Page 72 of The Eagle's Vault

“I won’t treat you that way.”

“I’m coming with you to the vault tonight,” she declared.

My mind screamed at the danger. If the kidnappers were there, it was no place for Leigh. But the look in her eyes told me she would fight me if I disagreed. “Okay.”

Leigh nudged me again, this time toward the bed. Maybe we’d have our fun here first. “I know more about historical safe design than you do.”

I couldn’t deny it. She was right. I gestured toward the untouched glass of red wine on the table. “Do you want that?”

She rolled her eyes. “I hate red wine. I’m tired of telling people I like it just so I don’t hurt their feelings.”

As she made to nudge me backward once again, I grabbed her wrist, pulling her flush against me. She looked up at me, her eyes wide, her heartbeat vying with mine for which could beat faster.

“I’m done being protected by all the men around me,” she breathed. “I want to live my life.”

In a swift motion, I picked her up, her surprised yelp ringing in my ears. I spun us around, dropping us onto the bed so I was pinning her underneath me. The look of surprise in her eyes quickly changed into something inviting.

Very inviting.

“I like the sound of that,” I said, leaning closer. “And we’re going to ignore any further knocks at the door.”

Chapter 28

Leigh

Declanhoveredaboveme,his eyes locked with mine, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips. I was still reeling from him agreeing to both my propositions—having sex and joining the Reynolds team for the catacombs vault mission.

Was this really happening? The quiet Leigh Barton had finally spoken up and told someone about her desires. Adrenaline and excitement battled for dominance. It was both terrifying and liberating.

“Leigh,” Declan whispered, his breath hot against my neck. He peppered soft kisses along my throat, causing shivers to shoot down my spine. His hands slid under the hem of my loose T-shirt, fingertips grazing my stomach, making me quiver with anticipation.

“Let me give you a blow job.” That was always step one.

“No.” Declan lifted his head, a hungry grin spreading across his face. “In my world, the woman always comes first.”

A bolt of desire shot through me. I wanted this man more than I’d ever wanted anyone else. What was it? Something more than our shared passion, but what? I’d always put my needs last. But Declan wanted to put them first.

“Is that so?” I said, hopefully sounding more confident than I felt. “Show me what you’ve got, Mr. Ramsay.”

Declan’s hands moved deliberately, curling around the bottom of my shirt, drawing it up inch by inch, trailing kisses in its wake. Each brush of his tongue was magic, drawing a low moan from deep inside me. With every inch of skin he revealed, his mouth followed, exploring my body as if it were an unknown treasure.

“Declan,” I breathed, my heart racing in my chest.

He was attentive, ensuring no part of me went unappreciated. Once my shirt was off and my bra on full display, he paused, his eyes devouring my body. “You are absolutely breathtaking.”

His words sent a surge of warmth through me.

Declan abandoned his careful exploration and pulled one bra cup down, latching onto one of my breasts with his lips. He sucked hard, his tongue swirling around the pad of my nipple. I gripped his shoulders and pulled him closer, moaning as the pleasure shot straight to my core.

I needed more. So much more.

When Declan finally released my nipple from his mouth, he continued his torturous journey, kissing his way down my stomach, across my abdomen.

Finn never took the time to make me feel valued or desired in the way Declan did. Instead, he’d insisted on controlling every aspect of our relationship, including our sex life. It was always about what Finn wanted, never about what I needed or desired.

“Don’t touch me, I’m tired,” or “Just blow me, angel,” or “Stop moving your hips, it’s throwing off my rhythm.”

How long had it been since I’d had a partner-induced orgasm? Five years? Maybe seven?

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