Page 46 of The Bear's Mail Order Mate

“Then it would be rude to run off into the forest,” she said. And she meant it even though she could think of nothing more desirable than disappearing into the trees with Kris. “And we’ve got plenty of time, don’t we?” She smiled, linking her fingers with his and giving a reassuring squeeze.

Kris’s eyes softened, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “All the time in the world,” he agreed, though the heat in his gaze told her he was as reluctant as she was to postpone what had nearly happened in the barn.

“Then I guess we can wait,” she said, her voice hoarse as she added, “but maybe not too long.”

He growled softly, a sound that sent delicious shivers through her. “You’re testing my restraint, Cassia.”

She squeezed his hand. “Maybe that’s my role as your mate. To challenge you.”

The smile he gave her made her heart flip. “Among other things.” He slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her close, so close she could feel his hardness pressed against her stomach.

Unable to resist, she inched her body up and down, pressing tighter against him as she tempted and teased him. He groaned a guttural sound, and closed his eyes, moving his hips in rhythm with her.

But she wasn’t the only one capable of teasing. Kris slid his free hand between their bodies and slipped his fingers between her legs. She gasped as he pinched her sensitive flesh through her pants and then bit down on her bottom lip as he applied more pressure, making her tremble.

“Kris!” she gasped, clinging to him, her head falling back as pleasure coursed through her body. “We can’t...your brothers...”

“They are discussing the vines,” he whispered against her ear as he slipped one finger inside her pants, stroking her through the thin fabric of her underwear. “They’re at least five minutes away.”

“Five minutes,” she echoed breathlessly, her hips moving of their own accord against his skilled touch. It wasn’t enough time for what she truly wanted, but the need building inside her was impossible to ignore.

Kris guided her backward until her shoulders met the rough wooden wall of the barn, hidden from view by the angle of the doorway and a cluster of tall wildflowers. His eyes had darkened to molten chocolate, pupils dilated with desire.

“Trust me,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through her chest. His fingers continued their torturous journey, finding the edge of her underwear and slipping beneath.

Cassia gasped as he touched her bare flesh, her knees nearly buckling at the sensation. She clutched his shoulders, anchoring herself as pleasure spiraled through her body. The mountain air felt cool against her flushed skin, the contrast heightening every sensation.

“Kris,” she whispered, her voice catching as his fingers found a rhythm that made her entire body tremble. “What if they…”

“They won’t know what we’re doing,” he assured her, his breath hot against her ear. “Bear senses are good. I can hear them talking about the east vineyard. About a new kitchen garden for the restaurant. They’re completely distracted.”

They weren’t the only one. Finally, she surrendered to his touch, her head falling back against the barn wall. The risk of discovery only heightened her arousal, sending her pulse racing. His fingers moved with expert precision, finding every sensitive spot as if he’d been touching her for years instead of minutes.

“Look at me,” he commanded softly, and when she did, the intensity in his gaze nearly undid her.

Heat bloomed across her cheeks at his directness, but she couldn’t look away. His fingers circled faster, and she bit her lip to keep from crying out as pleasure coiled tighter and tighter within her.

“That’s it,” he encouraged, his voice a low growl. “Come for me, Cassia.”

The sound of her name on his lips was the final push she needed. Her release crashed over her in waves, her body trembling against his as she clung to his shoulders. Kris captured her mouth with his, swallowing her gasps of pleasure with his kiss, his body pressing firmly against hers as she rode out the waves of her climax.

When she finally came back to herself, breathing hard, she found him watching her with a mixture of tenderness and raw desire that made her heart skip. His fingers withdrew slowly, and he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

“That was...” she began, unable to find words adequate enough.

“Just the beginning,” he promised, his voice rough with restraint. In the distance, voices grew clearer—his brothers approaching. “Later I am going to lay you down and taste you, savor you like the finest wine.”

The promise in his words sent a shiver down her spine, and for a moment, she wondered if her legs would hold her upright. She straightened her clothes with trembling hands, still feeling the aftershocks of pleasure coursing through her body.

Kris stepped back, giving her space to compose herself, though his eyes never left her face. “You’re beautiful,” he murmured. “Especially when you come undone like that.”

Heat rushed to her cheeks. “And you’re...surprisingly skilled,” she replied with a small smile.

“Shifter instincts,” he teased, though his eyes remained dark with unresolved desire. “I can sense exactly what my mate needs.”

The word ‘mate’ sent a flutter through her stomach all over again. Mate. The concept still felt new, yet somehow as ancient as the mountains surrounding them.

“Finn and Philip are almost here,” Kris said, reluctantly putting more distance between them.

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