“Come for me. Now,” he commanded. “Let me feel your pussy strangle my cock.”
I flew apart harder than before, my cry muffled against his shoulder as my inner walls clenched around him. He followed with a guttural groan, burying deep and pulsing inside me. I was too lost in the moment to really think about the fact that there was nothing between us.
When it was over, we collapsed together, sweaty and panting. He rolled us so I was tucked against his chest, his arms locked around me.
I pressed my lips to his throat. “That was…”
“Yeah.” He kissed my forehead. “It was.”
I smiled against his skin. “You’re staying, right?”
“Not going anywhere.” His hand stroked down my spine.
I fell asleep wrapped in his arms, claimed in a way I’d only ever dreamed about.
9
REBEL
The first thing I registered as I slowly drifted awake was the soft warmth curled up against me, then the sweet scent of Clara’s hair drifting around me like the best kind of alarm clock. My eyes opened gradually, adjusting to the gentle morning sunlight filtering through the blinds.
She was still asleep, tucked into me with one delicate hand splayed across my chest, her breathing steady and deep. Contentment, peace, and the undeniable satisfaction of knowing this woman was right where she belonged were things I’d never truly experienced before.
I took a few moments to savor the stillness, studying the way Clara’s long lashes rested against her flushed cheeks and how her lips parted softly in her sleep. It made my chest ache, my heart hammering in a way that had nothing to do with desire and everything to do with something deeper. Unfortunately, I had a feeling she wasn’t quite ready to face the extent of it yet.
I brushed my lips gently against the crown of her head, breathing her in before carefully untangling myself from the warmth of her arms, moving slowly to avoid waking her. It was still early, and I’d worn her out the night before.
I sat on the edge of the bed, stretching slightly, the floorboards cool beneath my bare feet as I rose. My gaze lingered briefly on Clara’s sleeping form before I eased toward the small kitchen to start coffee. The apartment above the farm store was cozy, filled with her touches everywhere—soft, warm colors, cheerful photos, and comfortable furniture that invited you to relax. I found myself appreciating the little details she’d added, evidence of her vibrant personality.
Still, the place was small. The compact space was probably enough for Clara alone, but last night had proven that the double bed was a tight squeeze for both of us. The thought of nights spent tangled together, comfortably stretched out on my king-sized bed, without the risk of rolling off the damn mattress, sparked a vivid image that heated my blood. We’d have to figure that out soon, I decided, grabbing mugs from the cabinet and pouring the freshly brewed coffee.
I was just stirring sugar into Clara’s mug—two scoops exactly, because I’d already memorized her preferences—when the faint creak of floorboards caught my attention. I looked up, my breath hitching at the sight that greeted me. She stood in the doorway between her bedroom and the kitchen, sleep still heavy in her amber-brown eyes, and a soft, sleepy smile curving her lips. My shirt from last night hung loosely on her curvy frame, the hem brushing her bare thighs, exposing miles of smooth, perfect skin that made my pulse spike so hard I thought it might burst out of my chest as my hands gripped the counter's edge until my knuckles turned white.
My eyes raked over her deliberately, lingering on the curves that were barely hidden by the thin fabric. I couldn’t suppress the low groan that escaped me as desire burned hot in my gut. Clara’s cheeks flushed an adorable pink under my intense scrutiny, but her eyes sparkled playfully as she padded closer, her bare feet nearly silent against the worn hardwood.
“You’re looking at me like I’m breakfast,” she teased lightly, her voice still husky with sleep but edged with a sass that sent heat streaking through me. Her gaze lifted, her eyes dancing mischievously, and her lips quirked in that irresistible way she had of challenging me. “I’m not edible, you know.”
I set the coffee mugs aside on the counter, closing the distance between us in two long strides. My hands found her hips, pulling her close enough that the scent of apples and honey enveloped me fully, heightening the already painful ache of want that surged through me.
“Oh, baby.” My voice was thick with barely restrained need. I dipped my head, letting my lips brush just below her ear, feeling her shiver against me as my fingers tightened possessively on her hips. “I could definitely live on eating you for every fucking meal.”
I watched Clara’s cheeks flush deep pink at my blatant declaration, her amber eyes widening before quickly darting away, landing somewhere around the kitchen tiles at her feet. She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, clearly flustered but trying hard to hide it.
“That’s quite the offer,” she finally murmured, her voice breathier than usual, filled with a teasing heat that went straight to my groin.
I backed her into the counter, then rested one palm on the edge beside her hip, caging her against it as I tipped her chin up with the other, forcing her to meet my eyes.
“Not an offer, baby.” My voice was low and edged with restrained desire as my thumb brushed across her lower lip, tracing its softness slowly. Her breath hitched, warm against my skin. “Just stating a fact.”
Clara’s eyes darkened, her breathing growing shallow as her chest rose and fell faster beneath the faded black cotton of my T-shirt. She swallowed hard, her gaze locked on mine, herlips parting softly as though daring me to claim what I’d just promised.
“Are you hungry now?” she teased softly, a sultry note threading through her tone despite her attempt at sass. Her tongue darted out to wet her bottom lip nervously, and the sight nearly snapped the last of my restraint.
“For you?” I moved even closer, pressing her gently back against the counter, until the entire length of her soft curves was flush against me, my erection already throbbing insistently between us. “Starving.”
She laughed breathlessly, her hands sliding up my chest until they wrapped around the back of my neck, her fingers tangling lightly into my hair. Her touch ignited a fire in my blood, setting every nerve ending alight.
I dipped my head, brushing my lips softly over the sensitive spot just below her ear, reveling in the shiver that rolled through her body. Her apples and honey scent was a perfect reminder of exactly where I belonged.
