Page 90 of Ruthless

"So it's not just sex?" I smiled, already knowing that it wasn't. I recognized that Rebel was torn. I could understand why.

"Fuck no," he said firmly and sharply, grinning. "But I won't deny it's a big part of it. When I'm fucking you, you make me feel content inside. You make me realize that a man like me can have it all. That I already have it all. But what held me back is knowing the danger I put you in. You have to know if we go on from here that there's always the possibility that there will be more danger, someone else looking for revenge, someone who might want to use you to get to me, or hurt you just to hurt me. I don't know if I can live with that."

"That's why you stayed away, isn't it?"

Rebel nodded. "I know it's not the first time I've mentioned it, but after what happened . . ."

"Isn't that my decision to make?" Since he didn't seem inclined to approach me, I walked around the counter to him. "I know the risks, Rebel, but life is full of risks. I know you'll do everything in your power to take care of me, and protect me, but shit will still happen." He grinned at that. "I'm afraid, too--afraid of not having you in my life." I stared up at him, close enough to step into his arms if he'd have me.

"You're a sweet woman. I don't deserve you."

I shrugged. "Maybe not." He snorted. "And this is the last time we have this conversation. We either go on from here, or you leave and never come back." I flinched inwardly, praying that my ultimatum didn't backfire.

One brow arched. "You sound awfully bossy, angel."

"I'm a strong, fearsome woman," I responded with a confidence that came from knowing and understanding her man. "You'd be wise to tread carefully."

A laugh burst forth from him. "Are you going to be like this in the bedroom?"

"Would you like me to be?" He stared down at me, his eyes swimming with humor. "What do you want?"

I didn’t need to ask, because his expression said it all. There was no denying the passion in his dark eyes or the raw emotion on his handsome face. "Right now I want you to turn off that water boiling over on the stove."

Oh! I rushed to the stove and turned off the burner, moving the pot of pasta to another spot. I also turned off the sauce while I was there, just in case we didn't get around to eating right away. By the time I turned back toward Rebel, he had moved up behind me. I gasped. He grasped my shoulders and spun me around, and the next thing I knew he moved us until he had me boxed in against the fridge.

"I fucking love you," he growled, right before his mouth slammed down onto mine.

A thrill traveled down my spine. As soon as our lips touched we turned into animals. We were all over each other, grinding our mouths together, twirling and jabbing our tongues, tasting the heat and passion between us in more ways than just a steamy kiss. And it was hot, so blissfully hot that I was infused with a volcanic heat that was almost unbearable. Rebel's hands were all over me, over and beneath my tee, shaping and squeezing my flesh with enough strength that I knew would leave bruises. I didn't care. I loved having his mark on me. I soon joined in, raking my nails down his back until he grunted and I felt his muscles quiver.

The kitchen filled with the sounds of our hunger as we devoured each other. As soon as Rebel broke away, I cried, "I love you, too!" I kissed his chin. "I've always loved you, Michael."

His hands slid around to my ass, taking both cheeks into his palms and lifting me against him. His hard cock throbbed strongly against me. "I missed you so fucking much, angel." He leaned his forehead against mine. "Never again. This is it. You're it for me. I can't face life without you in it."

I smiled, the thrill of happiness surging through my blood and soul. "Are you sure this time?"

"So fucking sure," he rasped. We were both breathing hard. "I found a house for us. Signed the papers yesterday." His hands smoothed up and down my back.

"Really?" I pulled back enough to meet his eyes. "Where?"

"On the beach. We'll talk later?"

"Can we come out now?" Della interrupted, calling out from her room. "We're hungry." I could hear the smile in her voice.

Rebel and I laughed. He kissed me on the tip of my nose and then stepped away. "We'll finish this later," he promised hoarsely.

I couldn't wait!

The man that I loved was back, and life suddenly seemed good again. I'd missed him so much the last few weeks. After he'd cleaned up and left the night of the horrible encounter with the Kings and the Red Devils, I'd known then that the incident had gotten to him, that it had made him re-think things with us. I hadn't fooled myself into thinking that his leaving hadn't been caused by what we'd gone through that night.

What we'd almost lost.

I couldn't wait to see the house he'd bought for us, and start our lives together. Della and Skipper walked back into the room and I prepared to drain the cooked spaghetti.

I was suddenly ravenous!

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