Page 23 of Relentless Surrender

“Maybe I should go with you,” offered Sage, concern for her friend etched across her face.

A heavy weight settled around her small waist as she was unceremoniously hauled backwards. His body radiated a comforting warmth along her back against the cool night air. There was a harsh, seductive growl in her ear, “Absolutely not, Spitfire. You’re coming home with me. No argument.”

Feeling a secret thrill at his words, her loyalty to her friend still nagged at her. “But….” she started.

Conner reached down and placed one large hand over her right buttock cheek, giving it a warning squeeze. Sage raised up on her toes, letting out a small squeak.

At that moment, Hippie, whose real name Sage learned was Michael, strolled up and placed a protective arm on Melissa’s lower back.

“Don’t worry, Sage. I got this.”

Conner gave him a nod before guiding Sage away. Sensing her exhausting, he swung her up into his arms, enjoying the feel of her head as it rested on his shoulder. He placed a kiss on her forehead.

There would be time later to dwell on the sick feeling of dread he felt the moment he called her to hear that bastard’s voice as he threatened his woman. The full hour which felt like years it took him to find her...every gnawing, grasping minute that crept by possibly her last. The twisting in his gut no amount of training could prepare him for at the thought he might not reach her in time. This night would supersede any other horror of war he had witnessed in his whole damn career.

But, no, now was not the time to dwell on it.

Sage still needed him.

He still needed to see that she was warm and safe…in his bed. Nothing else would calm the sickening rage in his gut at the thought he came dangerously close to losing the women of his dreams only a day after he found her.

CHAPTER 6

Sage slept the entire way back.

Opening up the passenger door, Conner leaned in and unbuckled her seatbelt, marveling again at how very tiny she seemed, maybe even more so after the night’s events. Gently lifting her into his arms, he kicked the door shut and headed into his buddy’s place.

Sage awoke as he stopped before the apartment door. She cast an uneasy glance to the right. Ricardo’s door.

“I’ll find another place tomorrow,” said Conner gruffly.

“No. You don’t have to do that for me.”

Conner looked down into her sweet, gamine face and gave her a kiss on the forehead. “I would hope I’ve proven tonight there isn’t much I wouldn’t do for you, Spitfire. Finding another place to crash while I’m on leave is no problem.”

Her fist clenched into the fabric of his t-shirt. His words both thrilled and saddened her. This wasn’t truly real. He wasn’t real. He was like some action hero who swooped in to save her but who would disappear by the end of the movie. By the end of his leave.

Dipping her head, she only nodded, remaining silent.

Conner carried her straight back to the bedroom, placing her carefully on the bed. Without a word, he headed into the bathroom.

Sage could hear the hiss from the shower.

A moment later, Conner was standing before her. He had removed his shirt and shoes. His powerful chest and cut stomach were in her direct line of vision. Just the top brass button of his jeans had been unhooked. Sage reached out tentatively, her fingers shaking slightly. Gripping the zipper with her thumb and forefinger she pulled down, only slightly shocked to see only skin as the flaps of the jeans opened wide.

It was the only encouragement Conner needed. If it had been what she required, he would have prepared the shower and been nearby in case she needed him but damn if it didn’t feel good that she obviously wanted him too.

Softly grasping each of her wrists he stretched her arms upward. He then pulled her simple baby doll t-shirt over her head. Exposing her pretty white lace bra. Reaching around her slight form, he easily uncooked it. Loving the vision of her full breasts with their pink erect nipples.

“Lay back,” he ordered. His voice sounding harsh in the stillness of the room.

Sage did as she was told, falling back onto the thick bedding.

Conner slid the tip of her fingers into the waistband of her yoga pants and pulled. More than pleased to see nothing but skin and her sweet pussy as the pants slid past her thighs. Using his thumbs, he hooked the heels of her pale blue converses at the same time. Sweeping both the pants and sneakers off in one movement.

Grabbing her ankles, he pulled her forward.

Sage gasped as the sensitive area between her legs came into sudden contact with the rough fabric of his jeans.

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