Page 29 of Jagger

“What are you doing?” I asked, more breathless than I had been.

“Where’s Cally?” His voice was rougher than before, deep in a husky vibe that fluttered directly in my stomach.

“Napping.”

“Good.” He almost kicked in the door in his hurry to get inside.

“You didn’t answer my question. What are you doing?”

His heated gaze swept down to me. “What does it look like I’m doing, lady? I’m going to ravage every inch of you.”

CHAPTER 10

Bella

Jagger had managed to prove me wrong about him by the way he gently eased me in front of the fire, taking his time pushing the coffee table out of the way. His eyes never leaving mine, he snatched the furry throw from the back of the couch, bringing it with him as he returned.

I moved onto my knees, fighting my nerves while darting quick looks toward the stairs. What little passion I’d shared with Joel had never occurred out in the open. Right now, I was hopeful Cally would stay asleep. My labored breathing reflected my concern, but as soon as he dropped down to his knees, I gave him my full attention.

Who wouldn’t?

He wasn’t the patient kind of man, but the way he was taking his time peeling off my sweater allowed a slight insight to his soul. I was nervous, more so than I thought I’d be. Sharing intimacy when I felt so bad about myself was much harder than I could have imagined.

He’d be able to see my scars fully, including the yellowed bruise on my chest. I closed my eyes, but he wasn’t having it, touching my face with the rough pads of his fingers in a caring way.

“You’re beautiful, Bella. As I said, never forget that.”

Hearing his kind words almost made me break. I refused to allow that to happen just like he’d suggested I shouldn’t do. I was stronger than that, more resilient than I’d thought I could be. While this wasn’t a new beginning by far, it was a grasp at something I wanted. Just for me.

He rubbed the side of my face, brushing hair from my eyes before rolling the tips of his fingers down the length of my bruised arm. The same hard expression was there as before, but instead of demanding I tell him what happened, he lifted my arm, gently pressing his lips against my still aching skin.

I was struck by his softness, his method of making me feel more comfortable when my stomach was still in knots. When he reached around to unfasten my bra, I planted both my palms against his chest. The feel of his skin underneath my fingertips allowed another swoon to occur, raging fire beating through my bloodstream.

My breathing was still shallow as he managed to unfasten the clasp with only two fingers. I bit back a laugh from nervousness and excitement as he slipped one bra strap down then the other. My brain wasn’t functioning on all cylinders. All I could think about was how thrilled I was I’d worn sexy matching lingerie. I’d done it out of spite and my need to feel pretty again.

He took a deep breath, mumbling words I couldn’t understand before cupping my breasts. With small flicks of his thumbs, heteased my hardened nipples to the point a tiny moan slipped past my lips.

A slight smile curled across his lips from the sound, his eyes flickering up to mine. When he issued a growl, I did laugh. “You’re a tough man.”

“Tougher than some.” He took the opportunity to pinch both already sensitive buds, his eyes twinkling when another moan erupted.

“Mmm… I can see that. Maybe you need to be controlled.” I fingered his nipples in return, rewarded with a soft laugh that permeated all throughout my skin.

“Never, lovely lady. No one can control me.” He flexed his fingers open on one hand, slowly allowing it to drift down to my stomach. The moment he tensed again, I knew he’s caught a glimpse of the yellowing bruise but said nothing. For that I was grateful.

I was so nervous the movement tickled me. Feeling more uninhibited, I kneaded his chest muscles before daring to drop my hand to the thick bulge between his legs. The moment I squeezed, he rolled his index finger around my belly button. He slipped it just under the waistband of my jeans, shaking his head.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, nervous as to his answer.

“You’re wearing entirely too many clothes. I’ll take care of that.” He fumbled with my button and zipper, cursing outright at how tight my jeans were. They were still damp, making tugging them past my hips a chore.

But he managed, sucking in his breath the moment my opaque lace panties were in full view. “My, oh my. You’re wet for me.”

“You have a way of doing that.” I was completely breathless. My voice was no longer my own, but almost as deep and seductive as his. Since he was undressing me, I was going to touch him the way I wanted to.

His jeans were slightly looser, but I still struggled with being able to wrap my hand around his thick shaft. All I could think about was how thick his cock was and the girth huge. My fingers were long, but his shaft filled my hand. I rubbed the tip, this time biting my lower lip to show him I could be a sinful girl.

With his chest rising and falling again, he gave me the kind of look that told me clearly I would never be in charge. He proved that by easing me down onto the rug, his wry smile remaining as he pulled off my tennis shoes. The hunk even glared at them before tossing them away. “Snowshoes, I see.”

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