Page 55 of Knight's Journey

Bridget was lost.

His kiss gave her life and robbed her of breath, making her dizzy. She felt her knees start to buckle, but then his arms encircled her waist, pulling her up until she stood on her toes. Their bodies were flush together. He felt right, all hard planes and rippling muscles and soft lips and talented tongue which made her feel like she was burning from the inside out.

He released her mouth, but his lips trailed a path along her jawline to her neck, where he nipped and nuzzled at the sensitive spot where her pulse raced.

“We can’t,” she whispered despite the fact she hoped he wouldn’t stop.

But the kisses did stop though he didn’t release her. He lowered his head until their foreheads touched, and she closed her eyes to imprint the memory on her brain for the future nights she would spend alone.

“I know,” he agreed, and disappointment coursed through her. “I feel like I’m back in high school trying to sneak a girl into the house without my mother finding out.”

She giggled, the sound coming out husky as she fought to catch her breath. “It could be worse. You could have two teenagers you need to set a good example for asleep inside while you’re making out with someone outside.”

He kissed her lips gently, lingering a moment longer than necessary. She felt a thrill in her stomach as need pooled between her legs. Then he pulled away, stepping back a couple of paces.

“I’m, uh, I’m sorry if it seemed like I was taking advantage. I mean, after all that’s happened.”

“Please, don’t. I wanted this as much as you. I wanted to forget everything and do something for myself. I haven’t allowed myself to do that in a while. Well, with the exception of…you know.”

“I’m sorry. That you had to go through it. I hope you know we’ll keep you and the kids safe from him. You won’t have to worry.”

She smiled. “I know. Thank you.”

The moment grew awkward, and Bridget finally put them out of their misery. “I should go on to bed.”

“Goodnight, Bridget.”

“Goodnight.” She turned to head to the glass doors, the sight of the dark, quiet house beckoning her inside. Feeling a bit like she was emerging from a fantasy world she didn’t want to leave, her steps faltered to a halt. She warred with herself. She left her impulsive nature behind when she became a guardian, but she missed that part of herself, the one who made spontaneous choices with little concern for the consequences.

Her mind made up, she turned and marched straight to Zane, grateful his face was hidden in shadows. Her hands landed on her hips, her neck bending back enough for her to stare at him.

“It’s just for tonight, just one time. I’m guessing that’s all either of us can handle right now, but I get the feeling we both need it. God knows it’s been way too long for me.”

She grabbed his hand and turned to march into the house, dragging him behind her. Since he allowed himself to be easily led, she knew she was right that he wanted this as much as she did. She released his hand long enough for him to secure the door behind them. Then she snagged his hand again and led him quietly to the guest room. She breathed a quiet sigh of relief when they didn’t encounter anyone along the way. She crossed the room while he closed and locked the door behind them. When he flicked on the light, she whirled around.

“Strip. Slowly because I want to take my time and enjoy the show. And remember to be quiet about it.”

His responding grin was probably the sexiest thing she’d seen in a long time. His hand reached up and behind his head, snagging the collar of his T-shirt and dragging it up and off in one smooth motion. Bridget’s teeth snagged her bottom lip as her eyes drank in his broad shoulders, firm pecs and impressive abs. His jeans hung low on his hips, hinting at the erotic V disappearing below the waistband. His skin was smooth and tanned, and her fingers twitched with the urge to touch him.All in due time, she thought as a delicious thrill tickled her spine.

“Like what you see?” His smugness should have turned her off, but instead his body was doing fantastic things to her libido.

“I need to see more. Keep going, Houdini, before I lose interest.”

His movements were excruciatingly slow, but her skin was aflame as she took in every nuance. The tilt of his head, the curl of his lips, the flick of his fingers as he undid the button of his jeans, the rasp of the zipper as he dragged it down. Her mouth went dry, and her tongue snaked out to lick her lips. He used the toe of one foot to kick off his boot, repeating the gesture with the other boot. He toed off his socks next. Then he shoved his jeans over lean hips, stepped out of them and kicked them to the side.

The person who invented boxer briefs was both a genius and masochist. The way the stretchy fabric molded to his muscular legs and showcased his package drove her mad. Her nostrils flared and her breath quickened. He turned his back to her, and she enjoyed a whole new view of his broad shoulders and firm ass. When he shoved his briefs down and kicked them to the side, Bridget’s blood roared in her ears, and she felt dizzy.

His body was gorgeous, perfectly proportioned and well-muscled from hours spent pushing it to its limits. He was built for strength and endurance. She was ready to make the most of it.

Zane turned around, and Bridget looked her fill. Everything about him stirred naughty thoughts, but when he approached her, his strides long and languid, every one of those thoughts evaporated. He invaded her space, snaking a hand to cradle the back of her head. He planted a quick kiss on her lips which devastated her with its heat and intensity. His finger then lightly traced the outer shell of her ear, down her throat to stop at the neckline of her shirt right above her cleavage.

“It’s your turn.”

Her hands landed on his pecs, caressing the smooth skin. Her thumbs and forefingers latched onto his nipples and rolled them into tight nubs. She watched his eyes darken to a midnight blue, loving the way she could affect him. Her mouth closed over one nipple, her tongue laving the sensitive nub before her teeth nipped at it. A groan escaped his lips, and she felt it all the way to her lady bits. His hands landed on her waist, and when she felt them start to lift her shirt, she pulled away.

“So here’s the thing. There was a point in my life when I spent a lot of time on my appearance. I took care of things so when I invited a man into my bed, I was waxed, buffed and toned to impress. Now, thanks to all the runs I join my nephew on, I’m not exactly a pile of mush, but I don’t exactly put a lot of emphasis on my appearance these days, if you get what I’m saying. So if you’re someone who gets hung up on that, then maybe we skip the striptease, cut the lights and concentrate on the sex.”

A devilish gleam sparked in his eyes. His hands returned to her waist and continued their ascent up her sides, taking her shirt with them. She raised her arms to allow him to lift her shirt up and off, tossing it to the floor to land on top of his jeans. He reached behind her back, releasing the clasp of her simple bra. With a light touch, he pushed the straps from her shoulders and down her arm until the bra fell to her feet. Then he stared as her breasts bounced against her chest, free from their confinement.

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