Page 20 of Embracing Easy

Her hand waves in the air as she tries to brush it off, refusing to meet my eyes. “It's nothing, really. Just my ex being difficult.”

Yeah, I'm not buying that at all. There is definitely more to the story. I may barely know the woman, but whoever this John prick is has her scared.

“Bullshit,” I growl, leaning forward. “Spill it, Lex. What's going on?”

She sighs, her shoulders slumping in defeat. “John... he's my ex-fiancé. When I broke off our engagement, he didn't take it well. He started showing up at my work, my apartment. He'd call at all hours, leaving these insane messages.”

My fists clench under the table, rage boiling in my veins. “That why you came to Miami?”

She nods, looking small and vulnerable. “I thought... I thought if I got far enough away, he'd give up. But he keeps finding new numbers to call from, and I'm scared he'll...”

I'm around the table before she can finish the sentence. “Come ‘ere, baby.” I pull her into my arms.

Lexi's arms go around my waist as she buries her face in my chest, and I can feel her trembling against me.

“Listen to me,” I say, my voice low. “That fucker isn't going to touch you. You're safe here, you understand? I've got you.”

Lexi tips her head back, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “Why? Why are you helping me?”

I cup her face in my hands, my thumbs brushing away the tears that have started to fall. “Because you're mine now, Lex. And I take care of what's mine.”

This time, when I kiss her, there's no hesitation. She meets me halfway, her lips soft and yielding under mine. I pour everything I'm feeling into this kiss—my need to protect her, my growing feelings, my promise to keep her safe.

Chapter Nine

Lexi

I'm staring up at Shawn, his eyes locked on mine, and when he kisses me again, it’s not just fireworks. It's a supernova, explosive and all-consuming. His lips are firm yet tender, demanding and cherishing. Everything about this man makes me feel desired, protected. I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer, craving more of him.

He lifts me off my feet effortlessly, setting me down on the table as he deepens the kiss. His hands roam over my body, exploring every curve as if he's memorizing me. I can feel the heat of his touch through my clothes, igniting a fire within me that I didn't know existed. His fingers tangle in my hair, tilting my head back to give him better access to my mouth.

I gasp as his lips trail down my neck, leaving a path of scorching heat in their wake. My heart is pounding in my chest, my breath coming in short, rapid bursts. His hands find the hem of my shirt, lifting it slowly as if asking for permission. I raise my arms,allowing him to pull it off completely. The cool air hits my skin, but it does nothing to temper the heat coursing through me.

Shawn's eyes darken as he takes in the sight of me, his gaze lingering on the swell of my breasts, the curve of my waist. He leans in, his breath hot against my ear. “You're so fucking beautiful,” he murmurs, his voice a low growl that sends shivers down my spine.

His hands move to my jeans, unbuttoning them with deft fingers. I lift my hips, helping him slide them down my legs. He steps back, his eyes never leaving mine as he kicks off his boots and pulls his shirt over his head. My breath hitches at the sight of his muscular chest, the tattoos that decorate his skin telling a story of their own.

He steps forward again, his hands finding my thighs, spreading them wide as he steps between them. His kiss is hungry, urgent, and I meet it with equal need. The rough feeling of his fingers tracing the edge of my bra sends sparks of electricity right through me. I arch into his touch, needing more.

His hands move to my back, unhooking my bra with ease. As he slides it off, his eyes darkening at the sight of me. “Fuck, Lex,” he growls, his voice thick. Holding my stare, he dips his head. His mouth finds my nipple and I cry out, my hands gripping his shoulders as wave after wave of pleasure crashes over me.

His hands move lower, hooking into the waistband of my panties, sliding them down my legs. I shouldn’t be doing this but there’s no way in hell I’m stopping. I want him.

I kick my panties off and my body starts to tremble with anticipation. Shawn steps back, his eyes raking over me, taking in every inch of my naked body.

“Shawn,” I whisper, my voice a plea of how much I need him.

He steps forward, his hands finding my hips, pulling me to the edge of the table. I can feel the hard length of him pressing against me, and I wrap my legs around his waist, pulling him closer.

His mouth finds mine again, his kiss fierce and possessive. I can feel his hands trembling slightly as they roam over my body, and it occurs to me that he's just as affected by this as I am. The thought sends a thrill through me, knowing that I have this kind of power over him.

He breaks the kiss, his forehead resting against mine. “Tell me you want this, Lex,” he says, his voice a low rumble. “Tell me you want me.”

“I want you, Shawn,” I tell him, my voice steady and sure. “I know we just met, but damnit I want this. I want you.”

His eyes search mine, looking for any hint of doubt or uncertainty. But there's none. I've never been more sure of anything in my life. I want this—I want him. He nods, accepting my words, and steps back just enough to unbuckle his belt and shed his jeans. My eyes widen as I take in the sight of him. “I...”

He smirks. “It'll fit.”

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