Page 69 of Guarded from Treachery

As long as she needs, I’ll wait for her. And I’ll give her whatever she needs.

But does she want this? Is she ready?

Isla continues unbuttoning my shirt, and with each inch revealed, she trails her fingers across my chest, tracing the lines of muscle there. Her lips keep working along my jaw, lingering at that one spot she knows I love. She wraps her legs around my waist, the heat from her core searing into me even through layers of fabric.

Before I can stop myself, one hand comes to her ass, drawing her closer to me. I plump the soft weight of her breast in my palm, thumbing her nipple through the silky fabric.

Isla moans, a seductive sound from low in her throat. She arches her back, thrusting her breast into my hand. Her gorgeous eyes flutter shut.

The lace between her thighs is damp, turning the pale gold to a rich bronze. Her hips roll against mine.

“Matt,” she breathes against my skin. “I want you.”

Shit. I want her, too.

But is it too soon?

My body wants to take what she’s offering without hesitation, but my mind urges caution. Touching her chin, I tilt her head up to look at me. “Are you sure? Because this isn’t why I planned this date.”

Hurt flickers in her eyes. “Do you… do you not want this?”

Shit.

“I do.” I glance down at the obvious evidence. “Trust me. I do. But I don’t want to rush things. End up having you regret this. I couldn’t forgive myself if I pushed you?—”

“Is it because I’m pregnant? Because it’s safe. I asked the doctor.” A beat, and then in a small voice, “Or did I get this all wrong?”

“No, gorgeous.” It’s firm but gentle. “Absolutely not. You are so incredibly sexy. Making love to you would be incredible. But if this triggers you…”

“Matt. It won’t.” Her chin lifts. “I may not have had control in other things, but this? I do. I know what I want.You. I trust you. And Iknowyou’d never hurt me. I don’t just want this because I’m so attracted to you it’s hard to think straight, but because of how deeply I care about you.” She pauses. “But if you want to wait…”

As she looks at me, a mixture of vulnerability and hope and desire in her gaze, a bolt of clarity strikes me.

Who am I to presume I know what’s best for her?

Isla’s a grown woman. And an incredibly strong one. If she’s certain, then why am I still hesitating?

“I don’t.” Pulling Isla into my arms, I lay her carefully onto the couch and brace myself above her. “I want you. So much.”

On an exhale, a smile curves her lips. “Then why don’t you show me?”

15

ISLA

Naked Matt is even more than I dreamed.

I’ve seen him in shorts and T-shirts, his legs thick with muscle from his daily hours-long workouts and his impressive biceps straining at his sleeves. I’ve felt his muscles each time we hug, hard planes and ridges that get my imagination going. And I’ve watched him in the B and A gym, shamelessly ogling his tight butt as he runs for miles on the treadmill and wondering if it feels as good as it looks.

So I knew that when—at least, I hoped—I saw Matt without the remaining barrier of clothing, it would be memorable. Impressive. And whenever I’d think about it, I’d wonder about all the tiny details. If he has any scars besides the one of his forehead. If there’s a tattoo hiding where most people can’t see it. If his chest is covered with a dusting of hair or if it’s smooth.

Now that he’s standing beside the couch, his clothes a forgotten thing, I’m finally discovering the answers to my questions.

His chest is lightly brushed with walnut-brown hair, just enough to emphasize the lines of muscle on his chest and stomach. There’s a small, jagged scar just below his ribcage, and another one across his left thigh. Both are long-healed, but I still hate to see them; knowing they’re evidence that someone hurt him.

He hasn’t said it, but I’m sure they’re from his time in the military. As a Green Beret, one of the elite A-Team, as Matt explained, they were sent into the most treacherous places in the Middle East. I’m so incredibly proud of what Matt accomplished, but selfishly, I’m glad he’s a civilian now—though Blade and Arrow jobs aren’t without risk, they’re less dangerous than what he used to do in the Army.

When I see the tattoo of a blade and twin arrows on his chest, I immediately know what it means. Not just the symbol of Blade and Arrow Security, but also the insignia for the Green Berets.

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