Page 103 of Cold Front
“I got you,” he whispered, pressing one last kiss to my lips before reaching for the condom and rolling it on. He slicked himself up, then settled between my legs, his eyes searching mine. “Tell me if you need me to stop.”
I nodded, heart hammering. I didn’t want him to stop. I wanted this—I wanted him.
Eli guided himself to my entrance, his breath warm against my jaw. He pushed forward slowly, carefully, letting me adjust inch by inch. I clung to him, my breath coming in short bursts, my fingers digging into his back as he filled me completely.
“Fuck,” he rasped, pressing his forehead to mine. “You feel so good.”
I couldn’t speak. The stretch was intense, but the closeness, the way Eli was holding me, touching me, whispering my name… it was everything.
He gave me time, his fingers threading through mine, grounding me. When the discomfort eased, and all I felt was need, I shifted against him, letting him know I was ready.
Eli pulled out slowly, then pressed back in, setting a rhythm that had pleasure sparking down my spine. His hands roamed my body, mapping every inch, and I met each thrust with my own, chasing that heat, that overwhelming sensation of being completely and utterly his.
The pleasure built, deep and consuming, until I was gasping, moaning his name. Eli’s movements turned desperate, his control unraveling as he thrust harder, deeper, his own release nearing.
“Niall,” he choked out, voice wrecked, and that was all it took. I came undone beneath him, pleasure crashing over me in waves. Eli followed seconds later, shuddering against me, his grip tightening as he found his own release.
For a moment, neither of us moved, our breaths tangled, bodies still connected. Then Eli eased out carefully, discarding the condom before pulling me into his arms. He pressed soft kisses to my temple, my shoulder, wherever he could reach, his hands stroking over my skin like he couldn’t stop touching me.
“You okay?” he murmured, voice tender, full of something that made my chest ache.
I nodded, completely wrecked, completely sated. “Yeah.”
Eli smiled, brushing damp hair from my forehead. “You were perfect.”
Warmth spread through me at his words, at the way he looked at me—like I was everything.
I curled into him, letting my body melt into his. And as Eli held me close, his fingers tracing lazy patterns over my skin, I knew?—
There was no one else. There never had been. There never would be.
CHAPTER40
ELI
I stirred awake, the warmth of the body beside me anchoring me to the moment. Blinking against the soft morning light filtering through the blinds, I turned my head and found Niall sprawled on his back, dark lashes fanned against his cheeks, lips slightly parted as he exhaled slow, steady breaths.
My heart clenched.
Last night had been everything. More than I’d expected. More than I’d let myself hope for. Niall had given himself over completely. The way he had let go and let me in. The way he had looked at me. I knew I’d never forget it, and in return, I had poured every ounce of tenderness I possessed into making it unforgettable.
Afterward, we drifted into sleep, tangled together, only to awaken close to midnight. We’d stumbled to the kitchen, cleaning up the remnants of our forgotten dinner—laughing, stealing kisses between wiping counters and putting away dishes. Then, a shared shower, the heat of the water no match for the heat between us. I’d dropped to my knees, taking Niall into my mouth, pulling those deep, wrecked sounds from him, my name breaking from his lips like a prayer.
He’d been the big spoon when we’d fallen back to sleep, and the arm slung around my waist was firm, possessive even, like he’d decided he wasn’t letting go. I’d smiled into my pillow, shifting slightly, and his grip had tightened in response.
Now, he lay sated, his chest rising and falling in the early light, one arm flung carelessly over the space where I had been. I let myself look—really look—at the man who’d rocked my world. The strong planes of his face, the curve of his mouth, the soft, golden morning light catching the scruff on his jaw. He looked beautiful.
And he wasmine.
Moving carefully, I eased out from under his arm, slipping from the bed as he gave a soft, contented sigh but didn’t stir. I lingered for a second, just watching him, then padded toward the door and into the kitchen.
Swiping my phone off the counter, I scrolled to my sister’s name and hit Dial. The night before, Niall had told me that since today was game day, he had a lighter load and would just do some online work. No early morning practice. No rushing out of the apartment before sunrise. Just him sleeping soundly in my—our?—bed, looking so damn peaceful that I didn’t want to risk waking him up.
Cheyenne picked up on the third ring. “Eli?”
“Hey, Chey.” I leaned against the counter, keeping an eye on the hallway. “Hope I didn’t wake you.”
She snorted. “Please. I’ve been up for hours.” She hummed, as if she was sipping from her ever-present coffee. “So, what’s up?”
