Page 32 of Eden and her Mercenary
We stumbled back toward the guest cabin, reluctant to break contact for even a moment. Royal paused at the threshold, suddenly serious.
"Eden," he said, his voice rough. "This isn't just—"
I pressed my fingers to his lips. "I know. For me either."
Relief and something deeper flashed across his face before he swept me into his arms, kicking the door shut behind us.
Inside, he pressed me against the door, his body hard and insistent against mine. His kiss deepened, tongue seeking entrance as his hands roamed freely, leaving trails of heat through my clothes. I arched into him, desperate for more contact, more friction.
"Too many layers," I gasped as his mouth moved to my neck, teeth grazing the sensitive spot below my ear.
"Let me fix that," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through my skin.
With deliberate slowness, he peeled my jacket off, then my shirt, his eyes darkening as each new inch ofskin was revealed. When I stood before him in just my bra, his breath caught audibly.
"You're beautiful," he whispered, reverently tracing the curve of my breast with his fingertip.
I reached for him, tugging impatiently at his henley until he helped me pull it over his head. The sight of his bare chest made my mouth go dry—broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist, defined muscles rippling under skin marked with scars both old and new. I traced one that curved around his ribs, silently questioning.
"Bar fight in Edmonton," he explained, his voice strained as my fingers continued their exploration.
"And this one?" I touched a puckered mark near his collarbone.
"Knife. Guy didn't appreciate me interrupting his business."
I leaned forward and pressed my lips to the scar, feeling his sharp intake of breath. "And this?" I whispered against a thin white line above his heart.
Instead of answering, Royal captured my mouth again, walking us backward toward the sofa. We tumbled onto it in a tangle of limbs, his weight pressing me deliciously into the cushions. His hands found the clasp of my bra, deftly unhooking it and sliding it down my arms.
"God, Eden," he breathed, cupping my breastsreverently, thumbs circling my nipples until they hardened into tight peaks.
I moaned as he lowered his head, replacing his thumb with his mouth, the wet heat of his tongue sending electricity straight to my core. My hands clutched at his shoulders, nails digging into firm muscle as he lavished attention on first one breast, then the other.
"Royal," I gasped, arching into him. "Please..."
He looked up, eyes dark with desire, a wicked smile playing at his lips. "Please what?"
In answer, I reached between us, fumbling with his belt buckle. He chuckled, the sound vibrating against my skin before he stood, shucking his jeans and boxers in one fluid motion. My breath caught at the sight of him fully naked—powerful thighs, narrow hips, and his cock standing proud and ready.
"Your turn," he said, hooking his fingers into the waistband of my jeans.
I lifted my hips, allowing him to slide them down. The cool air raised goosebumps on my newly exposed skin, but they were quickly replaced by heat as Royal's gaze traveled hungrily over me.
"I've thought about this," he admitted, lowering himself back onto the sofa, sitting on the edge of it. "Since that first night at the motel."
"Even with a gun pointed at you?" I teased, myvoice breathy as his hand slid between my thighs.
"Especially then." And then he growled, "God, Eden," he said, stroking me through the thin cotton of my underwear. "You're soaked."
I moved against his hand, seeking more pressure. "Your fault," I gasped as he pushed the fabric aside, one thick finger sliding into me with agonizing slowness.
He grinned wolfishly, adding a second finger and curling them forward in a way that made my hips buck. "Guilty as charged."
The friction of his thumb against my clit while his fingers worked inside me had me climbing rapidly toward release. I clutched at his wrist, torn between wanting him to continue and needing more.
"Royal," I panted, tearing off my underwear. "I want you inside me when I come."
He paused, reaching for his discarded jeans. "Condom," he explained, retrieving one from his wallet.
