Page 32

His eyes tracked my movement as I reached for him again, cupping his face between my palms. "Danny," he warned, but there was no heat in it, only resignation.

"I'm tired of pretending I don't want this," I whispered, rising on my tiptoes. "Aren't you?"

Something in him snapped—I could see it happen, like watching a dam collapse under too much pressure. His hands moved to my waist, lifting me effortlessly onto the countertop so our faces were level. "This is a bad idea," he murmured, even as he leaned closer.

"Probably," I agreed, my fingers threading through his hair. "But I'm full of those lately."

When our lips met this time, there was no hesitation, no gentleness. It was raw and desperate, all the fear and longing of the past days channeled into this one point of connection. His mouth was hot and demanding against mine, his hands gripping my thighs as I wrapped my legs around his waist. I gasped against his mouth as his hands slid beneath my t-shirt, his calloused palms hot against my skin.

"We should stop," he breathed against my lips, even as his hands continued their exploration.

"Don't you dare," I warned, nipping at his lower lip.

A low growl rumbled in his chest, the sound sending shivers down my spine. I felt reckless, desperate. The world was falling apart around us—a monster was hunting us, people were dying—but in this moment, all that mattered was Bayer's hands on my skin, his mouth against mine.

His kisses moved to my jaw, then down my neck, and I tilted my head to give him better access. "Bedroom," I managed to gasp out. "Not the kitchen."

Bayer didn't need to be told twice. In one fluid motion, he lifted me off the counter, my legs still wrapped around his waist. I clung to his shoulders as he carried me through the house and down the hallway to his bedroom. The door closed behind us with a soft click, and then I was being lowered onto his bed, the mattress dipping beneath our combined weight.

"Danny," he said, his voice rough with desire as he hovered over me. "Are you sure about this?"

He sat back on his heels, pulling his shirt over his head in one smooth motion. I couldn't help but stare at the expanse of muscled chest now revealed to me, dusted with dark hair that narrowed to a trail disappearing beneath his jeans. Despite his recent weight loss, he was still massive—all broad shoulders and thick arms.

"You're beautiful," I breathed, reaching up to trail my fingers across his chest.

A flush spread across his cheekbones. "I think that's my line."

"I said it first." I sat up, pulling my own shirt off and tossing it aside. "Your turn."

His eyes darkened as they swept over me, and I fought the urge to cover myself. I wasn't built like him—no one was—but the hunger in his gaze made me feel desired in a way I never had before.

"Beautiful," he murmured, echoing my words as his hands came to rest on my waist. "Perfect."

His mouth found mine again, gentler this time but no less intense. I melted into him, my hands exploring the broad planes of his back, the shift of muscle beneath hot skin. When his mouth moved to my collarbone, then lower to my chest, I arched into the touch, a soft moan escaping me.

"Bayer," I gasped as his teeth grazed my nipple. "Please."

I didn't even know what I was begging for, but he seemed to understand. His hands moved to my jeans, unbuttoning them with surprising dexterity for someone with such large fingers. I lifted my hips, helping him slide them down my legs along with my underwear, leaving me completely exposed beneath him.

For a moment, he just looked at me, his eyes traveling over every inch of my body with such heat that I felt my skin almost catch fire under his gaze. Then his hands were on me again, exploring, learning what made me gasp and arch against him.

"You too," I managed, tugging at his belt. "Not fair."

He stood, removing the rest of his clothing with efficient movements that still somehow managed to be the most erotic thing I'd ever seen. When he was naked, I couldn't help but stare. He was magnificent—all hard muscle and smooth skin, his arousal evident and, like the rest of him, impressively sized.

"Come here," I whispered, reaching for him.

He rejoined me on the bed, his weight settling partially over me as he captured my mouth in another searing kiss. The feeling of skin against skin was overwhelming, and I found myself moving against him instinctively, seeking more friction, more contact.

"Tell me what you want," he murmured against my neck, his voice deeper than I'd ever heard it.

"Everything," I answered honestly. "You. All of you. In me."

His eyes met mine, searching for any hesitation. "I don't want to hurt you."

I cupped his face in my hands. "You won't." I wanted to make a joke about being a size queen, and normally I would, but I didn't want to spoil whatever this was with something so crass.

He kissed me again, then reached toward the nightstand, retrieving a small bottle and a condom. I blinked.