Page 48 of Made For Ruin

Sitting up, he retrieves the decadent-looking chocolate cupcake from the nightstand.

“I think you deserve a reward for being so well-behaved. Open up.”

I push myself up on my elbows and open my mouth obediently. Marcus peels the wrapper off the cupcake and holds it to my lips, letting me take a big bite. I moan at the rich flavor, my eyes fluttering closed in bliss.

“Good?” Marcus asks, sounding amused.

I mumble around my mouthful. “Divine.”

He feeds me the rest of the cupcake in small bites, his fingers brushing my lips, making me lick and suck the chocolate frosting from his skin. It’s an oddly sensual experience, the way he’s caring for me, indulging me.

When I finish the last bite, Marcus wipes a smear of frosting from the corner of my mouth and brings it to his own lips, sucking it clean. The intimate gesture makes my breath hitch.

“Delicious,” Marcus murmurs, his amber eyes glowing with satisfaction. “But not as sweet as you, baby.”

I blush under his heated gaze, my heart fluttering.

I still can’t quite believe this is real, that I’m here in Marcus’s bed, that he’s looking at me like I’m the most precious thing he’s ever seen.

Overwhelmed with emotion, I reach for him, tugging him down into a deep, thorough kiss.

Marcus groans into my mouth. His arms come around me and he holds me close as he takes control of the kiss. His tongue delves deep, claiming me, stoking the embers of my desire back to a low burn. And it isn’t long before I fall into a deep, contented sleep.

TWELVE

MARCUS

Lainey’s eyessparkle over the rim of her coffee mug. “I can’t believe that you like to garden. The big bad Marcus Ruins, growing his own vegetables.”

“What can I say? A man needs fresh food, baby.” I pull another weed from around the tomato plants. “Plus, it’s therapeutic.”

Lainey giggles. “Therapeutic, huh?”

“That’s what they say.” I toss the weed into the basket and stand up, wiping my hands on my jeans. “Cheaper than hiring a shrink, too.”

It’s the next morning, and Lainey and I are out in the yard behind my cabin. After we woke up, I made breakfast, and we decided to enjoy our coffee outside while I tended to my little vegetable patch. It’s a perfect day, with the sun shining and a light breeze rustling through the trees.

I glance over at Lainey, taking in her messy hair and the way my flannel shirt hangs loose on her curvy frame. She’s perched on the Adirondack chair on the deck, her legs tucked up beneath her, sipping coffee like she hasn’t a care in the world.

Meanwhile, I’m down here in the dirt with sweat sticking my t-shirt to my back, trying to keep my mind off how damn sexy she looks.

I’m not usually like this, so consumed by lust for a woman. But with Lainey, my appetite is insatiable. And after last night, it’s only getting worse.

I’ve never crossed that line before or explored my dominant side. But with Lainey, it was perfect. She submitted to me beautifully, letting me take control. But I know she’s sore and needs a break.

I force myself to focus on the plants, not the way the flannel rides up her thighs as she shifts in the chair.

“You okay over there, mountain man?” Lainey asks, a teasing lilt in her voice. “You’re looking a little tense.”

“Just trying to get a few things done before the day gets away from us.”

She stands up and walks over to me, her hips swaying. “Anything I can do to help?” She kneels down beside me, our shoulders brushing.

I clear my throat. “You don’t have to. I’m almost done here anyway.”

“I want to,” she insists, smiling up at me. “Put me to work, Marcus.”

I hand her a weed.

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