Page 11 of Rescued by the Captain

The recollection takes a somber tone. “My boss told the company I was embezzling. In reality, it was the boss’s bosses who were skimming money right and left.” I scrunch my eyebrows. “I must have had proof somewhere, but what could it be?”

Donte looks like he’s been thrust on a wild ride. “Well, that explains a lot,” he says breathily. He strides up to one of the windows. “No sign of the truck now and it looks like another storm is coming through, we aren’t getting out of here until tomorrow at the earliest. They don’t know you’re here with me.”

I bite my lip. No matter how many times I replay the memories I’ve salvaged, my mind reaches a blank on where I stored the evidence.

That’s not even the most unsettling apart. After a bit, my adrenaline subsides and a dreadful thought creeps in.

What if someone tried to kill me?

My heart throbs in fast, aching beats. I might’ve been left for dead by someone who is still out there. People who are out to permanently end my life.

And I don’t even know who they are.

Through shaky breaths, I clutch the table for support but I only end up stumbling over. Donte, quick on his feet, catches me just as I’m about to impact the wall.

“It’ll be okay,” he soothes my ear with his husky voice. Except this time, I find it impossible to tear myself from the horrors of my reality.

Why did I have to wake up if this is the life I’d return to? I don’t want to cope with endless fear, having to constantly throw glances over my shoulder thinking there’s a loaded barrel aiming at me or a shadow on heel.

I’m tired of feeling so weak, tired of bearing more anguish with the more that I learn.

Donte loosens our embrace. I wonder if he’s given up on my hopeless case, and has decided to do what’s best for himself— separate from this messy situation while he still can.

I honestly wouldn’t blame him, and a big part of me wouldn’t want him to get hurt.

Ever.

He’s obviously been through a lot.

But he holds my waist. Stares at me with the most intense, chocolate brown eyes and just when I think that I’ve been hypnotized, he comes plunging for my lips.

I gasp when our lips lock, the element of surprise is his superpower. He surprised me by rescuing me in the snow. He surprised me by cooking a delicious dinner. And he surprised me with a kiss that has my toes and the roots of my hair burning.

And everything in between, too.

For how strong he is, Donte’s kiss is tender. He tastes sweet and minty at the same time, like an exotic cocktail. I soak into his hungry mouth, pushing myself up against his hard abs. He’s so tender, so gentle, but I want him to devour me. Smother me in every inch of his tan muscles. I yank his shirt up, he steps back, breaking the kiss to pull his shirt off. He just stands there, looking at me. Hair slightly mussed, lips swollen from our kiss, desire glimmering in my hazel eyes.

He remarks in breathy awe. “God Bria, you’re gorgeous.” Then, he grabs my hips, trapping me in an even deeper kiss.As he feasts on my lips, he undoes the buttons of my blouse, exposing my skin to his lustful eyes.

“Let me distract you,” he says with a growl.

My thighs rub together, unable to contain the heat that builds between my legs. “I want you, Donte. Please, give me tonight.”

7

DONTE

I pullBria close to me, feeling the heat of her body against mine. Her eyes are filled with uncertainty, but also a spark of desire that matches my own. I need to show her that she doesn't have to face this alone. My lips trail down her neck, leaving a trail of fire in their wake.

As our bodies move together in a primal dance, I can sense her hesitation melting away. She clings to me as if I'm her lifeline, and in a way, I am. This moment is not just about physical pleasure. It’s about connection, about trust.

I whisper words of reassurance in her ear, promising to protect her, to stand by her side no matter what. Even when I’m lost in the intensity of our shared passion, I know that I will keep that promise.

I back her to the bedroom and as we tumble onto the bed, our bodies entwine in a tangle of arms and legs. My hands explored her curves, feeling the warmth beneath my fingertips. She runs her fingers through my hair, pulling me closer, our lips meeting in a hard and deep kiss.

Trailing kisses down her neck, a shiver of desire takes her over and her back arches, pressing her body against me,grinding against my arousal through our clothing. I slide a hand under her shirt, the softness of her delicate skin making me growl. She moans as my fingers find her breast, tugging the nipple into a peak.

I kiss her with a fierceness I’ve never felt before. It could be the circumstances, but I feel like this woman was brought into my life for a reason. For me to protect and serve her.

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