Page 56 of Shea's Hero

Liar.

“Really?” Her gaze dips below my waist. A smile teases at her lips. “So you get excited about curtains? That’s a new thing.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh,really?” This time she drags out the word. Then her hand drifts down to brush against the noticeable bulge in my pants, which, of course, proceeds to get even bigger.

“Oh.” I give her an innocent look. “Isthatwhat you’re talking about?”

“Yes.” It’s throaty. Sultry. The voice Shea only uses when she’s aroused. Her fingers trail along my growing arousal, searing even through two layers of fabric. “I’m just wondering what you were thinking about.”

No.We are not making love yet.

Shea’s been through too much. The attack yesterday, the drug the doctorclaimsshould have worked its way out of her system by now, the stressful meeting at Blade and Arrow, and then having to pack up her things to come over here. No matter how badly I want it, I’m not rushing this part. No way.

“Shea.” My voice is husky. “What are you doing?”

Those wicked fingers tease me again as she stretches up to nuzzle my neck. “Just touching you, Oll. It’s been so long.”

“It has.” Without thinking, my hands have somehow found themselves on the sweet curves of her ass. Caressing it.

I pull her against me, jutting hard against her belly.

Shea sighs, her breath whispering across my skin.

Her breasts are full and soft against my chest, her nipples pulling into taut peaks that remind me of how gorgeous they are and how much I used to love taking them into my mouth.

Which makes me even harder.

Fuck.

I’m hard as a damn rock, aching with the need to be inside Shea again.

No. Not now.

Shea is too important to rush. It’s one thing bringing her here, having her live in my house. Not that it isn’t a big deal, but making love to Shea for the first time in over four years? It’s not going to be some quick thing. It’s going to be perfect and romantic and I’m going to make damn sure she’s absolutely ready first.

Shea kisses her way up my neck and along the underside of my jaw. Her heart is beating so hard I can feel it.

Taking one hand off her ass, I cup her nape, tilting her head back to capture her lips.

And it’s magic. Just like it always is.

How did I ever get by without her?

I can’t do it again. Not unless Shea wants it. If she wants to end things, I’ll always respect her wishes. No matter how much it hurts.

But if someone else tries to take her from me?

I won’t hesitate to doanythingto stop them.

“Oll.” Shea breaks our kiss and meets my gaze. She looks so beautiful, like this wanton Snow White, all rosy lips and bright blue eyes and dark hair contrasting against her creamy skin. And once again, I can’t believe just how lucky I am to have her with me again.

“What, Shea?”

“What do you think…” She glances at the bed. “Maybe…”

Shit. How am I going to do this without her feeling rejected?

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