Page 22 of Surrender (Angels Halo MC Next Gen)

She ate two more pretzels, and I simply sat there, letting her gather her thoughts. Not rushing her. Not pushing. Letting her decide if or what she wanted to confide in me.

Please give me something, baby girl.

“I want a simple life. To wake up every morning beside someone who genuinely loves me. Have a cup of coffee together. Go to work and do all the basic things like bicker over what to have for dinner that night.” She smiled wistfully. “I want a life where the biggest thing I have to stress over is getting a design just right for a client. Not…”

Her voice trailed off, but I didn’t miss the way she rubbed her hand over the outside of her thigh where the still-healing gunshot scar was located.

My gut knotted up at the sight. Setting my beer down, I reached for her. She didn’t resist when I lifted her onto my lap, my fingers caressing the somewhat recent wound, and I felt her shiver. Just thinking of her in pain made me crazy. Knowing someone had taken a shot at her—that they could have taken her from me before I could even hold her like this—was enough to make me sweat.

“It probably sounds ridiculous,” she muttered. “If you asked other people what their life goals were, they would definitely say dream homes, exotic cars, blah, blah, blah.”

“I don’t think you sound ridiculous at all, baby girl.” I traced the scar with my thumb. “Those things most people crave are material. If they achieve those goals, they only want more and more. They spend their entire lives attempting to fill whatever void they have inside themselves. You’re being real, Sammy. You know what you want.”

“I do,” she whispered. “I’ve known for a long time.”

Grasping her chin, I tipped her head back. “But I meant what I said earlier today, Sammy. Whatever you did that caused you to get shot, that stops.”

“Elias—”

Wrapping her damp hair around my wrist, I jerked her head back. Her eyes dilated, her breath suddenly coming in choppy pants that caused her breasts to nearly spill out of the cami every time she inhaled. “Do not argue with me, Samara. Not on this. I’m not going to make you tell me what happened. But someone took a shot at you. They. Could. Have. Killed. You.”

I felt sick with dread merely thinking about what could have happened. Just the sight of the red marks on her leg was enough to make me howl in pain and rage. I should have known something was off…

She opened her mouth, but I silenced her with a look. “You promised not to do it again. I’m holding you to that. If you ever knowingly put yourself in danger, I’ll…”

“What?” she husked. “Spank me?”

“Ah, little girl. We both know you would like that way too much for it to ever be a punishment.” Pulling her head back a little more, I leaned in, nuzzling my nose against her throat. Her pulse was fluttering faster than a hummingbird’s wings. I nipped at it, earning a whimper from her. “No, princess. I won’t spank you. I’ll edge you until you’re crying. Screaming and begging for me to let you come. It will hurt, baby. Hurt so fucking good.”

Her skin had a sweet, floral scent to it. It was drugging, just like the rest of her. I’d only ever smelled it on her. Not roses, but definitely something wild and fragrant. Unique and beautiful. Just like her.

Kissing her pulse, I moved lower, nipping at her clavicle before sinking my teeth into the top of her left breast, where a single freckle winked at me so temptingly, I couldn’t stop myself from tasting it.

Moaning, she grabbed on to the back of my head, her fingers spiking through my hair, alternately tugging and pushing me closer. “Elias!”

I sucked until I was sure there would be a mark left behind before lifting my head. Releasing her hair, I traced over the love bite. Unable to stop myself, I cupped the globe and squeezed. Fuck, she was perfect. Just shy of a handful, the tip already puckered and diamond hard against my palm.

Massaging left then right, I absently tugged on her nipple through her top, my mouth watering for a taste. Her next exhale left her with a sob, and I tugged harder, feeling her tremble as her body edged closer to release. I wanted her so lost that a flick of my thumb on her clit would set her off.

I wanted her out of her mind for me. So fucking lost in her hunger that she would promise me anything. Let me have whatever I asked for.

And what I wanted was all of her. Every goddamn inch, inside and out.

I was going to make her want to stay. To need me so badly that she wouldn’t think twice about ever returning to New York.

All her dreams? I’d make them come true for her. I would help her accomplish every goal she’d set for herself.

CHAPTERELEVEN

samara

Nothingin my life had ever felt as good as having Elias Reid’s hands on me. It was pure euphoria. Everything I’d ever done, every sacrifice, manipulation, sabotage I’d had to execute to get to this moment was worth it. I wouldn’t have changed anything if it meant that I got to experience this one perfect instant.

With a growl, he pushed up my cami, exposing both my breasts to his heated gaze.

His cock pulsed against my bottom. He’d changed into a muscle shirt and athletic shorts after his shower. All he would have to do was push them down enough to free that tree trunk and tear away my panties. I was so wet I could take him in one thrust.

But that wasn’t Elias’s style. I took his threat to edge me until I cried seriously. This man was the king of self-denial. It was his kink. What drove him when he was stuck on a project. I didn’t doubt for a second he would torture me by not allowing me to come.

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