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“So good,” she gasped. “Ah, Steph, I missed you.”

I loved when she called me Steph instead of Stephan. It was like her own little name for me, and I knew that meant the wall she’d put up between us was coming down. My teeth tingled. God, my dragon wanted to drop his fangs and claim her right there. I growled and kissed her neck, her jaw, as I curled my fingers deep inside her. Her legs wrapped around mine, keeping me close as he rocked her hips to match my pace.

“Ah, hell,” she whispered. “Slow—slow down, you’ll make me come?—”

“Go ahead,” I said in a low rumble. “I’ll make you come again.”

A full-body shudder coursed through her, then she sank back. I kept touching her, a slow and steady pace, my fingers deep inside her and my palm pressing against her sensitive clit. She buried her hands in my hair, and I nuzzled her neck, kissing her skin, breathing in her sweat, feeling her racing pulse. Her breath came in fast, short gasps. I remembered this. I remembered her body. Her sensitivity. How easily she came apart beneath me.

Then, her back arched, and she tipped her head even further back. Her breath escaped in a near-silent sigh as her bodyclenched around my fingers. Fuck, I needed to feel that heat around my dick.

I withdrew my fingers slowly from her trembling body. Her eyes blinked open, dazed, and she pulled me close for a slow, sloppy kiss. She slid her hands down my sides, then over the waistband of my boxer-briefs. Her movements were shaky, but sure. I was hungrier than I’d ever been. Burning with desire. With want. But I didn’t want to overwhelm her. Not yet.

In between kisses, she slid one hand over the length of my erection. The pressure sent another rush of heat through me, and I bared my teeth into our kiss.

She huffed a small laugh. “So big,” she muttered. “I almost forgot.”

Yeah, that felt really fucking good to hear.

Suddenly, I was desperate. I needed to be inside heryesterday.I shoved my boxers down just enough for my cock to spring free. I hadn’t felt like this since—well, since the last time I’d had Harley in my bed. Ten long fucking years ago. “Shit,” I muttered. “Condom?—”

“I’m on birth control,” she said. “Please, Steph, I need you.”

“I got you, baby.” I grasped her thigh and hiked it up higher around my hips. I rubbed the head of my dick against her core, sliding it through her slickness. Gasping, she clung to me, digging her fingers into my shoulders so hard it hurt deliciously.

I slowly, slowly, pressed inside.

She was so tight. So hot. Soperfect.A low, soft moan escaped her.

A low moan escaped her as I began to move, keeping the same pace I’d had when I fucked her with my fingers. There was no space at all between us, only skin and breath.

I lost myself in the sensation, in her. My dragon surged closer to the surface as I thrust into her and swallowed every little moan, gasp, and cry. The flame inside me burned hot, my teethitched, my body ached to claim her. But it was still incredible to be inside her. Back with my mate. As close as we could possibly get—somehow.

She came again, shuddering beneath me and gasping my name. I wasn’t far behind her. My orgasm crashed through me as I pinned her to the bed, spilling deep inside her.

Fuck. I wished she wasn’t on birth control.

The thought nearly made my head spin. I shoved it aside, like I’d pushed aside thoughts of claiming her. This was more than I thought I’d ever get. And even if I couldn’t claim her, I could ensure she was safe and happy. With Harley curled up against me, I got the best night of sleep I’d gotten in ten years.

17

HARLEY

Iwoke slowly.

First, I noticed the firm, comfortable mattress beneath me. Then, the dim light leaking in from the sides of the blackout curtains. Then, the strong, warm chest pressed against my back.

A rumbling voice sounded in my ear. “Morning.” Then lips against my shoulder and the nape of my neck. Stephan’s arm tightened around my waist, hugging me close.

Holy shit.

Last night hadn’t been a dream.

It had really happened.

A slow, warm heat rolled through my body as I turned over to face him. His hazel eyes were half-lidded, and there was a sleepy smile on his face. There were a few hickeys under his collarbone right above one of his tattoos. HadIdone that? Last night was hazy in my memory, a mishmash of sensation and intense emotion. I felt sort of hungover, but in the best way.

“Morning. What time is it?” My voice was a little rough, too. I closed the distance and brushed my lips against his. His lips felt perfect, and his beard was wonderfully scratchy against my skin.