Page 53 of When He Defends

“What is it that you’re looking for, besides, of course, two unforgettable minutes?”

Two unforgettable…Oh, crap. She felt heat sting her cheeks. “I shouldn’t have said that about Nathaniel.” Even though it had been true.

“He’s a fucking idiot. Say anything you want about him.Hehad no business saying you were frigid.”

The heat left her cheeks in a rush. Suddenly, her face just felt cold. “I…” Emerson didn’t know what to say. Because the truth was… “I didn’t, ah, climax with Nathaniel. I’m not the most responsive…” Her words trailed off. How humiliating was this? But if she was asking him to be her lover, he needed to understand everything. “I’m too guarded. I can’t let myself go. Being in the moment is too hard for me, and I—” An exhale. “I think things can be different with you.” She hoped they would be different. Wasn’t that one of the reasons she wanted this so badly? Wanted him so badly? “I touch you, and I need. I want. I’ve never felt so much desire for someone.”

His mocking smile vanished. “Are you this honest with everyone in your life?”

“No, but I like being honest with you.”

A muscle flexed along his jaw. “What in the hell am I supposed to do with you?”

Well, if he was going to ask, she’d answer. “Fucking me would be a great start.”

His lips thinned. But his eyes gleamed even more. Then, “You do need to have practice for when we pose as lovers.”

Um, sure, practice. They could call it that.

“But more than that…” His head lowered toward hers. “You need to understand that I can make you come in less than two minutes.”

Admirable goal, but, no, he couldn’t. Nice try, but?—

“Emerson?” His mouth was right over hers. Maybe an inch away.

“Yes, Gray?”

“Stop thinking. Just feel.” His mouth took hers. Open. Warm. Passionate. His tongue dipped into her mouth. Teased and tempted.

Her hands curled around his shoulders as she held on tight.Happening. This is happening.Gray was happening. He was kissing her, his hands were snaking down her body, and he was—wait, lifting her?

Her hold tightened on him as Gray lifted her with seemingly effortless strength. He carried her though the house. She lost her high heels along the way as he moved perfectly through the darkened rooms and soon she was in his bedroom.Notso dark in there. The overhead light poured down on them. He lowered her to stand right next to a massive bed with dark covers. His hands slid over her body. Her clothes seemed to melt away as he stripped her, falling in a pool at her feet until she stood before him, completely naked. Utterly exposed beneath the light.

While he was still totally dressed.

That was wrong, wasn’t it? Shouldn’t Gray be naked, too? It would certainly speed along the process and make her feel a whole lot less vulnerable.

“On the bed, Emerson.”

She backed up. Her knees hit the bed. Her hands rose to cover her breasts as a wave of uncertainty filled her. “I’m not coming in two minutes.” That was not a fair expectation to set.

He smiled at her. “Wanna bet?”

Then Gray was on her. Kissing her. Only, this kiss was different. Not as tempting. Not as controlled. Hotter. Deeper. Wilder. As she stood there with her legs hitting the back of the bed, his strong hands swept over her body. Pulled her hands away from her breasts so thathecould touch her. Skimming those big fingers over her breasts. Teasing her nipples.

She gasped into his mouth.

One of Gray’s hands dipped lower. Slid down her body even as the other plucked her nipple.

Her legs parted for him.

That seeking hand dove between her thighs. Pushed at her core. His fingers slid over her clit.

“Baby, you are gonna be so wet for me.”

She was certainly getting there already.

Gray slid one finger inside of her.