“That’s not the point. You believed there was a bomb on my bike that could kill me, and yet you… You sacrificed yourself. For me. For me,” I emphasize again. I’m still trying to comprehend why someone so radiant, kind, and beautiful would offer their life for mine. “Promise me you’ll never put yourself in danger like that.”
Mika tilts her head up, and I look down at her, our noses brushing. “You can’t ask me to do something that you wouldn’t do. I know you’d choose to save me every time. You’re worthy of saving, too.”
I pressed my lips to her forehead, nose, and the corner of her mouth. “We saved each other,” I whisper. “Now let’s get home.”
Mika nods, the last of her strength leaving her. I get her loaded on my bike, taking the ride extra slow so as not to jostle her too much in her weakened state. It’s never felt so good to be on my way home with my woman on the back of my bike.
9
MIKA
By the time we get back home, Shadow is half-carrying my trembling body inside. I’m cold and clammy all over, but still sweaty enough for dirt to stick to my skin. I’m itchy, sore, and covered in filth.
“Let’s get you in a shower, okay?” Shadow whispers, guiding me through the house and into the bathroom. “Jesus, I’m so sorry I let this happen.” He sounds disappointed and frustrated with himself.
I bring my hands up to either side of his face, cupping his cheeks and forcing him to make eye contact with me. “This isn’t your fault,” I tell him with a scratchy voice. “I stepped outside for some fresh air, and I guess Grant and Heath were staking out the place. If I had stayed inside–”
“No way are you taking on any blame or guilt in this situation,” he tells me, a stern edge to his voice. “Life has been so unkind and unfair to you, baby girl.” Shadow turns his head, kissing the palm of my hand. I drop them to his chest, leaning into everything this man is offering. “From this day forward, you’ll know only happiness and love.”
If I had any tears left, I’d cry at his sweet words.
“Come on,” he whispers. “You’ll feel better after a shower.”
“Only if you join me,” I blurt out. “I don’t want to be away from you,” I admit, feeling pathetic.
“I’ll never leave your side again,” he vows.
“I… I want to be connected with you again. I want to feel loved.”
Shadow’s blue eyes soften, and for the first time, I see how exhausted and anxious he is. “You are loved, Mika. I will remind you in every single way how precious and wanted you are.”
“I love you, Shadow. I love how fiercely you protect me and how loyal you are to your MC. I love that you have this gritty outer shell with a soft spot for me. And special editions of Lord of the Rings.” I grin at him, and Shadow returns it. I swear I see tears in his eyes.
“I love you so damn much, Mika. My beautiful, sweet girl.” Shadow rubs his nose against mine again, giving my lips the barest hint of a kiss before turning on the shower.
When it’s hot enough, Shadow slowly undresses me, like I’m a rare treasure. He helps me into the shower once we're both naked and positions me in the middle of the stream.
I close my eyes and let the hot water trickle over my skin. I can't help the sigh that escapes my lips. “That feels nice.”
“I think we can do better than nice,” Shadow murmurs. I open my eyes and see him standing right in front of me, his normally blue eyes a stormy gray.
His fingertips follow the streams of water as they pour over my shoulders, breasts, torso, hips, and finally my throbbing pussy. I moan as his knuckles barely graze my mound before continuing down my inner thighs.
“How do you want me, Mika? Slow and gentle? Passionate and claiming? I’ll be whatever you need right now.”
I nibble on my bottom lip, considering his question. Both options have me rubbing my thighs together in anticipation. “Claim me, Shadow. Remind me who I belong to.”
Shadow wraps his free hand around the back of my neck, pulling me in for a punishing kiss. I open up for him, needing to taste and touch and feel him everywhere. He tugs my hair, pulling my head back so he can deepen the kiss. Two fingers dip into my slit and start circling my little bundle of nerves in slow, steady strokes.
I grip his biceps, digging my nails in as one finger pushes into my entrance, then two. Shadow thrusts his large digits in and out of me, slowly at first, and then faster, faster, faster, grinding his heel down on my clit all while devouring my lips.
Breaking the kiss, I bury my face between his neck and shoulders as I cry out. I’m right there, so close to my much-needed release. He keeps pumping his fingers, twisting and curling them up to rub against my G-spot. Again, again, one more time…
Suddenly, his hand is gone. I nearly fall over at the loss of him, but I regain my composure and glare right at his stupidly handsome face. Shadow just grins, which makes my pussy clench.
“Not yet, baby girl. Patience.”
With that, he spins me around, my back to his front, and starts massaging me everywhere. His large, calloused hands squeeze my breasts, hips, and soft, round belly that I’ve always been a little self-conscious of. Shadow has made it clear that he loves every inch of me.
