Page 48 of Mine to Protect

Biting down on her lower lip, she stood before him, completely naked. There was no other man in her past that she’d ever felt this comfortable with. This sensual with. She’d always felt good in her skin. She exercised and ate healthily. She worked to take care of herself physically. Of course, her therapist once told her that she did that better than most in part to make up for the fact that she didn’t take care of herself emotionally.

Being with Rhett—deciding that having a future with him—felt like a new chapter in her psychological well-being. It was as if her heart finally had what it needed like her body did.

Her father had told her that life would come full circle one day.

This was that day.

She watched in awe as Rhett undressed, setting his cell on the table before grabbing her and kissing her hard. They tumbled onto the bed, grappling with each other, desperate to touch, taste, and please.

His lips ignited her skin as he kissed her body. He didn’t miss a single inch, starting with her neck and landing on her toes. It felt as though he coated her with a layer of warm, soapy water. He washed away all her troubles.

She lost herself in their lovemaking. In his touch. She felt utterly selfish taking from him everything he had to offer. However, the few times she tried to take control, he shut her down.

He glided his fingers inside her, twisting and turning gently, his thumb rubbing her hard nub. Her hips rolled with his tender movements while his tongue rolled across her tight nipple.

Her insides tightened. The buildup started slow, curling her toes. Her calf muscles tingled. A slight tickle across her thighs eased into her core.

And then her climax slammed into her gut. “Oh, God, yes.”

He brought his lips to hers, kissing her tenderly, easing himself into her as her orgasm continued to grip her body.

“Don’t stop,” he whispered, rolling his hips. “Keep it going.” He started slowly, easing in and out, not allowing her climax to dissipate. The faster he went, the more her body demanded.

She dug her heels into the mattress and gripped his shoulders, anticipating what was to come. Grinding against him, she tried to push him over the edge. She needed his release so she could allow her second one to explode. She was desperate for it—for him—and he didn’t disappoint.

He slammed into her, grunting. He gripped her hips, holding himself there for a moment before rocking his hips in a gentle motion a few times.

“Shelby.” He kissed her earlobe. “You’re the girl for me.”

She swallowed her breath. Her muscles burned. Her body convulsed. The space around her spun as if she were on a carnival ride.

And he rode it with her.

It took a long few moments for her to catch her breath.

He rolled to the side, pulling the covers over their bodies. “Are you okay if I leave the shades up. I like to wake up to natural light.”

“I remember,” she said. “Will there be anyone sneaking around the yard in the morning?”

“You can’t see in the windows. They’re tinted.”

“That’s good to know.” She snuggled into his body, running her fingers over his chest. “Not to ruin the mood, but would you mind—?”

“I’m on it.” He leaned away from her and lifted his cell. “I have one text from Miles. So far, he hasn’t seen your brother. He’s doing a sweep with his friend, Annie. He’s also obtained a list of everyone currently staying at the park and at Trapper Joe’s campsite. He’s also running plates and using footage of who has come and gone and when.”

“Um. He can do that? Or did he get some warrant or something from your other brother?”

“My police brothers and mom don’t know about this, and we need to keep it that way.”

“So, this is one of those illegal things you do?”

He set his phone on some charger thing and then propped himself up on his elbow. “I try not to break the law. I might bend it; but, no. This isn’t illegal. But because of how we obtained the information, it couldn’t be used in a court of law, which is why I’m not telling my family right now. It’s one of those it’s-better-to-ask-for-forgiveness-than-permission things. Besides, the police wouldn’t be allowed to get the information Miles did by greasing a few palms.”

“You make it sound like you bribed someone.”

“You’re not that far off the mark,” he said.

“Whatever you did, I appreciate it.” She tucked her hands under her cheek and yawned. Exhaustion filled every part of her, but especially her mind. She could no longer hold a full thought.

---