He froze at her touch, hesitating before he kissed her.
“Is something wrong?”Suzie asked, pulling back a fraction when he lifted his mouth.
“It’s difficult to control myself when my bear is urging me to hustle.He wants the claiming done so he can bask in having a mate,” Niall said dryly.“It’s weird because I want the same thing, but I’d hate to scare you.”
“Niall.”Suzie wrapped her hands around his biceps and smiled.“You’d never hurt me—not physically.I’m sure we’ll have an argument or two in the future, but we’ll settle our differences like adults.I trust you.”She wrinkled her nose.“Besides, my control is a little iffy, too.Maybe we shouldn’t have waited.”
“We did the right thing.I wanted you to be certain, and I figured you’d never go through with the marriage if you didn’t love me.Now that we’re married, we’re stuck together.”
“And I couldn’t be happier.Take off your suit jacket and tie.I don’t want to tear your beautiful clothes.”Her hands trembled as she stepped back.
“Let me get the zipper on your gown.Did I tell you how beautiful you look?My mate.When did I ever get so lucky?”
“You say all the right things,” Suzie murmured, hiding her smile.In the looks department, she was ordinary.She tiptoed into striking if she smiled, but Niall studied her as if she were a priceless jewel.And that, her grandmother had told her in a satisfied tone, was worth everything.She had caught herself a good one.
Suzie had already known that without her grandmother’s approval.
Niall’s fingers were cool against her spine as he tugged down her zipper.She suppressed her shiver of awareness as she turned to him.Their gazes met, and her breathing stalled.
“I love you so much,” she whispered.
“Show me,” he whispered back.His suit jacket and tie flew in different directions, and Suzie chuckled.She let her gown slither to the floor but picked it up and hung her dress before closing the wardrobe door.Her husband stood before her in all his naked glory.
“Nice,” she said with honest appreciation.“Someone looks ready for action.”
“Your lingerie is beautiful.More thought than substance.”
Suzie laughed again.“A present from my grandparents, if you can believe it.”
She went to unhook her bra, but Niall halted her.
“Let me,” he said, his voice hoarse.“Please.”
Suzie blinked at his awe and the open love in his expression.His hands trembled when he placed them on her shoulders, and an answering ripple ran through her stomach.
“I can’t believe I’m so nervous,” she whispered, meeting his gaze.“I mean, we’ve done this before.”
“This time, it’s with commitment and intent.That makes it more significant.”
“When did you get so wise?”she teased.
“Angus tells me I’m old before my time.”
“He wouldn’t say that if he’d seen you this week.You’re not old, Niall.You’re mature and thoughtful.”She grinned on noticing the hint of red on his cheeks.
“Enough talk.”With a flick of his fingers, her bra released.He whisked down her panties before taking her hand and leading her to the bed.Instead of scooping her off her feet and settling her on the mattress, he flopped on the bed and held his arms out.She settled on top of him, curling close because it was chilly and he was warm.Their lips met, explored, and Suzie drifted in a world of touch and passion.
Instead of hurrying, he kissed the tip of her nose playfully.Niall nuzzled her neck, and her breath caught, but he moved on, laying a path of kisses along her jawline.She gripped his shoulders tightly, her breath coming in fast pants.This man.He turned her world upside down.
Finally, Niall claimed her lips again, his fingers running down her back to cup her backside.He squeezed her buttocks, making her laugh.
“Not my best feature, buddy.”
He lifted his head to wink.“I like all of you.Not one part of you is inferior.Please remember that.”
Her man meant it.Every single word.If she weren’t already crazy about him, she would’ve fallen hopelessly then.“I love you, Niall.Kiss me.Mark me.Make me yours.”
“Only if you’ll return the favor,” he said, his tone solemn.
