Page 111 of Double Bucked

He silences me by gripping my legs and yanking me, pulling me nearly into his lap. Ransom’s forehead touches mine, and the heat of his breath warms my cheek. His voice is that deep, sincere rumble when he says, “You, Claire Preacher, deserve all the love you’ve got coming to you.” With those strong hands clutching my thighs, he presses a sweet kiss to the bridge of my nose. “I just needed to know I wasn’t out of the picture.”

I shake my head. I trace my fingers down the bulk of his chest. The soft, curly hairs there. “No. You’re very much in.”

“Then I’ve got one request.”

“What’s that?”

“Nasal strips. Just try ’em.”

I smack his chest and laugh. “Ass.”

“Princess.”

He kisses me fully on the lips this time. A warm, lingering kiss I could get lost in. My legs splay, and my body melts. His skin warms, and he’s flushed when we break.

“Everett never complains when I snore,” I tell him.

I know that bringing up Everett when we’re like this could be dangerous.

But I’m testing the waters.

Seeing how truly good he is with sharing me.

His breath patters on my throat. He murmurs in my ear, “There are gonna be some new rules now that I’m here.”

I tilt my head, giving him better access. “Like what?”

“Rule number one. If Everett gets you at night…I get you in the morning.”

I’m on my knees, my legs splayed on either side of his, and I can’t close them like this. All I can do is shiver at his touch. My nipples tighten until the soft satin of the robe feels like fire every time it brushes against them.

“You know what I want.” Ransom’s voice is that syrupy, dark demand that makes my heart flutter. “Fix your hands.”

I’m putty. I obey.

I move my arms behind my back. Ransom slides the cord from the robe. His body is warm and strong against mine as he reaches behind me. Even blind, I can feel him wrap the tie around my wrists and knot it expertly. It’s tight enough that I can’t move but loose enough that it’s comfortable on my skin.

“How’s that?” he asks. Always checking in.

“Good.”

Better than good. My skin is humming.

I’m vulnerable now. Slowly, he parts my robe, baring my breasts. His eyes light up as they drink me in. Ransom paints his thumb down my chest. He flicks over my hard nipple. I gasp, that one single stroke sending a bolt of want straight through me.

I’m ruining a perfectly good pair of panties.

“You’re a gem,” he tells me. “You know that?”

Ransom worships me with his gaze. With my words. With his touch.

My entire body aches for his particular brand of sweet, dominant affection.

I crane my chin upward, arching my chest forward. Wanting more of his touch.

“Please, touch me,” I beg.

“I am touching you, princess.”

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