Page 91 of Flare
Ward chuckled darkly, nipping at her lower lip.“You deserve better than a quick fuck against the wall.” He stepped back just enough to grasp the hem of her sundress, pulling it up and over her head in one smooth motion.
The sight of her standing there in nothing but a pale blue bra and matching panties knocked the breath from his lungs.
“Christ, you’re gorgeous,” he whispered.
Emily’s fingers returned to his shirt, working the remaining buttons free.“Your turn,” she said, pushing the fabric off his shoulders.
Ward shrugged out of his shirt, letting it fall to the floor beside her dress. Emily’s hands immediately went to his chest, exploring the contours of muscle before tracing the thick scars that marred his torso.
When her fingers trailed down to the waistband of his jeans, Ward caught her wrists gently.
“If you touch me there right now,” he warned,“this will be over before it begins.”
Her smile was pure temptation.“We have all night.”
“Yes, we do.” He released her wrists to unclasp her bra, licking his lips as her gorgeous breasts spilled free.“And I plan to use every minute.”
He bent his head to capture one pink nipple between his lips.
Emily’s head fell back against the wall with a soft thump. Her fingers threaded through his hair, holding him to her as he licked and sucked the way he knew drove her crazy with desire. He switched to her other breast, giving it the same attention while his hands slid down to cup her ass, kneading the firm flesh through the thin fabric of her panties.
“Ward,” she moaned, arching into his mouth.“Please.”
The need in her voice, coupled with the heady perfume of her arousal, nearly broke his control. He straightened, capturing her mouth again as he lifted her into his arms. Emily wrapped her legs around his waist, her heat pressing against his denim-shielded erection. He carried her down the hallway toward the bedroom, their mouths never separating for more than a moment to gasp for air.
When they reached the bedroom, Ward gently laid Emily on the king-sized bed he’d built with his own hands. He flicked on the bedside lamp, then drank in the sight of her.
Her blonde hair spread across the pillows like spun gold. Her skin was flushed with desire, her chest rising and falling with quick, eager breaths. His cock throbbed almost painfully as he quickly shed his jeans and boxers, finally allowing himself to stand naked before her.
Emily’s gaze traveled down his body, lingering on his erection with undisguised hunger.“Come here, my love,” she whispered, holding out her arms.“Fuck me. I’ve been wanting this for months.”
Ward almost took her up on her invitation, then regained control.“Not yet.” He hooked his fingers in the waistband of her panties.“Lift your hips for me, Em.”
She complied immediately, allowing him to slide the blue lace down her long legs. When she was finally, gloriously naked, Ward kneeled at the foot of the bed, spreading her thighs. The scent of her arousal hit him like a physical force, making his bear growl with anticipation.
But before he could lose himself in her body, there was something vital he needed to say.
“Emily,” he said, his voice serious despite the thundering of his heart.“Before we go further… if we make love tonight, my bear will form a mating bond with you. It’s permanent, Emily. It means I’ll be connected to you for life—emotionally, spiritually, and physically. There’s no going back from it.”
Emily was quiet for a moment, processing his words.“And… what would it mean for me? Since I’m not a shifter?”
“It depends. Most Ordinary humans don’t feel any difference at all. A few can form a connection of sorts. They can sense their mate’s emotions, and even tell when their mate is nearby.” He took her hand, pressing it over his heart.“But whatever happens, I’ll always be there for you.”
“Will it hurt you?” she asked softly.“Andrew… he changed a lot after we got together.”
Ward shook his head.“I’m told it feels like coming home.”
Emily’s smile was radiant.“Ward Swanson,” she said, her voice steady and certain,“I want to be your mate. I want to be bonded to you in every way possible. I want to feel you inside me and know that we belong to each other completely.”
Relief and joy flooded through him.“You’re absolutely sure?”
In answer, Emily pulled him down for a kiss that left no doubt about her certainty.“I love you,” she whispered against his lips.“All of you—the man and the bear. I choose you, Ward. I want to be your mate.”
The last threads of Ward’s restraint snapped. He kissed her deeply, passionately, his hands rediscovering her body with newfound urgency. Her skin was silk beneath his callused palms, her breasts perfect handfuls that fit as if they’d been made for him. He trailed kisses down her neck, pausing to lick the hollow at the base of her throat, where her pulse throbbed against his lips.
Emily arched beneath him, her nails scraping down his back.“Please,” she gasped.“I need you.”
“Soon,” Ward promised, continuing his journey down her body.“But first, I want to taste you.”
