Page 33 of The Rough Ride (Sanctuary, Inc. #3)

“How wonderful…” She gave him a short bump and grind show and smacked her ass. “Fork over the pants, Sergeant.” His mouth fell open like a hungry pillager.

He snapped his mouth shut and set his hands on the back of a chair. “I can’t. There’s change in my pocket. You know the rules. I’ll have to turn the coins in one turn at a time before you win my trousers.” He raised an eyebrow and grinned.

Omigod. That could take forever. Nick was the only person she knew who still paid with cash. He could have dozens of coins. She’d spontaneously combust if she had to wait much longer. She tiptoed toward the table and peeked over his edge. “How many pieces do you have left?”

“Let’s see, babe.” He pulled the change out of his pocket.

“Seven coins, one watch, the trousers and one pair of flag boxers. I believe that makes ten.” He glanced at her side of the table.

“You’re an excellent strategist, Lieutenant, and I’ve learned not to underestimate you.

But, from my point of view, you’re down to those luscious panties. Ready to concede?”

His bare chest was so distracting. A sensual invitation.

She bit her lower lip. Hell, no. “I’ve got two socks on each foot, eight pairs of earrings if you include all the tiny diamond studs, plus backings, the two sleeves on my prosthetic, my panties, and, if I get in a real bind, the prosthetic.

I’m pretty sure that adds up to twenty-four.

” She mentally fist-pumped. Not bad at all, considering her mind was half-crazed and her body smoldered just looking at him.

He groaned and gave her a threatening smile. “Don’t give up your leg, babe. What I have planned for you will require two feet.” He tossed his loose change on the table, shoved his trousers down, and set them on a chair.

She waved a hand at him. “What are you doing?”

“Conceding, you little wench. Forfeiting. Call it whatever you want. I’ve got to touch your tits. My defense crumbled with the bra move.” He sauntered around the table and pinned her body to an empty corner. “Claim your flag.” His voice was low and husky and suggestive as hell.

Pressed against the wall with his face an inch from hers, she slid her fingers down his solid chest and snapped the elastic on his underwear.

She suckled his bottom lip and dragged his boxers down with a painstaking slow discipline.

Nick loved the tease, the erotic ascent, and tipping over the orgasmic edge almost more than she did.

She’d give him as much as he could endure.

She slithered down past the chair rail, fondling his engorged penis and swirling circles around it with her hands and tongue.

When she stroked his balls, those pillars he called thighs trembled.

His boxers dropped to the floor. He panted loudly, and his chest heaved. “Enough.”

He hauled her to her feet and kicked the boxers under the table. “That was an exceptional claiming ceremony, Lieutenant. Made me proud to wear the flag.”

She giggled .

“You’re wearing red. I get to have my way with you, too.” He fondled her nipples and kissed a trail of love nips down her neck. Her breasts filled his big hands. “They’re so gorgeous, heavy and lush.”

“I didn’t get to pump or nurse Ella tonight. You’re gonna get sprayed, soldier.” Sprayed? More like hosed down.

He licked and suckled his way from one nipple to the other as he ran a finger inside her crease. “I love wet things. Bring it on, Lieutenant.”

The soft stroke of his finger ignited the burn she’d hungered for, and she clutched at his shoulders. But when his tongue traced a nipple, a quick climax barreled over her like a train without a driver. She mewled a soft cry and collapsed against him.

Nick straightened and kissed her mouth tenderly. “We got a little cream off the top there, Lieutenant. Here comes the one that’ll help you sleep like a rock.”

He set one big hand on her belly, held her against the wall, and dropped to his knees, dragging the satin panties down with his other hand.

His tongue laved and circled her over sensitized flesh until he found that one curve waiting for him.

She moaned and urged him on with her hands.

She loved being pinned like this—a flower opening to her warm sun.

Her heart hammered, faster and faster as the pleasure tightened.

She threw her bad leg over his shoulder and writhed against him until every taut nerve unfurled in cascading pleasure.

Boneless, she began sliding down the wall. He caught her and stood, her socked feet dangling at his shins, his breathing heavy as he held her close.

“More, I want more. I want you inside me. Now.”

He set her on her feet and smoothed her hair back. “You sure? It’s okay to be tuckered out.”

“Definitely. Now.” She’d swallow her pride and beg if necessary.

He tossed a chair pad on the table and bent her over it, massaging her shoulders, and ran his fingers down her back.

“I need to feel you this time.” She reached behind and stroked his erection.

He spread her cheeks and nudged inside, his big hands around her breasts. “I won’t last but a minute in this position after hearing you come twice, babe.” He groaned and paused after each stroke.

“Slam me, Sergeant. That’s an order. Don’t hold back.”

Nick’s rugged flesh slapped against her smooth backside.

His pace quickened, and her hips lifted with each thrust. The warmth, the slip and slide of his body against hers, and the scent of languorous sex covering them like an aphrodisiac were among the sensory treats she’d missed for so long.

Her core tightened with his panting breaths and moans.

He gripped her hips tight on a groan of ecstasy.

Her core muscles squeezed and climaxed with his pulsing.

The pleasure was delicious and raw and them.

Nick’s body trembled as he rested his chest against her back. “That was the best game of capture the flag ever . Babe, we’re made for each other.”

Liz heaved a deep, satisfied breath and lifted her head. “Stay a minute, don’t pull out yet.” His chuckle rumbled against her back.

“I defy that Vera woman to walk in the back door right now, honey.” He gently kneaded her shoulder muscles as they cooled down.

She burst into laughter. “Or my mother.”

“Oh, please, no. That one time she busted us years ago will haunt me a lifetime.” He kissed her flushed cheek and withdrew. “Stay there. Don’t move.” He grabbed a fleece throw from the living room and wrapped it around her. “I’ll be right back.”

She couldn’t remain splayed across the table like this for long, but the tufted chair pad underneath was comfortable and the fleece tamed her goosebumps temporarily.

She relaxed into the cushion and folded her arms under her head.

She could fall asleep right here. Every fiber of her soul yawned in afterglow relaxation.

She was one thought away from the sleep abyss when he scooped her into his arms.

“I’ve got a bath all ready, my sweet.” He carried her down the hallway and set her on the bathroom counter. “Tell me how to get this prosthetic off.”

She guided him through the simple steps and glanced at the tub.

“Honey, we’re supposed to draw the water after we get in.

” She gazed into his deep blue eyes. By all that was holy, she’d love him forever.

They were so right together. And tonight made everything she’d endured for the past sixteen months—worth it.

Nick scooped his Liz into his arms and set her down gingerly in the frothy bubbles.

He jogged back to the dining room and gathered their clothes.

The memory of tonight went a long way toward rectifying the words he’d heard Vera speak into this room only days ago about Liz’s daughter—his daughter.

He’d better get used to saying it. His daughter.

He snatched his boxers and balled them in his fist—he’d save them forever. He tossed the armful of clothing and shoes into Liz’s room and strode towards the bathroom .

“Here I come, Lieutenant. Make way for daddy long legs to join you.”

Liz opened one sleepy eye. “What were you doing out there?”

He chuckled. “I hid the evidence, as in picked up our clothes. I have a feeling that once we soak and climb in bed, we’re gonna sleep good, babe.”

A grin spread across her face. “Thank you, so thoughtful. Here, you take the seat, and I’ll sit between your legs.” She leaned back against his chest and sighed. “We’ll have to play games more often, Sergeant.”

He lathered a bar of soap in his hands and washed her arms. “I’m already planning a version of the American League Playoff series for the pennant.”

She burst into laughter and floated around to face him. “Your inner animal has been unleashed.”

He ran a thumb across her lower lip. “You do that to me, babe. How many hours did you work today?”

She kissed his palm. “Eighteen.”

“Time for bed, young lady. You look exhausted. Pull the plug, and I’ll grab some towels.”

Nick dried her off and carried her to bed. “I’ll pull the covers down and tuck you in. Should I check on Ella?”

Liz kissed him one more time as he set her down inside the warm covers. “I really think she’s out for the night. You can check on her, but if you wake her up—you’re on duty.” She yawned. “Welcome to fatherhood, Nick Flannery. I’m so glad you’re here. We’ll figure the rest out together.”

He crept down the hall, minus the fear he’d worn like a wet coat the other night, and opened Ella’s door. Judging by her breathing, she was fast asleep.

He slid in next to Liz and spooned with her heart-shaped backside. It didn’t matter if sleep eluded him. This was one of those precious days he didn’t want to end.

He’d remember today for the rest of his life. Ella was almost seven months old.

But this was the day he became a father.