Page 118 of The Mountain Echoes

“Let me,” I demand.

His hands grip my hips as I lower myself onto him, inch by agonizing inch.

He’s so big.

I can feel every ridge and vein as he fills me completely.

I let out a moan that’s half pleasure, half pain, and he responds with a growl that makes my toes curl.

“Ride me, darlin’.” His voice is rough and commanding.

I move my hips in slow, deliberate circles, grinding against him until I can feel the pressure building deep inside me.

His hands move to my breasts, kneading them roughly as I ride him. I can feel his cock throbbing inside me with every thrust.

“Maverick,” I moan, my voice trembling with need. “I’m so close.”

He doesn’t say a word, just grabs my hips and starts thrusting up into me with a force that makes me see stars.

“I know.” He reaches out with a hand and begins to massage my clit.

I can feel the orgasm building, coiling tight in my belly, and when it finally hits, it’s like a fucking explosion.

“Now, go over,” he orders roughly.

I scream his name as I come; my body shaking with the force of it.

He pushes inside me one more time and follows rightbehind me, spilling himself deep inside me with an almost animalistic groan.

We lie like that, two victims of a storm. He strokes my back, still inside of me, jerking softly with aftershocks. I move my lips over his jaw, his neck, and taste his sweat.

After I catch my breath, I raise my head and look into his blue eyes. They’re warm, and I’m captivated. “Wow.”

He grins. “Darlin’, you’ve seen nothing yet.”

“Show me,” I challenge.

And he does.

This time, when he thrusts into me, he’s on top and looking into my eyes. We come together. It’s slow and soft and deep.

After, we collapse, our bodies slick with sweat and tangled in the sheets. His arms wrap around me, pulling me close. I can feel his heart still racing against my chest.

“Aria,” he whispers, his voice soft and tender. “You’re everything.”

My heart soars.

The words I want to say catch in my throat. I’m not ready. Not since Hudson, have I said those three words…to anyone. Not even Papa. I feel love for Maverick—of that, there’s no doubt. But feeling it and saying it…. Those are two different kinds of brave.

I nuzzle his chest and kiss a pec and bite into it gently. “I want to wake up with you.”

He brushes his lips against my forehead, understanding this is all I can give right now—and accepting it without asking for more.

He strokes my cheek with a finger and holds my gaze. “The best way in the world to wake up,” he says, giving me the time I need.

CHAPTER 26

maverick