Page 118 of Always Been Mine

A roguish smile broke through Gabe’s face as he slipped the ring on her finger. He stood up and immediately swept her into his arms, crashing his lips on hers and devouring her like a man starved for too long.

“I love you so much, Gabe,” Beatrice managed to say when he stopped kissing her, which was a while. “Words cannot describe how happy you make me.” She brushed her lips lightly on his and felt him shudder, closing his eyes as though strongly affected by the slight contact. “You never gave up on me.”

Gabe’s face turned solemn. “And I never will. You’re it for me, poppy.”

Beatrice snuggled closer and buried her nose in his neck, inhaling his musk, feeling secure in his tight embrace.

“God,” he whispered. “Who knew proposing could be so nerve-wracking.”

“You didn’t seem all that nervous.”

“I was. And it’s only because it’s you.” His hands slipped to her ass and squeezed. “Dismantling an IED would have been less stressful.” He smiled wryly. “You’re the mostunpredictable, infuriating, and independent woman I’ve ever known.”

“And you want to sentence yourself to a lifetime with me?” Beatrice teased.

“You bet,” Gabe muttered. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. You’re my unpredictable, infuriating, and independent woman. Make no mistake. All mine.”

“Hmm . . . that goes the same for you, my cocky, bossy, and infuriating man.”

“Speaking of cock . . .”

Beatrice snorted and leaned away, but Gabe molded their bodies together, making her aware of, well, his cock, which was presently springing to life.

His warm breath fanned her ear as he whispered, “Don’t think I’ve forgotten that you need some hard fucking to be reminded just how mine you are.”

“But—”

His mouth hit hers, stilling her protests, not kissing her, but murmuring further, “You’re walking inside, stripping your clothes off, and laying on our bed, legs spread and ready for my mouth.”

Oh, yes, Beatrice thought lustily. “Gabe—”

“Inside,” Gabe rasped. “Now.”

Things didn’t happen exactlyas planned, especially when you have an eighty pound dog waiting for his evening walk. Beatrice smothered a giggle as Gabe groaned when Rhino met them expectantly at the door.

“I’ll wait for you upstairs,” Beatrice said as she mounted the stairs, looking over her shoulder and shooting him an exaggerated come-hither look. Gabe’s heated eyes followed her up the steps with a promise of retribution.

She took a quick shower and donned a robe. Then sheremembered Gabe’s instructions of being naked and ready, so she discarded the covering and crawled into bed. The warmth of the shower lulled her into total relaxation, and she must have fallen asleep. She awakened to a sound. The room was dark, except for the outline of Gabe in front of the bathroom, a towel hanging low on his hips. Light from the outside window illuminated the ripple of muscle across his torso. He dropped the towel and prowled to the bed.

“Gabe?”

“You fell asleep?” There was amusement in his voice.

“You took too long.”

The bed dipped as the blanket was drawn away, revealing her nakedness. Gabe sucked in a deep breath as he took in the expanse of bare skin.

“So beautiful,” he murmured. His mouth sought her lips, his tongue dueling with hers, teasing, arousing. He did this for a while, just kissing her, the back of his fingers caressing her side. Finally, he moved on top of her, coaxing her legs open to cradle his hips. His hardness pressed against her core. But he didn’t rock against her. He kept his lower body steady even as she sought to rub herself against him.

“Easy,” he broke off. “I want this to last.” He slowly trailed his lips down her throat, leaving open-mouthed kisses along her collarbone until he reached her breasts. He gently sucked one taut peak into his hot mouth.

“Gabe . . . oh . . . ah,” Beatrice mewled helplessly. He swirled his tongue and flicked one nipple, and then he went to the other breast and did the same. He lightly bit on the turgid tip and Beatrice arched her back in response. “Oh, Gabe, I need . . . I need . . .”

This man had broken down her walls and made her need. Sheneededall of him—his body, heart, and soul.

“What do you need?” he mumbled against her skin as he went lower.

“All of you.”

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