Page 52 of Grave Peril

Then Rip moved down, kissing as he went. Then he bent her knees and kissed her belly button. The scent of her arousal was an exotic perfume. He pressed his mouth over her vulva, and she squirmed.

With his palms on her inner thighs, he spread her wider. He dug his fingers in her dark pubic hair, liking that she didn’t wax there. “You’re so sexy.” He cupped her sex. “I’m going to drive you crazy.”

Rip spread her outer lips and blew on her tender skin. Lela panted softly and ground her hips on the mattress. Then he dragged his tongue along her wet slit, once, then again. She moaned and pushed closer.

Slipping his hands underneath her buttocks, he lifted her up and pressed his mouth to her opening. He dipped his tongue inside then licked and sucked to spiral her arousal.

Rip lowered her to the bed then dipped two fingers inside her with his thumb on her tight clit. Lela made a sexy sound, so he gently rubbed her sensitive spot. “Give in to me, my darling. Let the pleasure take you.”

Lela emitted a high-pitched whine through her rapid panting. With his fingers still caressing her, Rip leaned in and swirled his tongue around her clit. Her abdomen tightened and her legs stiffened.

“Yes, just like that,” he said. “Don’t fight it.”

Rip moved his fingers inside Lela and licked over her wet opening. He nipped at her tense clit, then flicked his tongue around it. Craving her, Rip sucked over her most tender spot and used the tip of his tongue to send her over the precipice.

Lela clawed at the sheets and cried out. She climaxed, pulsing against his lips, and Rip closed his eyes in ecstasy. Her pleasure was his; there was no separation. When she relaxed, Rip kissed her thighs, then over her glistening sex.

“You’re so sweet.” Rip moved up and turned on his back. He pulled Lela on top of him and wrapped his arms around her. Her heart was beating fast, and her skin was heated. She reached up and put her palm on his cheek. But other than that, she didn’t move.

*****

Rip fell asleep with Lela on top of him, and didn’t wake up until a couple of hours later.

When he released her from his embrace, Lela slid onto the bed next to him. “I had a dream that we—”

“It was real, darling.” Rip brushed a lock of hair out of her eyes. “I vote for a hot bath.”

“Mmm, that sounds like heaven.”

Lela followed him to the bathroom, and he filled the tub with hot water and some bubble bath that was handy. He figured that women liked that sort of stuff. Rip assisted Lela, lowering her into the water. Then he got in the tub, facing her.

She dipped down, getting her hair wet, and Rip reached under the water to grip her ankles. The hot water was soothing. He looked into her lovely brown eyes. “Are you sore?”

“Wonderfully so.” Lela stretched her leg out and put her foot on his belly, then wiggled her toes.

Rip began massaging her other foot. Whether he was holding Lela, talking to her, or making love, he was pleased. As long as she was close, he was a happy man.

Lela looked at the silver cross around his neck. “You wear that all the time. Does it have special meaning to you?”

Rip held the cross between his thumb and forefinger. “It’s engraved on the back,” he said, turning it over.

“What does it say?”

“Just two words: Be Safe.” Rip let go of the cross. “Before I left for deployment, Isabel gave it to me. I’ve worn it ever since.”

After a brief silence, Lela said, “Are you still in love with her?”

Rip shook his head. “It was so many years ago. I was young and in love…we both were.” He paused. “I’ll always love her, but I’m not in love with her. It’s different.”

Lela’s gaze locked with his, and emotion surged within him.

“I should take it off,” Rip said. Before he could undo the clasp, Lela leaned over him and kissed him softly.

“No,” Lela said, “keep it on. I want you to be safe.” Then she lifted the cross to her lips and kissed it. “Stay safe for me…and for Isabel.”

*****

It was too beautiful outdoors to stay inside. A stroll along the boardwalk was more enticing. Rip held Lela’s hand while walking and watching others enjoy the day.

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