouth curves upward on its own. “That’ll be the start of it. We’ll talk about titles when I get back.”
I’ll give her a cut that lets everyone know that she’s mine. I’ll find her a ring she can wear, too. Then, once the dust settles, I’ll give her my last name.
Her eyes shine in excitement at my words. Too happy, she slides her hands up my chest and reaches for my face so she can pull me down for one more kiss.
I’m going to need as many as I can get to survive our time apart.
* * *
Everyone is here, ready to go. Brisk goodbyes are exchanged.
There’s no denying the nerves lingering in the air. We haven’t needed so many people gathered together in a long time.
With Hammer’s help, we’ve split the ammunition as best as we can. There’s only hope that it’ll be enough. There’s only so much preparation that can happen in such little time.
Even with Trouble’s reassurance, it’s hard not to have my doubts.
It’s hard to worry about everything with Pen keeping my attention. She’s sending me off with soft words of reassurance. By herself, she’s got enough confidence to share between us.
I don’t think I could’ve found a more perfect woman.
Pressing a kiss to her forehead, I linger long enough to breathe in her shampoo. Such a sweet scent. Pulling back, I’m relieved emotions aren’t welling up in her eyes like most of the others giving their goodbyes.
If Pen cries, I won’t want to leave.
“Come back in one piece.” Her mouth pinches in a firm line as she meets my gaze. “You have to.”
“I will.” Promising her softly, the words carry more confidence than I expect. This woman isn’t aware of the kind of strength she gives me.
