Page 96 of Sighs By the Sea

“Don’t let go, Maggie,” Grayson’s raspy voice says.

Grayson slips out from under them. When he’s on his feet, he wobbles a bit before rushing to the kitchen. Don’s phone is on the counter, and I see him pick it up. I continue my relentless grip, adjusting again so it’s tighter. Finally, after what feels like hours—though it’s probably only seconds—Don goes limp and crumbles onto the carpet.

Exhausted, I release my hold and struggle to my feet. My whole body is shaking, but my attention quickly goes to my wrist. It’s bleeding badly.

“Maggie,” Grayson says, tossing me a kitchen towel. I press it to the wound.

Without another word, Grayson drags Don’s unconscious body to a closet filled with cleaning supplies and locks him inside with a chair. The moment Don is secured, all my pent-up emotions and adrenaline surge forward, and I find myself launching into Grayson’s arms.

Our embrace is a mix of relief, pain, and unspoken understanding.

“Maggie,” Grayson’s words are a choked-up mess of sobs and happiness.

“I’m here, Gray. I’m okay.”

His arms tighten around me, and despite the pain, I relish the feeling. Grayson is okay.

“I called 911, and Greg’s on his way. Vanessa’s fine. She’s with the police,” he says. Tears build in my eyes, and I don’t try to stop them.

Before I can say anything else, he’s kissing my face, his wet lips mixing with my tears, but I’m smiling.

The heat pools in my belly, every kiss like a small spray of gasoline on the fire jumpstarted by pure adrenaline. After a dangerous case, I usually need a release. It’s happened before, usually alone with the toy I keep in my bedside table. But right now, I have him. I thought I’d lost him, but he’s here. Before long, desire is raging within me like an inferno I can’t control.

“Grayson,” I say, my voice low. He stops kissing to look into my eyes, and I press my lips to his, slipping my tongue into his mouth.

“Yes, Maggie,” he moans as I move to his neck. I’m not sure if it’s a question or urging me on, but I don’t care. The whole world could walk in, and I still wouldn’t give a damn. I need this man, and nothing is going to stop me from getting what I need—not now, not ever again.

Grayson

Every nerve in my body is electrified with one thought: Maggie. The feel of her body against mine is like a flame to tinder, and the desire coursing through me is undeniable.

Our kiss deepens, her hands exploring every inch of me, and she moans softly into my mouth. My hands slide to her ass, cupping her cheeks as I lift her off the ground.

“Babe, I need you,” she whispers, her voice urgent against my ear.

“Mm-hmm,” I manage, my throat tight with emotion and lust. That’s all the encouragement she needs. Her hands drop from my hair to my belt, swiftly unbuckling it and shoving my pants and boxers down just enough to get a firm grip on my throbbing cock. In one quick motion, I fumble with the button on her pants, pushing them down along with her panties. My fingers find her slick heat, already wet for me. I turn us around and press her against the wall, thrusting my fingers inside her until she gasps.

“I want all of you,” she says, her words like a siren’s call. I pull my fingers away and position myself at her entrance.

I slide inside her, groaning with pleasure as I do. God, this woman is perfect. She arches her back and cries out my name as I thrust, quickly finding a rhythm that has us both panting with need.

Every cell in my body vibrates with her response. I’m not just relieved that she’s alive—I’m thrilled that she’s mine. I’m a lucky man, and I know it.

Her nails dig into my shoulders through my shirt, spurring me on. This will be quick. It has to be, with the police on their way.

“Get there, Maggie, come with me,” I grunt, driving into her harder.

I feel her tighten around me, and I bite down on her collarbone to keep from crying out in pure ecstasy.

“Harder, Grayson, fuck,” she demands, and instantly, my desire spikes, pleasure making my toes curl in my shoes. I pump faster, sweat slicking between us where our skin touches. I pull almost all the way out and slam back into her, the force of it sending me over the edge. I burst inside her, warmth pouring into my Maggie as I moan against her.

Maggie’s body shakes as she comes, her orgasm crashing over her.

We’re both panting, her legs trembling as my release drips down her thigh. “Fuck,” Maggie says with a small laugh, looking down at the mess.

“Indeed,” I say, smiling at her flushed face. But then I notice her wrist. “You’re still bleeding.”

“Just a flesh wound.” She taps my chest, and I lower her to the ground, my satisfied length slipping out. She moans again, and I give her a smug smile.

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