Page 24 of Downward Dawg
“Gorgeous, sweet, kind, generous, filled with an exacting self-expectation that far exceeded what others might demand—you’re a flippin’ catch, Dawg.”
“Not as much as you’d think,” he muttered as he rolled in her direction, snuffling against her breasts as she rested a hand on his head. “You’re warm.”
“And you’re like a furnace. Burned hot all night.” She grabbed a handful of hair and tugged gently. “Not that I’m complaining, mind you. I don’t hate that. I’ll save money on electricity with you in my bed.”
“Glad it’s a point in my favor.” His lips moved against her skin, and she shivered with delight as he pressed gentle kisses across the slope of her breasts. “I like the idea. Plus, there’s lots of perks of you being in bed with me too.” Taking one peak into his mouth, he sucked deep, the delicious sensation causing Elodie’s back to arch as she pulled him closer with the handhold she had on his hair. “That’s one perk.” His murmur was muffled as he moved to the other breast, lavishing the same attention there. “And lookie what I found. I see there’s another.”
“Well, those perks appreciate your attention.” She bent her neck, pressing a kiss against the side of his head. “Love it, actually.”
“Good,” he told her, pulling back enough to look up at her. “That’s the desired reaction, lady.” He shifted around, pushing up farther in the bed, so they were face-to-face in mirroring positions with heads propped on hands. His gaze traveled across her face, coming to rest exactly where it still ached a little. “How you doin’ this mornin’?”
“I’m good.” He made a sound in his throat, and she pressed a hand against his bare chest. The thudding of his heart slammed against her palm, and she smiled, understanding where he was coming from.Maybe there’s the tiniest bit of fear there.“No, really,” she reassured him. “I’m good. Will memories of the events jump up and bite me in the ass at some point? Maybe. But maybe not. Remember I trusted you’d come for me. That makes it less scary to think about. My certainty helped get me through then, and will in the future, too.” Shaking her head, she leaned close enough to touch his lips with hers. Dawg stared into her eyes as she pulled back. “When—ifthe ass-biting happens, we can deal with it.”
“That easy?” He lifted his hand to trace along her jaw and throat, warm fingers cupping around the back of her neck. He kneaded her flesh gently, with the smallest tug in his direction. “Really?”
“Really.” She moved with his unspoken request, sliding closer to him in the bed. “It’s that easy.”
He brought his mouth to hers in a brief kiss, pulling her body towards him as he rocked her to her back. Dawg loomed over her, bright and questioning eyes darting across her features, watching everything. She gave him back only peace and contentment, pushing it through her mind so it would flow into her face. It wasn’t a façade, and she hoped he’d understand. Then the lines on his face relaxed slightly, as the corners of his mouth turned up.
I knew he’d get it. We just vibe.
“Okay,” he said gently, his lips touching down for an instant, the caress quick and tender. “Okay,” he repeated, the smile now dancing in his eyes. “In that case, prepare yourself, woman.”
She spread her legs and stretched her arms high overhead, glad she hadn’t donned any clothing after their rounds of sex during the night. Each muscle came to life at her direction, tensing then relaxing until she puddled on the mattress. “I’m ready, Dominick.”
“Meant to tell you last night. I kinda like that, Ella.” He shifted to cover her, his hips sliding naturally into the vee created by her thighs. “My name on your tongue.”
“You’d like something else on my tongue better.” She laughed softly as his eyes darkened. “Oh ho, someone likes that idea.”
“I think I’d like absolutely anything with you.” Dawg’s tone had gone somber, as if this proclamation needed gravity. “Everything, Ella. As long as it’s with you, that’s all I want.”
Butterflies took up residence in her belly at his confession.Same page, honey.There was nothing she wanted more than everything with him.
“Sounds like a lot more than a roll in the hay. That’s weightier. More robust. Longer. Deeper.” She kept her gaze locked with him. Hoping he knew how serious she was taking this conversation. “I kinda like hearing that.”
“Yeah.” He blew out a careful breath, the air touching her face as she reached to lace her fingers behind his head, pulling him closer. They shared breaths for a few moments, staring at the other. “I’m talkin’ about a fuckton more than a hookup. I’ve had a crush on you forever, but that’s changed now.”
“Changed how? Also, a crush?” She crooked an eyebrow at him, ignoring the twinge of pain it caused. “How did I miss that when I had the same on you?” She touched her lips to his, and he immediately took control of the kiss, bending his neck to deepen the caress. His tongue begged for entrance and she granted the gentle request, opening eagerly for the sweet connection. When he pulled back finally, she blinked slowly up at him. “You make me drunk, Dominick.”
“Changed for the better, as far as I’m concerned. And as far as gettin’ you kiss-drunk off a single kiss, I think that’s on the pro side of the chart too. Definitely a perk. Anything I can do to please you, that’s gonna be my mission.” He shifted, rolled his hips, and groaned far back in his throat. “Jesus, baby. You fit against me just right.”
His erection was rigid between them, pressing firmly against her clit. She reached down and cupped her fingers around the shaft, lifting her hips to bring the head to her core.
“You ready for me, Ella?” He gave a tentative thrust so the glans parted her entrance, and it slid easily through the wetness there. “Fuck me,” he whispered, bending his head to bury his face against her throat. “Jesus, baby. You’re always ready for me.”
“Something about you does it for me, Dom.” She skated her hands up and down his back, pushing the covers down so she had unfettered access. Grabbing one ass cheek in each hand, she pulled him tight against her, lifting her hips at the same time so he slipped deep inside with a single push. “There,” she moaned softly.
“There,” he groaned his approval. “Right fuckin’ there, Ella.”
“Fuckin’ move,” she told him, imitating his voice and startling him into a laugh that caused delicious shivers inside her. “Need you to fuckin’ move right now, Dawg.”
“Your wish is my command, baby.”
The rest of the morning was spent in bed, broken only by quick trips to the bathroom and kitchen, to clean up and find food and coffee.
And deal with a largely disgruntled canine.
Chapter Eight
