Page 101 of Wed to You

“I wanted to surprise you.”

“You did.”

“In a good way. Not by having my staff send you running.”

She leaned back and now he could look into her deep chocolate brown eyes. “This makes up for everything they’ve done or will do.”

The tightness in his chest finally loosened. “There won’t be a will do, Chelsea. I promise. I’ll fire them before I let them hurt you again.”

Her eyes watered. “You don’t know how good you are, do you?”

He shook his head. He didn’t feel as good as the awe in her eyes suggested. How could he? Sure he had money to pay her debts and fix up her house, but what kind of man didn’t notice when his staff was mistreating his wife?

She pressed her palms to his cheeks and brought her lips to his. Her kiss, so soft and gentle, was filled with something he couldn’t name. Whatever it was, he liked it. He wanted to hold on to it, to her.

“I don’t know how to tell you how wonderful you are. What a good soul you are.”

He didn’t know how to respond to that, but he didn’t have to say anything as she kissed him again. This time she turned up the heat, and his body immediately responded, liquid fire coursing straight to his loins. He didn’t know her intentions, but the need to touch her, be a part of her, became vital. Like breathing. A tight knot reformed in his chest, but it wasn’t anger or fear. Instead, it told him that this, him and her, was so much more than a friendly marriage of convenience. She made him feel things he’d never felt before. For so long, he’d been alone and untethered in the world. She was the anchor that kept him grounded. She looked at him with those dark brown eyes and saw things in him he didn’t know were there. Less and less he thought about the day when this marriage would be over, and instead, nearly all his future plans had her by his side.

His mind was a jumble of words he wanted to tell her. Like how he felt whole and complete when he was with her. How full his life felt with her and Kaden at his side. How he felt a part of something good and pure with her. Instead of using his lips to speak the words, he used them to show her. He kissed her, pouring every ounce of himself into it, hoping she’d know she mattered to him. He held her tighter, so she’d feel his need for her. Not just the physical need, but the emotional as well.

“Tell me you want this.” His warm breath wafted over her ear. The sensation sent shivers over her entire body.

“I want you.”

He lifted his head, his eyes searching hers. To assure him she wanted the same as he did, she brought her lips to his and kissed him again. He groaned, lifted her, and in a few strides, had her on the bed.

He took his time, pushing off her tank top, sliding her shorts down her legs. “You’re so beautiful, Chelsea.” His lips captured hers as his body pressed her into the mattress. There was something different this time about the way he kissed and touched her. An awe and reverence she hadn’t seen the last time. She wanted to believe it meant something but was too afraid to let her mind go there. But she wasn’t afraid to show him how much she admired him. Despite her attempts to keep her heart safe, the truth was, she loved this man. How could she not? It wasn’t because of his looks or money or incredible bedroom skills. It was because of his innate goodness. Toward her and Kaden. His unfailing loyalty. He was a man who deserved to be loved, deeply and without conditions, but hadn’t received it.

He may not love her, but he cared for her. Why else would he have fixed up her house? Or threatened to fire his staff? So she’d give all of herself to him for as long as he wanted her. She’d show him love and make him feel as if he belonged.

She took control long enough to get his clothes off. She ran her hands over the hard planes of his chest and over his shoulders. Strong shoulders that carried so much. She’d help him carry that. She caressed his chest, down to the symbol of rebirth branded on his side. She kissed him there.

“Chelsea.” He started to roll away. “I’ve got to get a condom.”

“No.” She pulled him to her. “I’m on the pill. Both of us had doctor checkups before we married.”

His hands stilled on her back. His eyes flashed with heat. “Why, if you planned to keep this a strictly platonic marriage?”

It was her turn to smile sheepishly. “I figured I wouldn’t be able to resist forever.”

His grin was wicked and filled with promise. “So you do want me?”

She snorted. “Yes, of course. That was never in question.”

Then he frowned. “You didn’t mention it in New York during our honeymoon.”

Chelsea tilted her head to the side, searching for words to tell him she hadn’t been comfortable revealing her secret then. In New York, it had been just an affair. In her mind, only when love was involved could all barriers, physical and emotional, be dropped.

Before she could explain, he shook his head. “Never mind.” He levered up, his lips wrapping around her breast as his fingers slipped between their bodies to find her ready and waiting for him. “Chelsea.” His fingers snaked around her neck, tilting her head to look at him. His eyes were hot and filled with emotion that made her heart stutter. “Are you sure?”

“Jagger.” She raised herself over him and then took her time sliding down, taking him in.

He let out a long feral groan, while his fingers bit into her hips. She took him in deep and, once rooted, his hands held her still. He felt magnificent. His arm banded around her, preventing her from moving over him.

“Wait.” His other hand snaked up her back, pulled the band from her ponytail, and tangled in her hair. He pulled it slightly, causing her head to drop back. His lips found purchase on her collarbone, suckling then licking, before trailing along her jaw to her ear. He lightly bit her lobe, tugging on it. “Rock against me.”

It took a moment for his words to break through the erotic haze in her brain. The arm banded around her back tightened and released, cluing her in to what he wanted. She tilted her pelvis forward and up then rocked it back.

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