Page 18 of His to Claim

My thoughts whirl as I find the new toothbrush along with some toothpaste. Archer is the most delicious man I’ve ever laid eyes on and I’m debating over what to do about the situation.

After brushing my teeth, I find a facewash and I scrub all my makeup off. It belatedly occurs to me how different I probably look because I went all out tonight with smoky eyes, sparkles and red lips. Now, I look at myself in the mirror and feel like I just washed most of my self-confidence down the drain.

What if Archer doesn’t find me attractive anymore? I also look a lot younger than I did with a clean, fresh face. Oh, well. There’s not much I can do about it now. But one thing has firmly taken root in my mind—I am stuck in this cabin for the next few days with the hottest man I’ve ever encountered who is giving me more than just a few butterflies. More like a million.

The timing feels right to spice things up. And, honestly, what have I got to lose? Other than my virginity? My life has been boring and predictable for so long, and Archer excites me in a way Rendall never did.

Of course, he might not be interested. That would be tragic and would no doubt shatter my ego. But, it’s a chance I’m willing to take. Mustering up all of my courage, I make a decision: I’m going to seduce Archer.

8

ARCHER

The fire crackles loudly, pouring off heat, and it’s not long before the main room is toasty warm. I can’t stop thinking about unzipping Carlotta’s dress and how soft her skin felt against my knuckles. The temptation to do more was almost my undoing. But, I held it together and didn’t rip the dress off like I so desperately wanted to do.

She is Miceli’s baby sister,I remind myself sternly. For fuck’s sake, the man would have my balls ripped off and shoved down my throat for doing half the things that have gone through my mind. Dirty things that would make her scream in pleasure and end with us both coming so damn hard.

No!Forget about it.

Christ, I’m starting to sweat it’s so damn hot in here already. Tossing my suit jacket, I yank my tie off, unbutton my sleeves and roll them up, exposing the crossed arrows inked on my left forearm. My ghost ops team all got the same tattoo. It’s where our nicknames came from—there was Arrow, Bow, Fletch, Bolt, Pierce and me, Archer. Our team’s name was Sagittarius and we specialized in killing the enemy silently. As if we were a bow and arrow, we’d slice through the night, find our target and take them down swiftly.

Those days seem so long ago and I miss those guys. But after we parted ways, they met women, started families and began truly living their lives. While I, on the other hand, stayed in the shadows.

“It’s so warm.”

I glance up and see the object of my lusty desire walk back into the living room. She carefully lays her dress over a chair and now wears my T-shirt and jogging pants. And, fuck me, she barely looks twenty years old. The makeup is gone, all washed away, and she’s so fresh-faced and exuding such a beautiful youthfulness, it makes my chest and groin tighten simultaneously.

“Too warm?” I ask, forcing my attention to the fire now raging. Just like my out of control hormones. “I can take a log off.”

“No, it feels wonderful. I’m just surprised how quickly it warmed up.”

She moves closer and I swallow hard. My body is already reacting to her, wanting her, and this isn’t good. But, she’s utterly stunning and I’m just a man. One who hasn’t had sex in a while. It’s a combustible situation and I feel like the fire and she’s hot, dry tinder. And, goddamn, I want to light her up in every possible way.

Clamping my jaw, I grind my teeth together and try to ignore the growing heaviness in my pants. “I’m sure you’re tired,” I force out. “The bed is up in the loft. So…goodnight.”

I know it’s a brush-off, but I’m not sure how much more I can take. So, yes, please go up there so I can disappear into the bathroom and jerk off. But, instead of heading up to the loft, she moves closer to me. Her sweet candy scent infiltrates my senses and I curl my hands into fists.

“Archer,” she says softly, shyly, “I don’t mind if you join me.”

What?My eyes lock onto hers and she’s right in front of me now, her gaze drifting down my body like a caress, and it’s almost more than I can take. I’m remembering how her lips tasted, how eagerly she kissed me back when I had her up on that conference room table. How good it felt to grind against her wet panties then sink my fingers in her hot, slick pussy.

On the verge of overheating, I throw all common sense out the window, grab her wrist and yank her against my hard, desperate body. My mouth crashes into hers, needy and demanding, and I force my tongue past her lips. She’s so damn eager, her tongue meeting and dueling with mine, pushing up onto her toes and giving as good as she’s getting. Of course, her excitement gets me even more revved up and I walk her backwards toward the couch.

I can’t think straight when it comes to this woman. At least my brain can’t and it lets my dick take over. Big mistake, but I’m a goner, lost in sensation. It’s crazy, and before I can comprehend what’s happening, I have her down on the couch and I lower myself on top of her, kissing her sweet mouth as though my very life depended on it. Kissing my Queen of Hearts into sweet, fucking oblivion.

Deepening the kiss, I feel her wrap her legs around my waist, drawing me right where she wants me. Slowly, seductively, she rubs her hot center against my hard dick and I groan into her mouth.

“You’re driving me crazy,” I growl, thrusting against her needy pussy, unable to forget how wet she got for me earlier. So tight, so drenched, so responsive.

“I wasn’t sure you liked me,” she murmurs, circling her hips harder and breathing faster.

I lift my head so I can look down at her, look right into her pretty brown eyes. And I hate the doubt I see there. “Are you kidding me?” I rasp. “I wanted to fuck you since the moment I laid eyes on you at the dessert table.”

She blinks, mouth opening slightly, as though not quite sure she heard me right. “Really?”

“Sweetheart, I want you so badly it hurts,” I admit.

“Then take me,” she says, arching beneath me, offering herself up.

---