Page 71 of Sustain

I recognize and trusthim.

As Ian lifts my shirt, lips worshipping tenderly down my throat, I arch into him letting all of my last lingering doubts unravel.

“I was thinking I could really use a shower after the long flight…” I say suggestively, pulling his own shirt over his head.

“Yeah? Well, I…like the way you think,” he says, swooping me into his arms, and carrying me into the room’s attached én suite.

There are steps in the bathroom, leading up to a huge recessed bathtub the size of an Olympic swimming pool, with a view of the sun setting across the city skyline. It’s breathtaking.

“Or, maybe a bath would be more relaxing?” Ian asks, already reaching over to start the water flowing.

I turn around to check the shower stall but see the colorful reflection of the orange and purple sky and turn quickly back. “Definitely a bath,” I say, carefully removing my uncomfortable brace, and stripping off the rest of my clothes, as Ian does the same.

I barely have time to take in his exquisite form before the tub is full, and the smell of sweet lilacs from the bubbles fills the air.

“Here, I’ll help you,” Ian says, holding out a hand to help me up and into the steaming water. I instantly feel all of my muscles relax as he positions himself across from me, our legs tangling awkwardly at first, then making way for each other.

“Sorry. Sorry,” he says, lifting my bad leg above the water to inspect the colorful bruises still mottling the skin on my calf. They’ve shifted in hue and aren’t nearly as angry as they were right after the accident. “Looks as though it’s healing up nicely, yeah?”

I nod. “Yup. It barely hurts anymore, either. That stupid brace is just for stability now.”

“Good,” he murmurs, laying a gentle kiss on my ankle before lowering my leg back into the water.

We fall into a relaxing quiet, steam rising all around us.

“This view is beautiful,” I whisper, taking in the amazing colors of the sky.

“It is,” he whispers back, and when I turn my head, I see he’s looking at me with hooded eyes. Only me. Not the gorgeous sunset, or panoramic view of the city.

Me.

“Come here,” he rasps, pulling me onto his lap. His erection presses against me, and a warmth grows low in my core, making my breath catch.

My body starts to move on its own, working my center along his length, torturing us both as our mouths crush together. Our breaths become ragged when we pull apart.

He rolls and twists the nipples of my breasts between expert fingers, sending jolts through me, only making me long to have him inside me once and for all. To ease this building tension that’s been between us for days.

I reach to guide him inside me, to chase the sensation I know will push me over the edge like only he can. But, before going any further, Ian stops me, and glances up, pure passion in his eyes, but I sense hesitation, too. “You’re sure?”

I was sure until he asked. Now his question makes me doubt myself. His hesitation makes me wonder if there’s something else I don’t know. Something I should know that would make him doubt this now.

Grabbing his face between my hands gently, I stare fiercely into his emerald eyes. There is nothing in this world that I want more than this man. “Swear to me that you aren’t hiding anything else. Swear--”

“I swear it, Mackenzie,” he says. “I swear it on my daughter’s hearts. I’m not keeping anything else from you. I wouldn’t dare.”

I don’t need to study his reaction to know he’s telling the truth. I feel it in my soul.

Pulling him into a searing kiss seals our pact. We’re taking this to the next level, and not just physically. The emotions flowing through both of us are evident with every scorching touch and every devouring kiss.

Once he slides inside me, I surrender to it all, groaning at his teasing with gentle thrusts.

Two can play this game, and I’m in control now.

Careful of my leg as I nestle around him, I lean back and grab his shoulders, gaining his attention. Our eyes meet with an intensity that only comes with deep emotion. Rotating my hips ever so slowly, I can’t help the wicked smile that lifts the corners of my lips as his expression grows hungrier.

“Mackenzie…” he growls, leaning in to take a breast in his mouth, never breaking eye contact. I watch as his tongue swirls the stiff tip, then he nips it gently between his teeth. I can’t help but twitch around him at the sight, and my movements quicken.

I start to rock up and down on his shaft, the hot water surrounding us only adds to the heat between us. Watching the droplets slide haphazardly down his neck as we create small waves, I lean in to lick one, its taste, mixed with the salt from his skin is delicious.

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