Page 96 of Storm Warning
“It is pretty cool. We can discuss it more later. I have one more thing I need to tell you.” Nick’s voice was earnest again, snapping Kate’s attention to him. The shift in his tone made her breath catch.
“I love you, Kate. More than anything in this world. I have loved you from the moment I laid eyes on you, but I stupidly tried to ignore it. Now, I can’t imagine my life without you.”
His words hit Kate like a thunderbolt, crackling through her entire body. A surge of emotion welled up—fierce and overwhelming, threatening to spill over. Her throat tightened, and tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. She had been falling for Nick from the minute they met, but had been too afraid to admit it, too afraid of what it might mean, too afraid of being hurt again.
Kate looked into his eyes—those beautiful emerald eyes that saw right through her defenses—and knew she loved him, too. With every fiber of her being, every beat of her heart, she loved him.
She loved the way he held her close to him, like she was the most precious thing in the world. She loved the way he made her laugh, even when her world was falling apart. She loved the way he challenged her, the way he made her feel strong, like she could conquer anything with him by her side. Most of all, she loved the way he loved her back—completely, fiercely, and without reservation.
Nick was not just a partner, but her soulmate. And she knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him.
“Nick,” Kate breathed, her voice a trembling whisper, yet unwavering in its conviction. “I love you too.”
As she spoke those words, she laughed and threw her arms around Nick’s neck, tears of happiness spilling down her cheeks. She had never been so happy, so content, so completely and utterly loved. As long as she had Nick by her side, nothing could ever hurt her again.
Her lips met his as naturally as breathing, the kiss sweet and urgent and perfect. Joy raced through her veins like wildfire, igniting every nerve ending. His lips pressed warm and firm against hers, tasting of coffee and something uniquely him.
When Nick’s lips parted from hers—minutes or hours later, she couldn’t say—Kate found herself lost in his emerald gaze, drowning in the love burning there. Her heart overflowed, too full to contain.
Nick drew her even closer, his arms wrapping around her in a fierce embrace that bordered on desperate. “Whatever you need, Kate. I’ll be there. Always.” Their bodies pressed together, the strength of his muscles hard against her own, the solid wall of his chest, the warmth radiating from him.
With a gentle touch, Nick lifted her chin, his fingers calloused but tender against her skin. His eyes met hers once more. There was a look of longing in his gaze, a desire to express the full extent of his feelings. And then, as if he could no longer hold back, his lips descended upon hers in a passionate kiss that stole the breath from her lungs.
It was unlike any kiss Kate had ever experienced. There was a fierceness, a hunger that spoke to the depths of their souls and made her toes curl. His mouth moved over hers with an urgency that thrilled her, claiming her. Nick’s tongue teased at her lips, and she opened to him, their tongues intertwining in a dance both exhilarating and arousing. Heat pooled low in her belly, spreading through her limbs like honey.
As the kiss continued, Kate lost herself in a whirlwind of emotion—desire and love and need all tangled together until she couldn’t separate one from the other. When they pulled apart, she was breathless, her heart pounding like a wild thing. She had found something rare in him, a connection that she never wanted to let go, something extraordinary and precious and worth fighting for.
And as she gazed into his eyes, it was clear the feeling was mutual—it was written all over his face and blazed from his gorgeous emerald eyes like a beacon. This was a love that would sustain them through whatever trials and tribulations lay ahead, a bond forged in fire that would see them through to the end.
Chapter 51
Sanctuary
Nick pressedhis forehead to hers, smiling down at her. “Katie mine—we brought you back here because it was familiar to you, so you wouldn’t be scared when you woke, but I need you in my home right now, in my bed. I need to know that you are with me and safe. Will you move in with me?”
A surge of joy washed through Kate, spreading warmth from her chest outward until her fingertips tingled with it. The vulnerability in his voice—this powerful man asking, not demanding—made her throat tighten with emotion. She laughed up at him, the sound breathless and giddy. “Yes, Nick. I’d love to be in your bed.”
At her words, Nick jumped up with her still in his arms. The world tilted and spun, but she felt no fear—only exhilaration. He strode toward the doors, laughing at Kate’s squeal of surprise. His heart thundered against her side, matching the rapid beating of her own.
She giggled and settled back in his arms, head on his shoulder, breathing in the scent of him—fresh rain, cedar, and something uniquely Nick that elicited security and desire all at once.She trusted him to keep her safe. The realization swept over her like a revelation as he carried her through the mansion.
Kate glanced around as he strode down through the halls, once again in awe of how such a massive building could be so warm and homey. Soft lamplight glowed against cream-colored walls, and a faint hint of vanilla drifted from somewhere unseen.
Her attention perked up as he climbed the stairs to his suite, her pulse quickening with anticipation. She hadn’t seen this portion of the mansion before. This was private. His. And soon to be hers.
Richly colored runners covered marble floors, muffling their passage. Gorgeous oil paintings hung on the walls—classic landscapes and seascapes that spoke of old money and careful curation. Another homey living area, complete with a spectacular balcony, overlooked the beach. Through the windows, moonlight painted silver ribbons across the dark water. Then they passed through a doorway into Nick’s suite, and she gazed raptly around, her breath catching. This was Nick’s inner sanctum. What would it tell her about the man she’d just agreed to live with?
A rich burgundy spread covered a massive bed that dominated the space, the fabric catching the dim light with a subtle sheen. A matching dresser sat opposite, its surface neat and uncluttered. An office alcove lay off to the side, and she glimpsed the edge of a leather chair and papers stacked with military precision. French doors led to a covered balcony, complete with the promised fireplace, where she imagined curling up in his arms under the stars.
The room smelled like him—that intoxicating blend of cedar and rain and leather and something warm she couldn’t name. Everything here was masculine, solid, and real. No pretense. No show. Just Nick.
Her heart swelled as he turned toward that enormous bed. This was home now. He was home.
Kate’s heart pounded in her chest as Nick set her down, her body sliding against his, every hard plane of him imprinting on her, his scent enveloping her. Her eyes locked onto his, the intense hunger in his gaze stealing her breath. The room—his inner sanctum—faded away, leaving only the two of them entwined in each other’s arms.
“Need you, Kate. Need to know you are okay. That you’re here, with me.” Nick growled against her lips, a desperation in his tone that clutched at her heart. His mouth took hers, fierce and possessive, as if he could devour her, chase away the lingering shadows of fear. His hands, strong and sure, slid down to cup her butt, pulling her tighter against him. His hard length pressed into her stomach, the heat of him searing her through her clothes.
Desire surged through Kate like a wildfire, her body responding to his need with her own. She met his demand, her lips parting, her tongue tangling with his. A moan escaped her, a sound of surrender and craving. Her fingers dug into his shoulders, holding him close, giving him everything he demanded. Her robe and PJs landed on the floor with a soft thud, and the cool air sent shivers down her spine as it caressed her bare skin.