“I don’t need help, but I’ll take it.”
“Good.” He sat back, sliding one arm across the back of the couch, looking like a damn king.
I closed my eyes and instantly saw that bloody bed, the hand mark on the wall. “They died as a message to me.” I opened my eyes. “I…hate that.” Spinning, I strode to the windows and stared blindly out at the lights below.
I didn’t hear him, but suddenly he was behind me. He wrapped his arms around me.
“No.” I tried to push him away. I didn’t want comfort. I didn’t deserve it.
“Easy, Lark. This isn’t your fault. Put the blame on him.”
I wriggled halfheartedly, trying to get free. He was warm and strong and bigger than me, and a part of me wanted him to hold me.
Danger, danger. My brain screeched the words. I pushed him back. He barely moved, his dark eyes on me.
“You want to fight?” he asked quietly. “Will that make you feel better?”
I slammed my hands against his chest. “Maybe nothing will make me feel better.”
He focused on me. “I’ll make you feel better.”
“You can’t just decide that.”
He grabbed for me, and I dodged. He advanced and I circled the coffee table. Adrenaline hit my bloodstream.
“Yes, I can.” Confidence rang in his voice.
I sprinted for the kitchen, but of course he was faster.
He grabbed me and lifted me off my feet. I jerked and writhed, but his hold just tightened. I felt a tug in my side, but ignored it.
I met his gaze and the heat inside me morphed into something different. Reaching up, I cupped the back of his head and slammed my mouth on his.
His groan was music to my ears.
The kiss was wild, aggressive. I bit his bottom lip, rubbing my body against his. His hands cupped my ass, squeezed. The next thing I knew, my back was hitting the couch, and his powerful body was on top of me.
“Fuck, your wound—” He lifted some of his weight off me.
I clung to him. “I barely even feel it.” I bit his lip again.
The kiss deepened, and I slid my hands into his thick hair. I needed more.
I moved my mouth to his neck, feeling the strong thud of his pulse.Yes. I licked his skin, then I sank my teeth in.
He let out a long groan, his hands clamping on me. Then his hands were tearing at my leggings and ripping them off.
He groaned. “No panties.”
“I’m not really a panties fan.”
This time I got a growl. “Tell me what you want, Lark.”
A small, needy sound escaped me. “Your mouth on me again.”
He smiled. “You liked me licking your pretty pussy?” His hands were between my thighs and stroking me. “You liked me sucking your clit?”
“Yes!” I lifted my hips, riding his hand.
