Page 39 of The Hero's Bride
“I want to be with you.”
Mason tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, pressing a kiss to her lips. She didn’t recognize they were moving until the cool, stone countertop pressed into her back.
“Coming back to the condo and seeing you is the best part of my day.” He cupped her cheek, kissing just below her jaw on the opposite side. “I live for our quiet evenings together.” His breath tickled her neck, sending tingles through her body. “Holding you as we sleep. Waking up beside you.” He lowered his mouth to hers while lifting her up onto the counter.
“I love those things too, Mason.” It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him she loved him. He stepped closer, standing between her legs. Framing his face, she kissed him, sliding her tongue past his lips.
She swallowed his groan and linked her ankles behind his back. When he nipped her lower lip, a shock ricocheted through her body. The kiss quickly spiraled out of control. She buried her hands into his thick hair, the motion moving her heavy breasts against his chest. He slid his hands beneath her and gripped her bottom, supporting her weight and drawing her into his hard body. Aches of pleasure pulsed through her and not for the first time she wondered what it would be like to make love to him. The need to join with him, to connect on a more intimate level, had her rocking back to look at him. She sucked in air, captivated by the way his dark pupils were blown out with lust.
“You said you don’t want me to do something I don’t feel with my heart and soul,” she said, giving his words back to him. “But I want you. I’ve never been with anyone else, but I know you’re the man I want to be with, and I know it with my heart and soul.”
“Fuck, Thalia.” He searched her face. “Be sure.”
“I am, Mason.”
Taking her lips again, he kissed her with such tenderness that a fluttering sensation gripped her heart. With his arms still banded beneath her he moved toward the bedroom, kicking the door shut behind him. He placed her on the bed, continuing to kiss her gently as his hands roamed over her body.
“If you want me to stop, you only have to say so. No matter how far we take this, you’re in control.” With one hand on his chest, she pushed him back and sat up, pulling her shirt over her head. His eyes dropped to the swell of her breasts, and he breathed her name, placing soft kisses on her skin. She reached behind her and unclipped her bra, shrugging out of the straps. His intake of breath and the way his hands stilled on her waist made her feel beautiful.
“So gorgeous, sweetheart. I’m going to take my time. Make sure this is as good for you as it is for me.”
An unwanted thought struck her. She wasn’t like other woman he took home. The last thing she wanted to do was disappoint him or fall short.
A low growl left Mason’s lips. His calloused fingers touched to the bottom of her chin, urging her to meet his eyes. “Tell me what just put that look of doubt on your face.”
“What if you’re not satisfied? If I disappoint you?” She tugged her bottom lip between her teeth, suddenly self-conscious.
“There’s nothing you could do to disappoint me, Thalia. Just having you here in my place leaves me satisfied whether we have sex or don’t.” He stroked her cheeks and stared into her eyes.
“I want this, but what if…” She let out a long sigh, frustrated by her train of thought. “I’m afraid that after, you’ll decide you want someone who can give you more.”
He lay down on his side, pulling her flush against him. “Why would I want someone who could give me more, when I have someone who gives me everything?”
His words kick-started her heart, making it fire wildly in her chest.
“Baby, I’ve spent my adult years satisfied with my life, proud of the work my team has done to make the world safer. I’ve felt a sense of camaraderie and brotherhood, but you’ve given me a place to belong. The support and affection I always craved as a child. Thalia, in the past few days you’ve held me close, cherished, and appreciated me. I’ve never had that before. I’m bound to you, and not because of the steps we took to get you out of Mexico safely, but because of the undeniable love in my heart. The way we’ve melded together so seamlessly. You’re the home I’ve always searched for. The partner I’ve always craved. I’m so fucking in love with you, Thalia. Whether we come together now or later, it doesn’t matter. My feelings for you aren’t going to change.”
“Mason.” All the breath whooshed out of her lungs at his admission.
“I was going to wait to tell you. Didn’t want to scare you off, but I won’t stand you doubting yourself or my feelings for you. I don’t expect you—”
She covered his lips, halting his words. “I love you, too. Heart and soul.” They locked eyes for one beat then two before she sealed her lips over his.
Time and space seemed to dissolve and all that was left was the man in her arms. The man who meant everything. His mouth left her lips to press soft kisses over her throat and chest before moving to her breasts. She tipped her head back, memorizing each sensation. He sucked one tight nipple into his mouth, rolling the other gently between his fingers. Warmth seeped to her core and the ache there intensified. Her fingers found the hem of his shirt and she tugged upwards until he reached up to help her remove the piece of clothing. The muscles in his shoulders and arms bunched as he held his body above hers. The tattoos that flowed over his arms like sleeves only added to his appeal. He towered over her, yet she never felt safer than when she was with him.
She reached between their bodies and drew his belt buckle back as he continued to kiss her. When she loosened the button on his jeans, she leaned up to push them over his hips. He quickly stood, shucking them off and tossing them to the floor. Reaching into his nightstand, he pulled out a foil packet and placed it on the top. His mouth returned to her breasts as his fingers stroked her sex. The breath bottled up in her lungs as he slowly worked his fingers inside her.
“Mason. I’m ready.”
“Not yet. I don’t want to cause you any pain.” With each gentle slide of his fingers, his thumb creating friction against her clit, pressure built inside her until she grabbed his shoulders and bore into his touch. She gasped as she tumbled over the edge and shudders of pleasure caused tiny tremors throughout her body. Mason reached for the packet, tearing it open and sliding the condom over his erection.
“Tell me again.” His gaze was intense yet filled with tenderness.
“I want you, Mason. All of you.”
He pressed against her, gently nudging inside before stilling his hips. “Are you okay?”
“Yes.” She nodded, and he eased in deeper.
