Page 195 of Mad As Hell

Ryan’s arms came around me from behind, his touch both possessive and gentle. “Say it again.”

I feigned ignorance and pretended to think about it. “What? That Bishop’s lips on your ass would be hot? I mean, the man’s got a mouth made for—”

With a growl, Ryan nipped at the curve where my neck sloped into my shoulder as he pressed his growing arousal on my ass. “Not what I fucking meant. And keep talking about another man’s lips. I’ll make sure yours are too busy to move.”

Still playing dumb, I simply murmured, “Oh?”

Another low snarl slipped past his lips, his arms crushing me to his chest. His lips brushed my ear. “If you want to choke on my cock, you just have to ask.” He bit my earlobe gently as my breath caught. “You know exactly what I want to hear.”

I sighed and turned in his arms to face him. “Husband?”

His eyes flared with something primal. He ground his hard on against my stomach. “Fuck, I love hearing you say that, wife.”

Electricity shot through my limbs, and I leaned harder against him. “I love the way that sounds.” I dropped my gaze to his lips, anticipating him kissing me. Instead, he let me go and stepped away with a reluctant groan.

“Um, hello?” I called to his back, my gaze roving over the hard muscles and the way the phoenix tattoo seemed to come alive with each ripple and movement of his skin. “I demand consummation.”

He glanced over his shoulder at me with a smirk. “Patience, Mads.” He stripped off his pants, and when he turned toward the closet, I could see the outline of his hard cock.

My mouth actually watered as I clenched my thighs together, praying my pooling arousal wouldn’t actually leak down my legs since I’d opted for the crotchless panties.

These things were a sexy-as-sin idea, but in practice? I would decidedly not be wearing them on a daily basis. Especially not around my husband.

I bit my lower lip to keep the giddy laugh that bubbled up firmly inside. I freaking loved that word.

Ryan went into the closet and came back wearing jeans and a gray t-shirt that clung to his chest and biceps.

“Okay, maybe you’re confused about how this works,” I started, hearing the whining pitch in my voice. “You’re supposed to take your clothes off to have sex with me.”

He grinned and winked. “I’m fully aware of how this works, babe. But we need to go somewhere first.”

“We’re leaving?”

“Sort of.” He held out a hand. “Trust me?”

There was no doubt. No hesitation as I took his hand.

“I trust you,” I replied.

Ryan’s smile was bright enough to rival the sun. “I think those might be my three favorite words from you.”

“I mean it.” I touched his jaw. “I love you. I trust you.”

He closed his eyes and leaned forward, his forehead pressed to mine. “I don’t deserve you, Madison Cain.”

CHAPTER 51

MADDIE

It turned out that we didn’t have far to go. In fact, we didn’t even leave Brookfield.

Ryan stepped around me to unlock the front door of a cottage set apart from the others in the vineyard. He pushed the door open to let me see inside.

I gasped as I took in the vaulted ceilings, the open concept floor plan, and the wood paneled walls. It looked like a cozy, albeit luxurious, log cabin come to life. From the front door, across the living room, and up the stairs was a path of rose petals.

“You did this?” I turned and looked at him in amazement.

He smirked, a little smug. “Of course. I mean, we can’t exactly hop on a plane to Fiji for the next two weeks, but I figured you deserved something special for your first night as Mrs. Cain.”