Page 48 of Bragg's Match

“Thanks,” she mutters as she trudges down the hallway.

Fuck. I run a hand down my face. I can’t believe her pottery shed burned down. I wish I could erase all of the pain she’s suffering now, but I can’t. The best I can do is be there for her. Catch her when she stumbles and support her until she’s back on her feet.

I walk around the house checking the doors and windows are locked. I’m not in a hurry as I want to give Soleil the chance to get into bed. I know I should sleep in my pillow fort in the spare bedroom, but I’m not letting her be alone. Not tonight.

When I finally enter Soleil’s room, I nearly swallow my tongue at what I see. Soleil is standing in the middle of the room wearing nothing but her bra and panties.

“What-what.” I clear my throat and try again. “What are you doing?”

“I need you, Brody.”

“Whatever you need, I’m here, pixie.”

She bites her lip. “I need you to make me forget.”

Is she saying what I think she’s saying?

“Make me forget, Brody.”

I hesitate.

“Make love to me.”

My cock nearly jumps out of my pants. He’s ready and has no reservations.

“You’ve had a shit night. I don’t want you to regret being with me.”

“I promise not to regret it.”

Easier said than done in my experience.

“Please. Don’t make me beg.”

If we’re doing this, she’s going to beg. She doesn’t know it yet, but she’ll find out soon enough.

“Just for tonight.”

I want more than one night, but I’m helpless to deny her anything. She holds all the power.

“If we do this.” She smiles. “I said if.” She coughs to cover up her smile. “Then, you will listen to me and follow my directions.”

Heat flares in her eyes and she shivers. “Okay,” she breathes out.

Fucking hell. She’s perfect. Perfect for me in every sense of the word. My cock agrees judging by how he presses against my zipper. Her gaze drops to my crotch and she licks her lips. I want those lips on me but not tonight. I’ll wait until she realizes who she is to me before we go there.

I cross to her and palm her neck to bring her near before smashing my lips to hers. I drink her in. She tastes of the champagne she was drinking tonight. I don’t need champagne. I could get drunk on her taste alone. I don’t take my fill – I will never have my fill – but I do slow the kiss until I can step away from her.

She resembles a goddess standing there with her lips swollen and her eyes full of passion. My goddess.

“Clothes off. On the bed. On your knees.”

She hesitates.

“If we’re doing this, we’re doing it my way.” I drag a finger down her face. “Do you want to do this?”

She nods.

“Clothes off. On the bed.”

---