Page 117 of The Reluctant Hero

Firefly

Amanda

A warm, heavy weight shifts off me. Even though a blanket is pulled over me, I don’t like the cold that hits after. I’m stuck halfway between sleep and being awake.

“Gabe,” I mumble and turn to my back with a frown.

“Yes?” A soft, relaxed voice asks from somewhere at my feet.

“Come back,” I flop my hand at my side.

Something’s wrong here. My frown deepens. Why is Gabriel in my apartment? And sleeping next to me? And when did my mattress get this soft?

Those pesky thoughts get shoved away so I can keep sleeping. He’s like a weighted blanket that bailed out too early. This is a weird dream.

I hear the faint sound of clothes rustling, and a hot breath washes over my cheek. I turn my head without opening my eyes.

“Gabe?”

“This is the first time you’ve called me that,” he says thoughtfully. He sounds a little smug. That hot breath is landing over my lips now, making them part like I need something of him inside me. Anything would do.

I make a weird, incoherent noise.

“Tell me. How long have you wanted me in your bed, Mana-Chan?” His voice has turned into the silky taunt that I like.

“Since I met you. I know I can fit under that desk,” I mumble back.

The heated breaths stop suddenly.

Damn. I was hoping this dream would keep going. It was just getting good.

It isn’t until my eyes open that I realize I’m in deep shit.

Gabriel’s face is right in front of me. His eyes are wide, and his pupils are blown until there’s a very thin line of amber around them. He exhales very slowly, making that pleasurable tingle start up on my lips again.

My cheeks are burning, and my eyes are wide open now. Please tell me that was all in my head. That I didn’t talk in my sleep. Please, please, please.

His eyes move down to my parted lips and narrow.

“Really.” The word is thoughtful, but his tone is ragged. His breathing is getting faster.

I know what it feels like to kiss him. I know I shouldn’t keep this going. He wants sex to take his mind off of everything, and I want someone who can appreciate me as I am. It’s never going to work. Which means it won’t work withanyof them. I can see that clearly now.

Those thoughts come screeching to a halt when his lips settle over mine. Just like before his movements are sure and strong. His confidence is a guide for me to follow.

Our tongues twine in a dance that’s a tease. My fingers thread through his hair, the weighted mass feeling like silk. I don’t know when he took the band holding it out, but I like the feeling of it free from its restraints.

He retreats even though I try to hold him. A soft kiss is pressed to my lower lip before he pulls back.

“Take your pants off,” the rough demand comes as he stands.

My mouth opens to protest, but it would be weak. Seeing the erection straining his slacks so close above me makes my mouth dry out.

If my heart hadn’t been racing before, it certainly is now. I’m out of breath as I watch him pull the thin leather belt out of the loops in one smooth motion. My throat clicks as I swallow.

“Now, Mana-chan,” he snaps, his hands going to the button of his slacks.

Holy shit, this is happening.

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