Page 32 of His to Claim

He merely nods.

“Any holiday plans this year?” I ask, looking over at his chiseled profile. I suck in a breath, admiring him. He’s really far too handsome for his own good.

“Not really,” he responds. “Christmas is just like any other day, you know?”

My chest tightens. It’s not, though. It should be spent with friends and family, exchanging gifts, eating together, making memories. Damon Archer doesn’t have that and my heart breaks a little for him.

He glances over at me. “I bet the Rossi’s all gather together and celebrate, huh?”

“Yes. We all go to Sicily to be with Mom and Dad. It’s magical over there during the holidays—all decorated and there are so many traditions everyone follows.”

“Like what?” he asks, looking interested.

“Well, outside of the churches, they hold live nativities and they light bonfires to keep baby Jesus warm. And there are processions. A big one is for Santa Lucia in Syracuse and the streets are filled with candles and poinsettias. December in Sicily is amazing.”

“It sounds nice,” he says, voice turning quieter, thoughtful.

“It is. But as long as I’m with my family, I don’t care where we are.” I briefly hesitate then blurt out, “You know, you’re always welcome to join us.”

For a long moment, he doesn’t say anything and I begin to feel foolish for offering. But then he reaches for my hand, threading his fingers through mine and says, “Thank you. That’s a very sweet offer.”

I squeeze my eyes closed and try to ignore the way I’m responding to him…to his touch…to his words. I like him way more than I should and I feel myself moving into very dangerous territory.

This is supposed to be a fling,I sternly remind myself.

Well, if that’s all it is, then what the hell are we doing on a hike? We should be in bed. I’m ready for round two and I need to let him know, just in case he’s holding back because he thinks he might hurt me.

I abruptly stop walking, yank him closer and look up into his surprised eyes. Not wanting to waste one more second, I grab his leather coat and push up onto my toes. “Put your mouth on mine, Damon,” I order huskily.

Heat flares between us and I don’t have to ask twice. His mouth crashes against mine and it’s a scorching kiss full of need. He lifts me up off the ground and I wrap my legs around his waist. We devour each other and I roll my hips against his, letting him know I want him. Now.

Passion consumes us. Pushing my back against a nearby tree, he slips a hand straight down my panties and I shamelessly rub against him.

“Oh, shit, sweetheart. You’re so wet.”

My fingers curl into his jacket, my nails no doubt leaving half moon-shaped marks in the leather. He’s stroking me, creating an absolute frenzy, and I whimper when he slides his fingers inside my soaked core. I’m slick and aching, wanting the release that only he can provide.

“God, Damon…please…” I moan, his fingers thrusting and working my clit at the same time.

“What do you need, sweetheart?”

He’s going to make me say it, to tell him, and this time I have zero shame or hesitation. Reaching down, I wrap my hand around his hard cock and squeeze. “I want your cock deep in my pussy. Now,” I demand.

My quick, naughty reply must surprise him because his fingers stop moving and he smiles against my lips.

“That’s my girl. Never hold back telling me what you want.”

“And what do you want?” I fire back, palming him more firmly.

“Fuck, babe, I want it all,” he rasps, ripping my sweats and panties off.

I’m tugging at his pants, fumbling to get them down as quickly as possible because I’m salivating for this man. Hot and desperate and so full of wanton desire. “I want that, too.”

He helps me shove them down and his glorious cock springs free. Lifting me higher, his engorged tip touches my entrance and I grasp his shoulders tightly and sink down as he thrusts up.

We both let out a low groan and I tighten my legs around his waist, my back propped against the rough bark. But the coat protects it and I lift up then plunge back down, taking him to the hilt.

“I need you,” I whisper against his lips. “Hard and fast. Please…”

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