Page 65 of Sheltered by the Lawman

Chapter 21

CULL WAS HER knight in shining armor. The man who made her feel empowered. Her body was on fire and every cell throbbed with a need so powerful she thought she’d burst.

Her eyes naturally drifted to his mouth. It was tight as if he was doing his best to control himself. He wore a sexy shadow of a beard which made him look bad ass and drop-dead gorgeous. Her heart sped up as if she’d just run a marathon. What were these strong feelings in her? Was she falling hard?

“I want to kiss you, sweetheart. If I don’t, I think I might go crazy. Hell, I’m already past that point. I’ve felt insane the second I knew I shouldn’t touch you.” He swallowed hard. “I’m afraid I’ll blink and this will all have been a dream. Please tell me I’m awake and you’re not a dream.”

“I’m here, Cull. I’m real.”

He brought his fingers to her face, cupping her cheek. “What if I want more?” He leaned in and rubbed his nose against her cheek, then kissed the same spot, leaving a trail of kisses to her ear and he licked the sensitive skin, nibbled it between his teeth.

Laying her head gently back to give him better access, she tried concentrating on getting her words out of her trembling lips. “That’s huge, Cull.” His gentle, loving kisses made her want to give in completely. Offer him anything he requested. What was keeping her?

A moan of arousal reached her ears and she smiled. She loved turning him on—loved knowing he wanted her as badly as she wanted him.

“Go big or go home, right?” He kissed her neck.

“I’m a little nervous,” she admitted. “This is all so new. I know I’ve been in a man’s arms before, but I don’t remember how I felt. I couldn’t possibly have felt like I do now.”

He drew his head back to look at her curiously. “I don’t want to make you nervous.”

“Not you exactly, but not knowing how I’ll do…you know…You must have been with many women.”

He chuckled lightly. “Sweetheart, I’m certain you’ll do just fine, and as far as other women are concerned I think I’ve had a bit of memory loss myself. I don’t remember anyone but you. That’s what you do to me. You make everything feel like the first time.”

“We’re a pair, aren’t we?” She gave a shaky laugh.

With both hands he encircled her neck, his fingers smoothing over her skin, his thumbs framing her chin. He roved his gaze over her face as if he were imprinting her features into his brain. “I’ve thought about you nonstop. How much I’ve wanted you.” With great care, he showered her with sweet kisses on her forehead, her brows, her eyelids, and planted a longer one on her lips. “You taste so damn good. Somewhere in life I’ve done something pretty damn amazing to deserve this.”

She quivered under his touch as a longing so needful crept inside of her causing her stomach to flipflop. Her inner core spasmed with desire. As he moved his mouth lower to her neck, she closed her eyes and focused on the feeling of his lips against her skin. He was so gentle like an artist creating a masterpiece. Finally, he brought his chin up and touched her mouth softly.

Their breaths mingled and he used the tip of his tongue to trace the curve of her lips. She opened for him, inviting him in. He took tender, sweet nips at the corners, then slipped his tongue in. She brought her arms up around his neck and his kiss deepened.

When she moaned in delight, he met her sound of pleasure with erotic bites to her mouth.

“I’ve never wanted anyone, anything more in my life. You’re so fragile and yet so strong. I want to go fast, and yet I need to go slow.”

He claimed her mouth again, his kiss a little more demanding but she could feel the tension as he held himself back. She could almost allow tears to flow at the joy of being in his arms.

Feeling the dampness between her legs and the swelling of her nipples, she was heavy with desire. She resisted the need to move his hand between her legs to help her find release. “I feel out of control,” she said.

He rested his forehead on hers. “I could take you right here, but I want you in my bed.” He stood and his need was evident. “This is going to take some work, but it’ll be worth it.” He laid out his hand for her.

Once they were in the saddle, what was only minutes to reach the stables seemed to take hours.

****

He wanted her.

They wanted each other.

There were so many things he wanted to say, but he couldn’t manage to wrap his brain around one word. They walked together, neither saying anything, but the magnet between them became stronger with each step.

Once they finally reached the apartment, he could barely walk a straight line. He lifted her into his arms and carried her up the stairs.

“What are you doing? I’m too heavy,” she lightly pressed against his chest.

“Honey, you weigh less than a bag of feed.” He crossed the threshold with her and carried her into the bedroom. “I’m sorry that I wasn’t much of a tour guide, but I’ll be a better lover.” He winked and laid her down on the bed.

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