Page 22 of Burn for You

“I didn’t say this was up for negotiation. If you really hate it, you can bunk at the firehouse with the boys. But I’ll warn you, they snore. Loudly.”

I started my car and made my way onto the main road. To my surprise, Marlee didn’t fight me on it. That was proof enough that she was really worn out. This arsonist had dodged the cop stationed on watch duty outside her house. I wasn’t taking any chances.

When we entered my apartment, I gave her a quick rundown of the place.

“Make yourself at home. Kitchen is open day and night, so you’re welcome to raid the fridge for midnight snacks. I’m not much of a cook, but I can order the best takeout you’ve ever tasted. Bedroom and bathroom are around the corner.”

Marlee surveyed her surroundings, clutching her bundle of dirty pajamas. A pang of sympathy twisted in my stomach for her. Uprooting her life in California. Moving to a new town. And now, losing her brand new home. She just couldn’t catch a break.

I gently pried the clothes away as I led her to the bathroom. Turning on the shower, I tested the water until it ran pleasantly warm.

Marlee watched my movements with solemn blue eyes. It was strange to see her so quiet, without her usual snappy comebacks and sharp tongue.

Tossing her dirty clothes in the hamper, I peeled her coat off her shoulders. It dropped to the floor with a heavywhump.Marlee closed her eyes and swayed toward me, curling her fingers into my shirt.

“You don’t have to take care of me,” she whispered. “I can handle myself.”

I hummed as I unlaced the ties of her hospital gown.

“I know. But you don’t have to.”

With a tug, the gown slid off and fell to the ground. Fuck, she was perfect—full hips, the beautiful, heavy curve of her tits with rosy pink nipples. I craved every inch of her—to taste her, to lose myself inside her—but Marlee needed stability and security right now. Not sex.

Stripping off my own clothes, I stepped into the shower, taking her with me. I worked my soap into a lather and washed her hair, combing my fingers through the tangles. She closed her eyes with a noise of contentment, tilting her head back.

Marlee turned and peppered butterfly kisses across my chest as I rinsed her hair clean. My cock twitched, bumping against her thigh despite my best attempts to keep the damn thing under control. I trailed my hands down her smooth skin, slippery and warm from the soapy water.

Then Marlee curved her fingers around my cock. I sucked in a breath, hips thrusting forward into her fist.

“You’ve been through a lot today,” I said. “I don’t want you to do something you might regret later.”

She ghosted her lips along the curve of my neck. A shiver rippled up my spine. I reached past her shoulder and turned off the shower. Pulling back, I dipped my head to meet Marlee’s gaze.

“Tell me what you want.”

Marlee skimmed her palm up my chest, over my shoulder, and down my bicep. She nuzzled into my neck, curling her body into mine.

“To feel safe with you.”

I trailed my thumb along her jawline, tucking a damp lock of hair behind her ear. Such a simple request and I was more than happy to give it to her.

Taking Marlee’s hand, I stepped out of the shower and toweled her off. She turned around in the circle of my arms, with her back against my chest. I let the towel drop to the floor, filling my hands with her. I touched every inch of skin I could reach while Marlee’s eyes fluttered closed. She braced her palms on the counter and pressed her ass back against my cock, grinding and rolling her hips.

Something primal in my brain took over—cradling my woman in my arms, the scent of her arousal becoming sweet and thick in the air. No smoke, no fire, no trembling with fear. I hooked an arm around Marlee’s waist and tucked my hand between her thighs. She gasped when I stroked over her clit, slipping lower to curl two fingers inside her hot, slick pussy.

“I wish I could have you like this morning, noon, and night,” I murmured in her ear, nipping at her shoulder. “Falling apart on my fingers, my tongue, my cock—whatever you needed.”

Marlee’s walls clenched tight, sucking my fingers deeper until I was buried knuckles-deep inside her.

“You wouldn’t have the stamina to keep up with me,” she replied.

I met her gaze in the mirror, my eyebrows raised in surprise. She smirked, clearly issuing a challenge. I breathed a soft laugh and pinched her skin between my teeth.

“Careful what you wish for, baby.”

Tugging open one of the sink drawers, I retrieved a condom and rolled it on. I grazed my palm over Marlee’s bare hip with a squeeze. She shifted her weight forward, angling her ass toward me for better access.

I dragged the tip of my cock through her folds, savoring the way her breath hitched. Then I sank in slowly with a groan.Marlee hummed with satisfaction and tipped her head back to rest on my shoulder. Gripping her hips, I set a slow, steady pace, allowing us to feel every inch of each thrust.

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