They entered the kitchen and she slid onto a barstool at the island. “What’s the bartender serving, tonight?”
His devilish smile was filled with promise. “Me.”
“I’m definitely interested in a nip of that.”
Dakota looked super-hot in worn jeans and a Harvard T-shirt, his bare feet a reminder that he was chilling at home.So damn sexy.
He was the epitome of sex appeal, of power, of everything Providence craved in a man. A heady combination of brains and brawn. A vigilante who adored his child. A respected businessman who led a violent double life. This was the kind of man she hunted. Yet, as she stared into his piercing eyes, her heart confirmed his place in her life.
This was her person. And this was her forever family. Of that she was certain.
The physical pull to go to him was like a drug she had to have. She was vulnerable to falling into an abyss that was everything Dakota. A black hole that could swallow her. Was this what she wanted?
It was.
Despite everything they faced, today had been a new beginning. Both freeing and exhilarating. But Providence wasn’t lulled into a false sense of security.
He extracted a few bottles from the top cupboard and set them on the island. “For the lovely lady, I’ve got brandy—always a favorite—and amaretto. Then, there’s the licorice-flavored Sambuca. Or I can make you a Kahlua on the rocks. Name your poison, my love.”
She loved this playful, light-hearted Dakota. A rare glimpse of him relaxing. She could get pretty damn used to him like this.
“Hmm, so many good options.” Pausing, she surveyed the bottles before shifting her attention back to him. “I choose…you.”
“I love the sound of that.”
As he shelved the bottles, she said, “You’re not having a drink?”
“I don’t need a drink.” He rounded the island and laid his arms over her shoulders. “I need you, babe. Just you.” His kiss sent sparks of energy streaming through her.
“I saw Marcus at the sports park this afternoon,” she said. “Thank you for having our backs.”
“I want my girls safe.” His intoxicating kiss had her pushing to her feet. “Time for bed.”
The grittiness of his voice would be her undoing. He threaded his fingers between hers. In silence, they walked up the stairs and down the hall to his bedroom. Once behind the locked door, she cupped his face in her hands. The intensity in his eyes set her heart on fire. As if everything were right in their world, he married his lips to hers and kissed her. Soft and gentle, yet filled with a passion that brought emotion welling to the surface.
“Thank you for a perfect day,” she murmured. “Thank you for my gifts…for introducing your wonderful daughter to me. Thank you for insisting I live with you.” She shot him a playful smile. “I’m like that stray cat you feed. I’m never going to leave.”
His expression changed. It was subtle, but she caught the quick flash of pain in his eyes. “I wouldn’t want you to,” he whispered.
When his mouth found hers, the ferocity in his embrace made her whimper. It built and built until she was panting and clutching him, kneading his glorious back with her fingers. Desperate to touch him, she slid her hands under his shirt and stroked his heated skin.
Breaking free, she started removing her jacket, but he stopped her. “That’s my job.”
He took his time peeling her out of her clothing. Off came her jacket, then her shirt, and finally, her jeans. Jolts of pleasure radiated through her every time he pressed his lips to her bare skin. Shaking in anticipation, she waited for him in her black push-up bra and matching thong, ravenous to take him inside her. Impatient to become one with her man.
“You do it for me inallthe ways.” His undeniable look of love took her breath away.
“My turn.” She removed his shirt and pants. He’d forgone underwear, his cock ready for her.
Nudging him back, she pushed him onto the edge of the bed. With her nipples hard and aching, she leaned close. No instruction needed.
He took one into his mouth and searing heat raced through her. She watched him lick and suck her sensitive flesh. His raw groans made her moan. She couldn’t stop running her hands over his shoulders and through his hair. When he gazed up at her, she trembled.
“Kiss me,” he commanded.
“Make me.”
In seconds, she was on her back, the mattress beneath her, a devilish grin on his face as he looked down at her. “You are so damn beautiful. And you’re all mine.” His radiance was as blinding as the sun. “I’m notfallingin love anymore. I’mimmersedin it.”
