Page 114 of Guarded
“Excuse us a moment,” Noah said stiffly, tugging on my arm.
My heart sank as he dragged me into a pantry and closed the door. Had I spoken out of turn? Had he been hoping to keep our relationship status quiet for now? “Fuck, I’m sorry, Noah. Did you not wa?—”
My words were cut off as he launched himself into my arms. I automatically caught him as he wrapped his legs around my waist, his arms going around my neck. He kissed me thoroughly.
I had no idea what was happening, but I was more than happy to go along with it.
“Thank you.” Noah’s eyes were shining as he pulled back. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”
My brain was slow to catch up. “Making out in a pantry? Wow, you’re easily pleased.”
“No.” He huffed a laugh. “Having someone…claim me. Just straight-up telling everyone that we’re together and‘it’s as simple as that.’”
Understanding washed over me. “I’ll never deny you, Noah. I’m not embarrassed or ashamed to be yours—I’m fucking thrilled. Trust me, I’m going to be showing you off at every opportunity. I can even take out an ad on the Tube if you like. That way, countless commuters will have to look at our smug faces every day, knowing you’re with me and not them.”
Noah’s laughter was lighter than ever before. “Let’s not go that far. Telling my unit, knowing I don’t have to hide…that’s everything, Jem.”
“No hiding for us. Not now, not ever. It’s you and me, sweetheart, and I want the whole universe to know it.”
Chapter 29
Noah
After dinner that night, I announced I was taking a shower. Alone.
Jem’s pout was almost enough to have me changing my plans, but what I had in mind required me getting ready on my own. It just wouldn’t happen if he was in there with me—our lust would take over.
Chuckling, I kissed his pout away. “It’ll be worth it, I promise.”
He grumbled but let me go. Some men might have found his neediness odd or off-putting. Not me. After a lifetime of unrequited love, being wanted was the best feeling in the world. That it was Jem who felt this way for me was indescribable. He could be as needy as he wanted. I hoped he never stopped.
Because I’d never stop appreciating it.
When I was ready, I stared at my ensemble in the mirror. I had a new corset, jock, and stockings on, all of them made from white lace.
It was scratchy as hell, but I had to admit it lookedbetter than I’d expected. I was a picture-perfect angel, ready for my demonic mate to dirty me up.
Running a hand through my hair, I tried to calm my nerves. I was less worried about bottoming. It was what I was familiar with, and I fucking loved it. Jem would make it good for me, I had no doubt of that…but it’d take a while to let go of my past trauma.
And that’s okay, I reminded myself.Jem knows what you’ve been through, and he’s respectful of it.
Pushing all thoughts of the past to the back of my mind, I gave my hair one final stroke. I’d left it loose in the hopes Jem would pull it again. Maybe wrap it around his hand while he fucked me.
I shivered. Fuck, I hoped that happened. I might come on the spot.
I’d prepped myself and popped in a plug. Not because I didn’t trust Jem to do it properly, but because it was freaking cute. It had a bright white diamond on the end. Not a real one—even with almost unlimited funds, that felt a bit overboard considering it was a butt plug.
It went with the aesthetic though. Never let it be said that I didn’t put my all into everything.
Heading for the door, I summoned my confidence. It was surprisingly easy to find, probably because I knew it was Jem on the other side of the door. I suspected I could’ve made no effort at all and he still would’ve been thrilled.
Steam billowed out of the bathroom behind me as I opened the door and posed for Jem. “How do I look?”
Jem’s jaw literally dropped. He swallowed a few times before managing to get some words out. “Holy fuck, Noah.”
I chuckled, my cheeks flushing slightly. Would I ever get used to Jem’s obvious attraction to me? Maybe it was shallow, but I’d spent so long being unappreciated that I wassoaking up his attention like a sponge. “I’ll take that as a good sign.”
He got up and strode across the room towards me. “The very best sign. This look is very becoming on you.”
