Page 69 of Swamp Kings 2

“That I’d sexually assault you?” Whenhe didn’t answer, she gasped. “Am I to worry you truly think I would or be insulted that you would mind?”

“You shouldn’t be insulted.”

Her mouth dropped open. “You think I’d sexually assault you! Little me? Please return to your side, my shame will keep me plenty warm for the rest of my life.”

“No,” he said, his tone low and rough and delicious. “I didn’t warm you because I didn’t want you to be afraid.”

Her heart was back to pounding furiously. “Of what?”

“Of me.”

Her mouth remained open for a few seconds. “I’m not,” she said.

“Good,” he murmured. “But maybe you should be.”

Oh God, she was scared of him, but not like he thought. “Nothing about you frightens me,” she assured, her pulse in her throat.

After a long span of silence, he said quietly, “I’m not really a virgin.”

Every molecule in the air suddenly pulsed between them at what hinted in his tone. “Nothing wrong with that,” she said, fighting to sound calm while wondering whyhe’d lied about it. Was he a man whore after all? “Experience is beneficial.”

“I don’t… have the right experiences.”

Panic began to set in at what he was saying. Had he been… sexually hurt? She imagined a very young version of him, her breaths shaking with the rest of her body now at the idea.

“Are you cold?” he whispered.

The softness in his voice felt like it came from a place he hid from the world. “I’m… not cold.”

The silence crackled with unmet need and tension. “Are you afraid?”

Her breaths shook now too. “No.”

“What are you?”

She closed her eyes, hearing it in his voice. The need. And the fear. “I’m…” She swallowed when her own fears assaulted her. “I’m…”

“Can I hold you?” he whispered.

Her breath rushed out as need exploded inside her. “Yes.”

“Do you want me to?” His need toknow she did unraveled her more.

“Yes,” she whispered. “I… I need you to hold me.”

His heavy arm lowered over her, his forearm pressing into her chest, tugging her against his hard chest as she fought to slow her breaths. He moved his arm against her breasts, feeling them. Oh God. “This good?” he asked, his voice hot near her ear, bringing a boiling pulse between her legs.

“Yes,” she forced out, her mouth opened as she fought to get enough oxygen without devouring the air.

“May I cover you more?”

Oh God yes. Yes, more. “Please,” she whispered.

“With my flesh?”

Please lord, don’t let me pass out. “Yes,” she forced out, stifling her need to pant.

Her panic flashed when he moved off her. She angled her head, hearing he was removing his clothes and snapped her head back. Oh Jesus and the saints, there go the barriers and the brakes.

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