Page 127 of Tortured Tones

So was I. I didn’t know if this was just one more hot moment or something more serious. But we needed this. Needed each other...for how long, I didn’t know. She deserved to be happy. I wanted to show her I cared, thank her for finding Charlotte...and make love to her.

“Ava, I promise. I’ve got you.” I kissed her eyelids, her nose, then her mouth. Kissing her did something strange to my heart—filled my chest with warmth and my veins with want. I owed her everything for helping me and my daughter. “I’ll do everything I can to protect you. Anything to help.”

“Thank you. I just want you inside me.”

I smiled against her lips, then sheathed my cock. “Oh, you’re going to have me. Here in my bed. Then, the shower. Again before we fall asleep. And, all going well, before breakfast too.”

“You want me to stay the night?”

“Yes.” I wanted to wake up next to her so I had to make damn sure she had no reason to leave.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

“Maybe not. But being with you now is.” I ran my hand down her side and over her bare thigh, then drew her knee up toward my hip. “Okay?”

“Yes.” She swept her mouth across mine, then nipped my lower lip. Clutching the back of my head, she crushed my lips to hers, kissing me, long and deep, stealing the air from my lungs. After a long night of playing my heart out and panicking over Charlotte, and the weeks of craving Ava, I couldn’t take it anymore. I needed her. Wanted her. I took hold of my dick, nudged it against her opening, then pushed inside her. Oh, yes. My breath shuddered through my chest. Heat coiled up my spine. There was nothing like sex to feel better. But this was more than that. I hadn’t felt like this about anyone since Priah. The future scared me. The American leg of the tour finished in a fortnight. We had a two-week break before we headed overseas. I’d be gone for six months. I’d miss Ava’s smooth smile, her gorgeous laugh, the pull I had toward her...and herprotecting me and my daughter.

Would she be open to the idea of seeing me again? When I got back?

Don’t be stupid.

She’d want commitment. That wasn’t me. Was it? I constantly traveled, lived in the spotlight, and had a kid. She had her own life, a new job, and a family to care for.

We lived close but were worlds apart.

But why did being inside her feel so good? Why did the void in my chest flare when we were together? Why was she everything I didn’t want...but wanted? I buried deep inside her, drove into her, thrust long and hard. Her touch burned my skin. Her hot breath teased my face. Her kisses tapped on my heart.

She dug her claws into my shoulders and wrapped her legs around my waist. In a breathy pant, she whispered into my ear, “Fuck, you feel good. So good.”

“Careful Ms. Matthews.” I thrust into her as I braced my arms beside her head. “We might agree on something.”

She rocked and pulsed against my cock. So freaking hot. “Can’t have that, now, can we?”

“No. Never.” I teased my lips against hers and ran my hand down her chest, cupped her breast, and tweaked the nipple. “Want me to stop?”

“Don’t you dare.” She murmured against my lips.

Her hot, hungry kisses spurred me on. I couldn’t bury myself into her deep enough or drive into her hard enough. I wanted more. Of this. Of her. To fuck her again and again.

Sweat coated my skin. My balls ached. My dick throbbed. I ground my teeth together. My whole body climbed and clambered to find release.

Yes.

Fuck! “Ava . . .”

“Yeah. I’m...there!” Clawing my back, she arched into me, crushing her breasts to my bare chest. Oh yeah. Flush against me, she rocked her hips. She fucked me. Grabbed my ass and tugged me closer. Then the tension in her muscles snapped. Her quaking body sent me over the edge. I spilled into her, pulsing and throbbing, plunging and thrusting. Shivers shot up my spine and along my arms. That infuriating smirk curled across her lips. That sexy eyebrow of hers flicked upward. And goddamn it, I couldn’t get enough of either.

Not wanting to move, I kissed her face, entwined our hands, and held them beside her head. Deep pulses thudded inside my cock. I’d be happy to stay inside her for the rest of the night.

As she panted to catch her breath, her eyes shimmered. “I like the way you fuck, Mr. Tanner.”

I growled, low and raspy. “I like fucking you, Ms. Matthews.” But as I pressed my lips against hers, a hot rush washed over me. I didn’t want this to end. But the way forward terrified me. Was I willing to take the leap? Was she? I rolled beside her, discarded the condom, wrapping it in a tissue, then drew her against my chest. I kissed the side of her head. “Is that all this is, Ava?”

She propped herself up on her elbow and placed her fingers over my lips. “Shh. Not now.” A gazillion doubts, questions, and concerns flashed through her eyes, reflecting my own. “Let’s go have that shower.”

Guessed the conversation about us could wait until tomorrow. That was a good thing, considering uncertainty still clouded my mind. Once this emotional day was over, I was sure the path would be clear.

We were there.

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