Page 12 of Taken from Her (Phoenix Ridge Police Department #4)

"I read mystery novels, hike on weekends, and have a subscription to a cooking magazine I never use." Diana's laugh was self-deprecating. "Pathetic hobbies for someone who investigates actual mysteries and walks crime scenes daily."

"Not pathetic. It makes you human."

Their eyes met across the small space, and Lavender felt something shift. She watched Diana's gaze drop to her mouth, then back up, a question and answer passing between them without words.

"Lavender," Diana said softly.

"I know." Lavender set down her wine glass, the sound unnaturally loud in the intimate space. "I feel it too."

The admission hung between them, loaded with possibility and risk. Outside, waves lapped against the hull with hypnotic rhythm, while inside, Lavender felt herself balanced on the edge of something that would change everything.

Diana reached across the space separating them, her fingers finding Lavender's cheek with trembling gentleness. "I don't know how to do this without breaking something."

Lavender leaned into the touch, her skin glowing where Diana's fingers traced her jawline. "Then don't think about what might break," she whispered. "Think about what we might build instead."

The wine glasses sat forgotten on the table between them, harbor lights casting dancing patterns through the portholes while the houseboat swayed in its gentle rhythm.

"I don't know the rules for this," Diana whispered, her thumb brushing across Lavender's lower lip. "I don't know how to be anything other than careful."

Lavender caught Diana's hand, pressing a soft kiss to her palm. "Then don't be careful. Be present."

The permission seemed to unlock something in Diana's expression. Her eyes darkened as she leaned closer, close enough that Lavender could smell her perfume mixing with the salt air and see the gold flecks in her irises that caught the candlelight.

"Lavender," Diana breathed, and then her mouth was on hers.

This kiss was different from the desperate collision in the café—deeper, more intentional, Diana's lips moving against hers with growing confidence.

Lavender's hands found the soft wool of Diana's sweater, pulling her closer across the narrow space until they were pressed together on the cushioned seating.

Diana's fingers tangled in Lavender's hair, and Lavender made a soft sound of encouragement that seemed to embolden her. She felt Diana's other hand settle at her waist, thumb stroking along the strip of skin where her top had ridden up.

"Your bedroom?" Diana murmured against her lips. "I want?—"

"Yes," Lavender said, not needing to hear the rest.

They moved together through the narrow hallway, pausing to kiss against the galley counter, Diana's back pressed to the refrigerator while Lavender's mouth found the sensitive spot below her ear. Diana's sharp intake of breath sent heat pooling low in Lavender's belly.

The bedroom was softly lit by a single lamp, portholes showing the harbor's twinkling lights. Saffron and Basil had claimed the reading chair in the corner, watching with feline interest as the two women stumbled through the doorway still wrapped around each other.

"Privacy please." Lavender laughed, and Diana laughed when the cats slinked out of the room.

Lavender closed the bedroom door and turned to find Diana standing beside the bed, looking suddenly uncertain again. Her careful control was reasserting itself, walls trying to rebuild even as her pupils remained dilated with desire.

"Second thoughts?" Lavender asked gently.

"No." Diana's voice was rough. "Just...it's been a long time since I let myself want something this much."

Lavender moved closer, her hands settling on Diana's shoulders. "How long?"

"Years." Diana's laugh was shaky. "It’s been years since I let myself be this vulnerable with anyone."

"Then we go slow," Lavender said, pressing a soft kiss to Diana's throat. "We have all night."

She felt Diana relax under her touch, tension melting as Lavender's lips traced along her collarbone. When she reached for the hem of Diana's sweater, Diana helped lift it over her head, revealing a simple black bra and miles of pale skin that made Lavender's mouth go dry.

"Beautiful," Lavender murmured, her hands mapping the gentle curves of Diana's shoulders, the strong line of her spine.

Diana's hands were less steady as she reached for Lavender's flowing top, fingers fumbling with the soft fabric until Lavender helped guide it away. Diana's gaze traveled over her skin with something close to reverence, hands hovering as if she needed permission to touch.

"Please," Lavender whispered, and Diana's palms finally settled, warm against her ribs.

They undressed each other slowly, Diana's careful control warring with growing desire as more skin was revealed. When they were finally naked, Diana pulled back to look at her, eyes dark with want and something deeper.

"You're so beautiful it hurts," Diana said, voice barely audible over the gentle lapping of waves against the hull.

Lavender guided them down onto the bed, marveling at the way Diana's body fit against hers, all lean muscle and soft skin. She pressed kisses along Diana's throat, tasting salt and something uniquely her, delighting in the way Diana's breath hitched when she found sensitive spots.

"Tell me what you want," Lavender murmured against Diana's skin.

"I want..." Diana's words dissolved into a soft moan as Lavender's mouth found her breast, tongue circling the hardened peak. "I want to feel everything. I want to stop thinking for once in my life."

Lavender lifted her head to meet Diana's gaze. "Then just feel."

Lavender captured Diana’s lips in hers, exploring Diana’s mouth with her tongue.

She felt Diana lean into the kiss, as if gravity were bringing them together.

Lavender wrapped her arm around Diana’s shoulders, pulling her even closer til she was practically in Diana’s lap, then straddled her thigh and rocked back and forth.

Lavender felt her arousal grow, then she pushed Diana back on the comforter with a little force and took in the sight of Diana’s naked form: her taut belly, her soft breasts, her darkened nipples, the way her shoulders curved just so. She could hardly contain her excitement.

She worked her way down Diana's body with patient attention, noticing every response, every place that made Diana arch beneath her touch. When she settled between Diana's thighs, Diana's hands fisted in the sheets, a broken sound escaping her lips.

Diana was already trembling when Lavender's mouth found her center, back arching off the bed as the sensation of Lavender’s tongue overwhelmed her careful control. Lavender worked her slowly, thoroughly, savoring every gasp and whispered plea until Diana was begging for release.

Diana widened her legs even more, giving Lavender access to all of her.

Lavender inserted two fingers, curling them upward to hit her most sensitive spot as her tongue lapped over Diana’s clit in quick strokes.

With her free hand, Lavender snaked her arm around Diana’s lower back, pulling her body even closer against her face until Lavender felt smothered in the best way in between Diana’s thighs.

She lowered her hand and ran it against the curve of Diana’s ass, squeezing it hard before running her hand down the curve of her crack.

Lavender didn’t rush.

She took her time, letting Diana's moans guide her, drinking in every twitch and shiver as if they were made just for her. Her tongue flicked faster, her fingers curling with precision, coaxing Diana closer and closer until she felt her thighs start to tremble.

But just before Diana could fall over the edge, Lavender slowed.

Diana let out a breathless, frustrated sound. “Why did you stop?”

Lavender kissed the inside of her thigh, then moved up her body slowly, her voice low and breathless against Diana’s ear. “Because I want to make you come again but deeper this time.”

Diana’s breath caught. Her eyes opened, pupils blown wide with lust and a flicker of curiosity.

Lavender kissed her again, deeply, and ran her hand gently along Diana’s side, fingers dragging lightly over her hip, then down to the curve of her ass. She gave it a teasing squeeze, then a firmer one.

“Is this okay?” she murmured, hand stilling at the top of Diana’s crease.

Diana bit her lip, then nodded. “Yeah. Yeah, it is.”

“Tell me if it’s ever not,” Lavender whispered, brushing soft kisses down her spine, pausing to nibble at the spot just above her tailbone.

Her hand slid lower, between Diana’s cheeks, and her fingers traced the sensitive skin there, slow and deliberate.

She watched the way Diana's body responded—the way her hips shifted, the sharp inhale she couldn't suppress.

Lavender kissed her again, then reached for the small bottle of lube she'd tucked into the bedside drawer earlier, silently thankful for the foresight. She warmed a little in her palm and coated her fingers, keeping her touch light as she returned her hand to Diana’s backside.

“Relax for me,” she said gently, pressing a kiss just below Diana’s ear. “Let me make you feel good.”

She circled the tight ring of Diana’s anus with one slick fingertip, not pushing—just teasing, letting Diana adjust to the sensation. Diana shuddered, her breath stuttering against the pillow.

“Oh my god…”

Lavender smiled against her skin. “Good?”

Diana let out a low, shaky laugh. “Better than I expected.”

Encouraged, Lavender pressed a little more firmly, slowly working the tip of her finger inside, all while kissing the side of Diana’s neck and caressing the softness of her belly. Her other hand never left Diana’s body, grounding her in warmth and pleasure.

“Breathe, baby,” she whispered. “You’re doing so good.”