And forgot he had her hand.
She jerked to a stop and let out a low snarl.
He fell into step beside her. “I say this time around, any time we wanna fight, we do it naked.”
She snorted. Though she’d never admit it out loud, if they fought naked, she’d lose. “Sounds like a good way for you to be seriously damaged, McDougall.”
He paused. “Good point.”
She laughed, catching herself off guard with the sound. When was the last time she’d laughed? She pondered the question as they climbed into his truck and drove the block to the apartment building. In the parking lot, she paused to look at him. “We both know you’re done creating strategy. What’s next for you?”
He blinked and stepped out of the truck, crossing to open her door. With a gentleness only a big man could show, he helped her from the vehicle. “You and I will make a decision as to our future. Afterward.” His hand at the small of her back felt both familiar and new as he propelled her toward the door. At the entrance, he swept her up.
She yelped and grabbed his chest. “What are you doing?”
He grinned and carried her through the entryway and up the flights of stairs to his apartment door. “Figured we’d do it right.”
Her heart hummed in her chest as he crossed his threshold and finally set her down inside. “You said we’d discuss your careerafterward? After what?”
He kicked shut the door. “After we consummate the marriage. We wouldn’t want an easy out, now would we?”
The breath caught in her throat, and she took a step back. “Ah—”
“Ah, what?” he asked, crossing his arms.
She blinked, desire weakening her knees. He wanted toconsummate. Her nipples hardened instantly. Man. She had it bad. “We should talk now.”
He stared down at her, not blinking, obviously contemplating. Heartbeats later, only a twitch of his jaw showed he’d reached a decision. “Nope.” Faster than a man his size should be able to move, he ducked, and she found herself over his shoulder. Air blew through her hair when he stood, and the blood rushed to her head.
She smacked him as hard as she could on the ass.
His smack beat hers, hands down. Pain rippled through her butt, followed by instant heat. “Damn it, Deke,” she muttered. She caught a glimpse of the sofa, a doorway, and then a bed before he flipped her back over in the bathroom. He used one hand to steady her shoulder and the other to reach in and turn the shower knob.
She tried to clear her mind. “You want to consummate in the shower?”
“Aye.” He tugged her shirt over her head along with her bra. “We’ve been at the CDC all day, and I want warmth and woman. I can get both in the shower.” He unbuckled her jeans and shoved her clothes down her legs.
Her mind spinning, she kicked out of the jeans and her sneakers, leaving her completely nude. She swallowed.
He lifted an eyebrow in a silent command.
Oh. Well, okay then. Her hands trembled as she unhooked his belt and jeans to push them down his legs, revealing a fully erect cock. Her body sizzled with hunger at the sight. He helped her by toeing off his boots and kicking everything across the room. “Shirt,” he said.
She thought about defying him, but then she’d be without the sight of his impressive chest. He had to duck to help her, but soon he stood nude.
A soft sigh breathed out of her. He was strong and scarred, with hard ridges of muscle down his arms and across his chest. She flattened her hand over his heart. “You’re beautiful,” she whispered.
He grasped her and kissed her in a combined move of strength and gentleness. Lifting her, he walked into the shower, setting her shoulders against the dark tile, protecting her from the spray with his body. Holding her aloft, he leaned back. “I wanna be married to you again, Nora. Truth be told, I’ve never felt without you.”
Such sweetness from such a dangerous man ambushed her every time. She ran her hands through his wet hair. Life had changed, and things were going to get worse. One or both of them could be gone in a week if the bacteria continued to spread. She couldn’t hold back any longer. “I’ve missed you.”
His eyes darkened, and he pressed between her legs, slowly pushing all the way inside. The second he filled her, it felt like coming home. Finally. She swallowed and leaned forward to drop a kiss above his heart, her entire body vibrating.
His chest hitched, and his fingers tangled through her hair, drawing her head to the side. “You’re willing to give us another chance? A real one?” he asked.
She looked into his eyes, absorbing the different colors of green, noting the question in them. Had she ever felt separated from him? Really? Probably not, and life was too short to miss out on Deacan. He was difficult and deadly, but he was hers. “Yes,” she breathed.
At her acquiescence, a lump of pain he’d become accustomed to having in his gut disappeared. Gone for good.
