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Chapter 22 – Anya

“One hundred percent sure.”

After all the emotional turmoil, one thing remained steady: Drew. He hadn’t flinched or faltered. He was loyal in a way that called to my soul, demanding equal faith in return.

Whatever happened with my family, with Owen didn’t matter, not now that I’d told Drew. The last barrier between us fell away, leaving me free to do what I really wanted to: make him mine. There were no more secrets between us. Nothing to fear. Every muscle eased at once, leaving me near boneless. A gentle euphoria rushed in, filling the crevices with a liquid warmth.

Hungry for him, I pounced, climbing across his lap, my thighs bracketing his as I rocked against the growing bulge at the front of his jeans. I kissed him with all the pent-up desire and fear that had been churning inside me since my ex first texted me, exorcising his demon by immersing myself wholly in Drew.

Our kiss grew more passionate as I let go, giving myself over to his gentle domination. I arched, exposing my throat and chest,unaware that I was leaning perilously close to the open flame behind me.

“Anya.” Drew’s voice was rough but urgent as he tugged me back, smoothing a hand over my hair. “I’m burning for you, but you are already hot. Let’s not singe your beautiful hair.”

I chuckled, feeling sheepish that I’d forgotten the danger behind me.

“Shall we take this inside? To my place?” he asked.

“Yes, but I’m not sure I can walk. You’ve turned my knees to Jello.”

“Not a problem,” he said confidently. He turned off the firepit with a flick of his wrist, his dark eyes glittering in the moonlight. In one smooth move, he scooped me up into his arms, cradling me close to his chest. “I am a full-service boyfriend.”

He carried me easily past my car and across the street. I dropped kisses along his strong jaw, laughing when he jiggled me threateningly. “Stop that. I’ve got to focus, woman.” He paused at his front door.

“You could set me down.”

His eyes gleamed. “What would be the fun in that?” His smirk was my only warning. I couldn’t explain how he did it, but he tossed me in the air, scooping me onto his shoulder in a fireman’s carry that sent blood rushing to my head.

“Drew!”

He smacked my ass playfully. “Quiet. We can’t wake the guests.” He dug in his pocket, and I heard the jingle of keys behind me. In three big strides, he crossed what I assumed to be a small living area and ducked into a room dominated by a queen bed.

I tensed, anticipating that he’d unceremoniously drop me onto the mattress. What he did instead was much worse.

He stood by the bed, his hands stroking my ass, kneading gently. The pressure ground my groin into his shoulder. Gravitysent blood rushing to my head, making me dizzy, even as his touch sent my circulatory system into war with itself, calling heat to my center.

I half expected him to split me on his shoulder, holding me at his mercy while he peeled my jeans off and delved between my thighs. But even Drew couldn’t quite manage those logistics. Instead, he pulled my thighs across his chest, letting me slip down until my legs wrapped around his waist, my arms around his neck, bringing us face-to-face.

“Hello.” His deep voice rumbled, ricocheting through my chest. I squirmed against him, pressing closer.

“Hi.” My breathless greeting would have embarrassed me on the street. But in private, it became a gentle welcome.

“Honey, I need your help.”

“Anything,” I promised, clenching my thighs tighter.

Fire flickered in his dark eyes.

“I told you I’d take things slow, but I’m not sure I can keep that promise.”

“I don’t mind,” I said guilelessly.

“But I do. That’s why I need you to talk to me.”

“About what?”

“Tell me what feels good for you.”

He gazed at me with such intensity, it was clear he was serious. He helped me stand on the bed. The extra height put my waist within easy reach. He flicked open my fly, drawing my zipper down tooth by tooth. The soft zip echoed in the sensation already drawing my muscles tight.