Page 4 of Protected By the Billionaire Ex-SEAL

Raven

I want to climb Christian like a tree. Or whatever large object amounts to the size of those thighs because they’re thick and hard and oh-so-sexy, and they’ll be able to hold me steady.

I don’t know why betting that he’ll be inside me by the end of the night is loads better than the loud man beside us betting his date that they’ll be having sex by the end of the night, but it is. Maybe it’s the raspy, silky voice. Or maybe it’s the quiet, not-so-loud confidence that already speaks volumes.

Whatever it is, I’m hypnotized by him while standing in front of the dartboard, where he explains the rules in the same quiet, confident manner. Everything about this guy oozes confidence, along with a blatant masculinity that tells me he’s being truthful about his work. You don’t get that just from the gym.

But despite that masculinity, he doesn’t persist. He keeps a cozy distance between us, wanting me comfortable, too, and it reminds me of the gentlemanly qualities of the South, which I’m still getting used to.

“You got the rules?”

There’s his voice, too, with its rich drawl. My stomach jumps.

“Yeah. Are we really betting on sex?”

Green eyes flick to mine. I wasn’t lying about them being so attractive or suiting that dreamy, handsome face perfectly. I take in the rest of him again, from those thighs filling out his jeans perfectly to the plain black shirt that hugs broad shoulders and sleek, powerful muscles.

“That depends on you. We can just enjoy ourselves for now.”

I bet that I’ll be inside you by the end of the night.

My body flares with need, a reminder that I haven’t been with anyone in a while, and this man brings out a visceral reaction from me. My belly tightens as I nod, then take my first turn. The dart hits the board, but just the edge.

“Nice shot, Raven.”

He takes his position, aims, and hits the bull’s eye. My mouth drops open and my gaze narrows suspiciously.

“Let me guess. You’re a darts champion.”

“Maybe in my past life.” He shrugs, feigning innocence. “Are you backing out?”

“Hell, no. But maybe you can show me?”

The sinful way his eyes gleam sends another electric charge inside me before he stands behind me and guides my hand.

“Hold it like this. Run it through your fingers until you find the center of gravity. Now, lock your aim. Feet firmly on the ground and don’t lean back or forward. Steady…easy.”

His voice against my ear is low, husky, and delicious. One big hand settles on my hip, sending heat burning through me, while the other touches my wrist lightly.

“Now, shoot your shot, Raven.”

I bite my tongue at the way my name flows from his lips, then make a sound when the dart hits the center. Triumph blazes as I give him a victorious grin, which he reciprocates.

“Good job.”

“I might win, you know.”

Humor enters his features. “You can if you keep it up.”

I keep it up, but ultimately, he had the advantage since his first shot and I spend the rest of the game trying to catch up. I give him a good run for his money, but he wins it nonetheless, hitting the center or close to it more times than I do. My last shot, however, is another bull’s eye, and I raise my arms in the air and excitedly throw them around him.

Big mistake, I realize as his arms wrap around me, and his body presses firmly against mine. My heart lurches when his hand flexes against my waist, telling me I’m not the only one feeling it. Well, that and the bulge in his pants.

I bite back a moan. His breath brushes against my hair, soft and warm; his heartbeat is steady, strong, and just a little fast.

We stay in that position, frozen, before slowly pulling back. My pulse pounds wildly when I meet his gaze again and find it molten with heavy, thrilling desire. Even then, there’s so much control there, woven into the fabric of his being as he speaks in a light tone.

“Do you live close by?” he asks.

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