Page 89 of Taming Her

“I’d recommend you get your damn hands off my woman.” Griff loomed closer to Nathan with his eyebrows drawn together. A flash of anger seared over his eyes.

Nathan looked up at him, his grip on Ava slackened but he kept her close.

“Now,” Griff said through gritted teeth.

“See,” Nathan said, his lips pressing together. “Weird. Possessive. Up tight. Ava, you need someone who knows how to lighten up, have a good time.”

“You have no idea what she needs.” Griff gripped Nathan’s shoulder, his fingers digging in. “And even if you did, you’re not man enough give her anything she needs.” He paused, another glint of annoyance in his eyes. “And I won’t tell you again. Get. Off. My. Woman.”

Ava felt Nathan’s arms release her. She stepped backward but Griff was instantly there, pulling her close.

“I mean it, Ava,” Nathan sneered. “You’ll regret getting mixed up with him, he’s a fucking oddball.” He stepped away. “But my door is always open, day or night, especially night.” He laughed. “Call me any time.” He blew her a kiss.

Griff spun her around, so she was in his arms and couldn’t see Nathan.

“I’m sorry,” she said, gazing up at Griff. “He just dragged me onto the dance floor, very insistent.”

“I can see that about him.” He stroked up to her shoulders then down to the hollow of her back, his fingers flirting with the rise of her ass cheeks.

She pressed closer; being in Griff’s arms felt like coming home.

“Did you ever?” Griff asked.

“With Nathan? No.” She shook her head. “He’s always had a thing for me, but…”

“But lots of blokes did, right.”

She gave a small shrug and a nod.

“You’re beautiful, Ava, completely stunning, most men look at you and see an erotic fantasy come true.”

She stared into his eyes. “And you? What do you see?” Did she want to know? Was she just a woman he could bend over and spank, a woman he could insist obeyed him?

“I see your beauty on the inside, your potential, the good you can do for others.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “And that’s the kind of beauty that should be sought. It only gets better with age.”

“I’m hardly old.”

“No, but you will be one day, and then… then I hope to be at your side, still admiring your beauty, still loving you.”

“Oh, Griff.” She pressed up and kissed him full on the mouth. Her breasts squashed against his chest and she ran her fingers into his hair. She had no words to express how grateful she was that he was in her life, loving her the way he was.

After a moment he pulled back. “Let’s get out of here.”

“Yes.” She was breathing fast, her heart pounding. Her body was buzzing for him. She felt empty not having him inside her.

He clasped her hand and led her quickly from the room.

She spotted Mel with her head in her hands, completely drunk after a day on the booze. Nathan was beside her, examining the base of a bottle of beer.

Ava was glad she’d abstained. Her memories would be clear the next day. And it had been easier than she’d thought.

Griff led her through the huge, wood-paneled lobby toward the grand staircase. They stepped onto the plush navy carpet and climbed the stairs. They had a room booked and right now, Ava was very grateful for it.

Walking down a long corridor, past wide framed portraits of stern former occupants of the manor house, the music faded.

When they reached room eight, Griff stopped and pulled a key from his trouser pocket. He unlocked it and pushed it open with the palm of his hand.

Ava stepped inside, her anticipation building. Griff took charge of sex and she liked that. But it did mean she had no idea if he’d fling her on the bed and fuck her wildly, or slowly strip her, tease her, and make her wait for her orgasm.

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