Page 45 of Shielding Maya

His lips pressed lightly against hers. Her arms slid around his waist and pulled his body to hers tightly. His arms wrapped around her body and circled her in his warmth. Their lips danced together slowly, seductively. His kisses were the stuff of dreams. His body was enticing.

Sirens in the distance broke the spell and he pulled away slightly. "We have to go?"

"Yes. Tate will take care of this in his way."

Jasiah, waited for her to step into his truck, then stepped back and closed the door. He hustled around the front of the truck and climbed in. Maneuvering the truck from the parking lot on the far side, they slipped onto the road and turned up First Road before the sheriff's car turned onto Glenwood.

As they drove, she turned slightly in her seat and faced him. "Do you feel guilty about killing him?"

"Yes. I took a life." She watched his Adam's apple bob and his chest expand as he filled his lungs. "But, he was going to take your life and I won't ever let that happen."

He turned his head and looked into her eyes. "Not ever."

She swallowed the humongous lump that instantly appeared in her throat and took a deep breath to calm her emotions. "I won't ever let anyone hurt you either."

His hand reached out to hers and she gripped it tightly. She'd just sort of declared love to Jasiah. Not in words, but...well, sort of in words. She knew real fear when someone shot at him earlier today. He stood there watching her. Not caring for himself. When had anyone ever done that for her? Not ever. She saw him standing there and yelled and he only watched her.

“Jasiah. The senator told Malibu Man the recording is with the one making changes. You’re making changes up here. That’s why we think he focused on you. Do you have a recording of some kind?”

His head turned toward her. His brows furrowed before he turned back to the road. “No. I’d have told you if I did.”

She watched as the tall brush and trees passed by, the trees soon thinned slightly and the sun started the last half of its setting for the evening. The colors changed from bright oranges and yellows to purples and deep blues. The last section of road turned to gravel, then to dirt as Jasiah parked his truck in the parking area. They sat in the dark, quiet for a few moments. He inhaled deeply and turned to face her. "We didn't get your Jeep."

She smiled. "It's fine. I guess I'll have to spend the night with you."

He chuckled for the first time since this morning. "That's a great idea."

He opened his door and stepped down. As he walked around the front of the truck, his eyes were trained on hers. Her heart skipped several beats as his sensuality sizzled through her. Damn she was lucky.

He opened her door, reached in and grabbed her waist. He pulled her to him and stared into her eyes. "You're incredible, Maya."

She wrapped her arms around his neck and shoulders. The muscles beneath bunched and moved as his hands shimmied up her back. "I think you're pretty incredible, Jasiah."

His head tilted toward hers and his lips softly pressed to hers. His tongue slipped between her lips and danced along her tongue. Their warmth mingled together, their lips molded to each other's perfectly. He pulled away slightly, nipped her lips a few times, then kissed her cheek, then near her ear, below her ear, down her neck, then back up in the same spots.

Goose bumps stood on her arms and down her back, his scent was permanently imprinted in her mind. The feel of his body pressed to hers was all she ever wanted and more. When his lips pressed to hers softly then left she felt the loss as if it were pain.

His eyes held hers for a few beats, then his husky voice broke the silence. "Let's go protect each other again. This time, I get the top."

Her nipples pebbled tightly and the wetness that slammed between her legs damn near made her dizzy. "I can let you have the top." The words barely came out she was so excited.

He pulled her from the truck, set her on the ground, then took her hand in his and steered them toward his cabin. A few of the residents were outside, gathering firewood or chatting. They smiled as she and Jasiah passed by, he waved and said goodnight. It was real now. They were public. And, truth be told, she was proud as all hell to be with Jasiah Weston. She couldn't wait to tell her mom and Addy about him.

27

Jasiah started a fire in the fireplace. He was taking his time tonight. Maya sat near the fire on a bear skin rug he'd tanned himself. Her dark hair now billowed over her shoulders, her eyes glistened as the fire roared to life.

He stared into her eyes for a few moments. "Would you like a drink?"

"What do you have? I noticed you don't have a refrigerator."

He glanced around his cabin and back to her. "I suppose this is so far from what you're used to. I don't have a refrigerator. I've been thinking about all the things I need to change up here now that we have utilities, but I haven't had the chance. But, that can change."

He stood. "I have hard cider."

"Oh, that sounds interesting. I'll try that."

She moved to stand but he shook his head. "Stay right where you are. Let me take care of you tonight."

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