Page 54 of Defensive Desire

One of her hands slides between us, her fingers brushing against where we’re joined, and I look down to see her touching herself, feeling the way I’m stretching her open.

“Fuck, Emma,” I rasp, gripping her thigh and pulling her leg higher over my hip, changing the angle.

I thrust deeper, harder, and she practically sobs, clawing at my back.

“Fuck. You’re so big,” she gasps, and my cock throbs inside her at the praise. "Yes. Right there."

I slide my hand between us, finding her clit and circling it with my thumb. Her whole body tenses, and I know she’s close.I press harder, flicking that sensitive bundle of nerves, and her body arches off the bed.

“Come for me,” I order, my voice rough and desperate. “Wanna feel you squeeze me, baby.”

Her mouth falls open in a silent scream, and then she’s coming, her pussy clamping down around my cock like a vice, drawing me deeper.

I keep thrusting, fucking her through it, chasing my own release as she trembles around me.

I’m right there, so fucking close, and when she pulls me down, biting my shoulder and moaning my name, I lose it.

My hips snap forward, and I bury myself as deep as I can go, spilling inside her, groaning against her neck as I pulse and throb.

We’re both panting, bodies slick with sweat, and I can’t bring myself to move. I keep her pinned beneath me, our bodies still connected, and I drop soft kisses along her jaw.

Emma’s trembling, running her fingers through my hair, whispering my name like it’s the only word she knows. I finally manage to catch my breath, pulling out slowly and collapsing next to her, dragging her into my arms.

She curls against my chest, her hand resting over my heart, and I stroke her back, letting the silence settle between us.

“You okay?” I ask, kissing the top of her head.

She nuzzles into my neck. “More than okay.”

I can’t help the smirk that tugs at my lips. “Think I ruined your sheets.”

She giggles, and it’s the sweetest sound, soft and happy. “Totally worth it.”

I hold her tighter, burying my face in her hair, and for the first time in a long while, I feel... calm. At peace.

And completely, utterly fucked.

Because I’m falling for this woman, and I have no idea how to protect myself from it.

Chapter Thirteen

Emma

The Carter family home sits perched on Iron Ridge's east side with its impossibly perfect white trim and meticulously maintained shrubs. It's landscape art that practically stands at attention as I walk up the path.

Like miniature soldiers reporting for duty.

Carter family disappointment approaching, ma'am! Shall we commence silent judgment, ma'am?

I park my car at the curb rather than the driveway and slide out. A leftover habit from teenage years when quick escapes were sometimes necessary.

This house may look like a magazine spread, but the carefully maintained exterior hides the emotional minefield waiting for me inside.

My phone buzzes with a text from Logan:Good luck. Remember, you're amazing. Call me after if you need rescuing.

I smile, warmth blooming in my chest.

I'd declined his offer to accompany me to Melanie's birthday dinner tonight. The thought of subjecting him to my mother's passive-aggressive commentary felt unnecessarily cruel, like introducing a wolf to a room full of snapping turtles.