I’ve learned a lot about Declan since we’ve been married.
He’s as honest a man as I’ve ever met.
He works as hard at his job as I do at mine.
And when he’s turned on, his accent gets stronger.
My stomach does backflips as I rest my chin on his shoulder and say into his ear, “We’re on the same page, then.”
He pulls back and looks at me. “Mia, the thing is, to continue what we started last night…it could be dangerous. Because when our year is up…”
I grit my teeth and force my head to nod in response.
Yes, when our year is up, Declan will become my ex-husband.
Because staying in a marriage that was organized by his agent and my uncle isn’t the kind of marriage that lasts.
“Sex without strings,” I force out. “I guess that’s the only safe option.”
Something that looks like sadness passes behind Declan’s steady gray gaze. “When I found out that I needed to marry in order to get what I wanted in my career, I thought I’d be singularly focused on that goal. Like I always am when it comes to hockey.”
“But…” I say, hating the hope that’s crept into my voice.
“But right now, all I want is you.”
Within seconds, the painting is safely on the coffee table and Declan’s tugged me onto his lap.
I shift so my knees are on either side of his thighs, and our mouths crash into one another’s.
My shirt is off within seconds, and my bra follows. Declan dips his head and takes one of my nipples fully into his mouth.
He swirls his tongue around the tight bud, and I clutch at his hair like a lifeline.
Then, I reach down to his shirt. I unbutton each button until I can run my fingers across his smooth, solid chest and muscled abs. And then, I keep going until I’ve unbuckled his belt and unzipped his jeans.
I carefully pull out his thick erection and run my hand down the length.
Declan groans. “Mia, Christ. That feels so good, darling.” He lifts me up so he can take off my jeans and panties.
Once I’m bare to him, he says in a raspy tone, “Let’s finish what we started this morning. Ride me, Mia.”
I grip his length in my hand and scoot higher until I’ve got the angle right. “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”
His eyes flash with heat. “I’ve been ready all day for this. You control everything. The pace, the depth, all of it.”
I stroke him a few times with my hand before guiding him inside me. I take him in slowly until I sink down onto him fully.
Declan’s eyes are on me. “Feels fucking amazing.”
“Put your hands behind your head,” I say when he reaches for me.
“Mia…” he says in a warning tone.
I lean forward and kiss him. “Let me do this for you,” I say. “You always have to worry about maintaining control so you can be focused and precise and perfect. You can’t let anyone down, ever, on the ice or off of it. Let me take over for a few minutes. Your only job is to feel.”
His eyes widen, and I catch the hint of fear. “Feel?”
“Yep. Let go completely.”
