Page 62 of Sachie's Hero

“No.” He touched his lips to her left temple.

“But you can hold me,” she whispered.

A slight smile pulled his lips upward. “Yes, but only if you want me to.”

She nodded. “I do. Please.”

Teller chuckled and pressed his cheek against her hair. “Sweetheart, I already am.”

“No,” she whispered. “Closer.”

He leaned back, his brow furrowing. “Closer?”

She nodded, her gaze holding his. “Only if you want to.”

“Oh, I want to,” he said. “More than I’ve ever wanted to hold a woman in my life. But help me out here. You’re amazing and beautiful, with a huge heart that cares about so many. I don’t want to hurt you in any way whatsoever. So, help me out here. I’ll need a little more information.” He stared into her eyes, trying to read her thoughts and failing miserably. “Just how close?”

A crooked smile curled her pretty pink lips. Sachie took his hand and stepped backward. “To be perfectly clear... I want you to hold me close enough...” she took another step backward, drawing him with her, “...close enough our skin will touch.” Another step brought them closer to one of the beds. “Close enough, I can feel your heart beating against mine.” Another step, and the backs of her legs rested against the end of the mattress. “Close enough to make love to me.”

Teller’s pulse raced through his body, pushing molten hot blood south to his groin. Still, he had to be sure. “Don’t get me wrong. I want nothing more than to strip you naked and explore every inch of your body, making love to you.”

Her brow dipped. “Here comes the but.”

He nodded. “But you’ve been through so much, are you sure this is what you want? When you wake up in the morning, will you regret your decision and feel ashamed of what we did?” He raised her hands to his lips. “I never want to be one of your regrets. I never want you to be ashamed of making love with me. You do not have to give your body to me to make me like you.” He pulled her closer and cupped her cheek. “I’d like everything about you without ever making love with you.”

“Believe me when I say, I want to make love with you, for me. Not to make you like me better.” She smiled. “Being with you this past couple of days, I’ve never felt more comfortable being myself. At the same time, I’ve never felt so incredibly attracted to someone as I am to you.” She tipped her head toward the digital clock on the nightstand. “I want to make love with you...for me. If you still want to make love with me, we’d better get started.”

Teller chuckled as he lowered his head and claimed her lips.

She opened to him and met his tongue with her own, thrusting and caressing in sync with him. Then she slid her hands beneath his T-shirt and ran them across his torso.

He leaned back, tore the shirt over his head and flung it across the room.

Sachie followed his lead, removing hers to reveal she wasn’t wearing a bra. Her breasts were the perfect size to fit nicely in his palms. He cupped them and softly pinched her nipples until they formed tight little beads.

He bent to capture one in his mouth and flicked the tight button with the tip of his tongue.

Sachie’s head rolled back; her fingers weaved into his hair and tugged him closer.

Teller swept her up into his arms and laid her across the bed. He backed up a step and shed his shorts. His staff sprang free.

Sachie scrambled out of her shorts and panties and made room for him on the bed.

Instead of lying beside her, he spun toward the nightstand where he’d left his wallet, praying he had his emergency protection stashed inside. It had been a long time since he’d needed it. He wasn’t sure.

When his fingers felt the smooth wrapping, he breathed a relieved sigh and joined Sachie on the bed.

Lying naked beside her, he leaned up on an elbow and brushed his thumb along her jaw. “You’re allowed to change your mind, you know.”

“Why?” She frowned up at him. “Are you having second thoughts?”

He pressed his lips to hers in a light kiss. “Never.”

Her frown disappeared, her hands laced behindhis neck and she said, “Then make love to me like there’s no tomorrow.”

Teller’s eyes narrowed. “You know something I don’t?”

Her lips twisted. “Oh, for the love of—” She cupped his chin and stared hard into his eyes. “A little less talk, a little more action.”

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