Page 47 of Thunder

"Shh," he murmurs, pulling me closer by the hand he still holds. The distance between us narrows until I can feel the heat radiating off his body. "Don't say anything."

Unable to resist the magnetic pull between us, I lean in, my lips meeting his in a passionate kiss. It's as if everything I've ever wanted—love, security, belonging—is contained in this single kiss; our connection deepens, our emotions pouring into one another, unspoken words passing between us.

This is love.

"Let's go." Marcus pulls away, his eyes searching mine. "Do you want to get out of here?"

"Yes," I stammer, my voice barely audible. "My hotel isn't far."

With a knowing smile, Marcus leads me to his motorcycle, its chrome reflecting the flickering light of the bonfire we're leaving behind. My heart gallops as we approach the bike, anticipation coursing through my veins like liquid fire. Marcus' words—I love you—echo in my head in time with my racing heartbeat.

"Are you sure?" he asks, pausing before swinging his leg over the seat. There’s a teasing smile on his face. “It’s going to be a hell of a party. I heard Eliza say she might even get Rook over here. Just wait till you meet him.”

"I’m sure. Just as sure as I love you," I reply, unable to keep the grin from spreading across my face. "I’d rather be with you than at any party."

"Good," he says, turning the ignition key. The engine roars to life beneath us, its powerful vibrations sending shivers up my spine. "Get on."

Chapter Twenty

Amelia

He loves me.

Through the dimly lit parking lot, the motorcycle purrs beneath me as Marcus and I pull up to my hotel, just as my heart purrs inside my chest, that one thought—he loves me—setting me aflame. The vibrations from the engine send a shiver down my spine, igniting my anticipation for what lies ahead. I hop off, feeling the cool air against my flushed skin as Marcus kills the engine.

I’m bouncing on my toes. Bouncing and smiling. Giddy.

But then, he just said he loves me.

"Couldn't wait any longer?" he smirks, pulling me into his arms. Our lips crash together, our tongues dancing in a fiery embrace. The taste of him is intoxicating, like a shot of whiskey that burns and soothes all at once.

"Never," I breathe into him as my hand slips past the waistband of his jeans, teasing his cock with feather-light touches. He groans, his fingers working deftly to undo the buttons of my blouse. My chest rises with goosebumps as the cool night air kisses my exposed skin. “I want you always. At all times.”

"God, you're beautiful," he says, his green eyes filled with desire as he lowers his head, kissing and licking my breasts. The sensation sends a jolt of pleasure through me, making me crave even more of him. “I love how your tits taste. I love them, and I love you, Lia.”

"Come on. Enough talk," I urge, tugging him toward the hotel entrance. “It’s time to put words into action. Which, in case that went over your head, I’m talking about sex.”

We dash through the lobby, giggling like teenagers, our clothes half undone and ruffling in the breeze. The thrill of being caught only adds fuel to the burning fire inside me. I feel like a naked Superwoman, blasting through the hotel on my way to a thrilling conquest. Or whatever she did. I never really got into comic books.

We sprint up the stairs, our laughter echoing off the walls as we reach my room.

Once inside, I push Marcus against the door, our mouths lock in a searing kiss. With every touch, every heated whisper, I fall deeper under his spell.

"Let me see all of you," I say, my voice husky with lust. “Strip for me.”

"Only if you do the same," he retorts, his grin wicked and inviting.

“I’ll help you, if you help me, how about that?”

“Deal.”

We slowly undress each other, each article of clothing discarded like an inhibition shed. Our eyes linger on one another, drinking in the sight of our exposed bodies. I can see the loyalty etched into his tattoos, the raw ferocity of his gaze, the heat and power of his muscles. Marcus is a man who knows what he wants and isn't afraid to chase it, who’s willing to give everything he’s got to protect the people he loves, which only makes me want him more.

"Damn, Lia," he murmurs, his fingertips tracing the curve of my hip. "You're incredible."

"Look who's talking," I retort, smirking as I take in the sight of his muscular form. “I don’t think I could draw curves and lines that perfect even in AutoCAD.”

“Did you just drop an engineering pickup line on me?”

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