Page 97 of Storm Warning

Nick lifted his head, his gaze raking over every inch of her exposed skin. His hands followed, calloused palms rough against her smooth flesh, mapping her curves, her valleys, as if reassuring himself she was indeed unharmed. His reverent yet hungry touch ignited a fire within her.

The room spun as Nick picked her up, his strength thrilling her. He tossed her onto the bed, and she laughed out loud as she bounced, the plush spread soft against her back. He reached over his head, muscles in his arm flexing as he dragged hisshirt off, revealing that gorgeous chest. He kicked his boots away, and her eyes locked on the obvious bulge in his pants.

Kate kneeled on the edge of the bed, her hands reaching out to touch him, needing his hard muscles under her fingertips. She traced the ridges of his abs, the valley of his pecs, his skin hot and alive beneath her touch.

He flicked open his button, but she pushed his hands aside, wanting to be the one to reveal him. She carefully unzipped his pants, her knuckles brushing against the hard length of him. He hissed, a sound of pleasure, of anticipation. She slipped her hand in, grasping his length, squeezing lightly. He pulsed in her grip, silky smooth and hard as steel. A growl of approval rumbled from his chest, sending a shiver of desire through her core.

Nick shoved his pants off, his body now bared to her. He pressed her onto her back, his eyes dark with lust. “My turn,” he growled, his voice a promise that sent a wave of heat crashing through her. He grabbed her knees, spreading her legs, making room for his shoulders. She was open to him, vulnerable, but the look in his eyes was pure worship. “All mine,” he rasped, his breath hot against her inner thigh.

Before she could respond, his lips were on her, his tongue flicking over her clit. Her breath hitched, her head falling back as she moaned her pleasure. She buried her fingers in his silky hair, her body arching up to meet each stroke of his tongue. He teased her, explored her, driving her towards the edge of ecstasy but not letting her fall.

“Oh, my god, Nick,” she pleaded breathlessly, her body aching with need. “Please...” She needed him, needed him inside her, filling her.

Nick looked up, his smile wicked, his chin glistening with her wetness. “Please what, Katie? What do you want?” He slid a finger through her folds, his touch teasing as he pushedinside. Then another, stretching her, stroking her from the inside out. “Tell me.”

Kate glared at him, trembling with desire. She knew he wouldn’t go any further until she spoke. “Take me, Nick! I need you inside me!”

His eyes flashed with satisfaction and hunger. He nipped her clit, sending her spiraling into her orgasm. Her eyes closed, her body arching as pleasure raced through every nerve. He moved, lifting her legs over his shoulders, wedging himself between them. He was at her entrance, hard and demanding.

“Look at me,” he demanded, his voice raw with need and lingering fear. “See who is fucking you.”

Kate opened her eyes, a soft smile on her lips. She reached up, cupping his cheek, her thumb brushing against his stubbled jaw. “I know exactly who you are, Nick. You’re mine.”

Her words unleashed something within him. With a single thrust, he drove home, filling her thoroughly. Heat exploded; her body stretched to accommodate him. He was so deep, so intimately connected to her. She circled her hips, and they both gasped in pleasure. He withdrew almost completely, then drove his hard cock home again, each thrust a claiming, a branding of her soul.

He slammed into her, his pace relentless, driving her higher, pushing her towards the peak again. He snagged her wrists in one hand, pinning them to the pillow over her head. His other hand palmed her breast, thumb and forefinger pinching the tip. Fire shot through her, and her back arched, her body begging for more.

“More,” she groaned, reveling in his scent, his touch, his everything. “Harder.” She arched up, meeting his hard, fast thrusts, their bodies colliding in a dance of passion and need.

His pace faltered, his body tensing as he neared his own peak. “Get there, Kate. Now.” His thumb brushed her clit, andher world exploded. Pleasure erupted, leaving her gasping for breath as every muscle seized and released, her inner muscles clamping down on Nick’s hard length, pulsing over and over.

Nick slammed home one last time, his body shuddering as he emptied himself into her core. He held himself lodged firmly inside her, his breath ragged, his heart pounding against hers. When he rolled to his side, Kate wrapped her arms around him, refusing to let go. He kept her locked to him, his cock still inside her, their bodies still intimately joined. She draped a knee over his leg, snuggling her face into the crook of his neck, his pulse strong and steady against her lips.

“Damn, Katie. I think you killed me.” His husky voice stroked over her like fingers, leaving goosebumps in its wake. His words rumbled in his chest, as residual quakes of pleasure ran through him, mirroring her own.

“Ha! I’m pretty sure you were in control of that little interlude.” Kate was amazed she had enough breath to speak, her body still floating in bliss.

He chuckled, a sound of pure male satisfaction. “Fine. Next time, you’re in charge.”

Kate smiled, her eyes fluttering closed as sleep crept over her. Next time. The promise of more hung in the air, a sweet lullaby pulling her into dreams.

Chapter 52

Together

Kate stirredas awareness crept in. She blinked awake, disoriented, the ceiling above her unfamiliar, before the events of the previous day came rushing back like a tidal wave. The kidnapping—harsh hands grabbing her, the suffocating terror. The fear—sharp and metallic in her mouth. Being drugged—the world sliding into darkness. The rescue. Nick’s face breaking through the fog, his voice calling her back. A soft smile lit Kate’s face, warming her from the inside out.

She gingerly sat up, stretching her limbs as she took stock. Sore but otherwise fine. Her shoulders protested, muscles stiff and aching. Her body had not enjoyed lying on a hard floor. The impression of cold, filthy wood against her cheek made her shudder. She knew it would take time to mentally recover, but she refused to let fear dictate her life any longer. That resolution settled in her chest—solid, immutable.

She looked around, examining Nick’s bedroom, since he hadn’t given her much chance to last night. It looked like him. Solid wood furniture covered in soft camel fabrics with burgundy accents—rich colors that reminded her of autumnleaves and warm fireplaces. Hand-painted walls in muted earth tones and a spectacular cove ceiling that drew the eye upward.

Nick's arms had cradled her as he declared she was never leaving his side again. She smiled at the memory, heat blooming in her cheeks, as she wondered where he was. The sheets beside her were cool to the touch, his pillow still bearing the indentation of his head. And a folded paper with her name on it, written in his bold, confident handwriting.

Curious, she unfolded it, the paper crinkling between her fingers.

Kate, you were amazing yesterday. So incredibly brave. I love you so much, words fail me. You’re the wordsmith—you’ll have to teach me how to give you what you need. Anyway, you looked so right in my bed I couldn’t stand to wake you. I’ll be downstairs with the family when you are ready to join us. Or call if you want company in bed—I’ll hear you.

Kate laughed, the sound bubbling up from somewhere deep inside, a zing of arousal racing through her as she thought of how Nick had shown her his love last night. His hands on her skin, reverent and possessive. His mouth traced patterns of devotion across her body. Multiple times. Heat flushed through her at the delicious memory. Oh, maybe that was why she was so sore.