Page 26

Kenna

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"Morning," Kenna murmured.

Kingsley peeled open his eyes, blinking into the soft glow of the sun filtering through the curtains. She stood in the doorway, anxious and jittery.

"I brought you coffee." She approached the bed.

"You're up early," he said, his voice a sleepy rasp. "We don't have to leave until nine o'clock."

She sat on the edge of the bed. "I couldn't sleep. I have too much on my mind."

They were all four going to the state prison. Zane and River. Kingsley and her. She was finally going to see her dad.

Kingsley studied her. She dropped her gaze, uncomfortable with spilling her feelings. It was apparent that she was scared.

He cupped her cheek, turning her toward him. His hungry gaze made her stomach flip.

Setting the mug on the dresser, he said, "Come here and let me show you everything will be okay."

Her pulse quickened. She knew that tone. The one that signaled a shift from their usual conversation to something deeper.

She leaned over, and he flipped her across his body and onto the bed, leaning over her and capturing her mouth. His kiss was anything but gentle. It was as if he had planned to devour her.

Kenna wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him closer. The fierce ache building inside of her all night when she thought about today's visit became a hunger only he could appease. She needed him desperately. Nothing like the slow, sweet love they made last night. She needed that emptiness eating away inside of her filled with Kingsley's support and love.

She kissed him frantically, hands roaming over his bare skin. Her shirt was the first to go, tossed aside before he hooked his thumbs into the sides of her panties, dragging them off her hips.

She pulled back. Kingsley's eyes devoured her. She ran her hands over the sculpted muscles of his chest. His tattoos told stories of his past and his loyalty to Gem Haven.

He was beautiful and rugged, and so dedicated to everyone and everything in his life. But with her, he made her heart pound twice as fast.

He pulled away from her, grabbed a condom off the dresser, and sat on the side of the bed. She crawled around him and climbed onto his lap, straddling his legs as she lowered herself to his thighs.

The heat of his cock branded her, searing her skin. She could feel him pressing against her pussy. A surge of arousal flooded her, wetting the core of her.

He cupped her face, kissing her. Soft pants heated her face.

"I need you, Kenna. Right now," he whispered.

He wasn't the only one who had second thoughts about today. He was scared for her, and she was just plain frightened.

He lifted her, aligning their bodies, and then, with a groan that was more relief than exertion, he slid inside of her. The perfect blend of pleasure and shock pulled a moan from deep in her throat. She locked her eyes onto him.

He began to move, the rhythm shaking her core.

She clung to him, her nails digging into his shoulders as she met him thrust for thrust. The slap of skin filled the room, along with heavy breathing.

His hands roamed over every curve and dip. His gentle touch grew more insistent. He cupped her breasts, his thumbs teasing her nipples until they peaked. She arched her back, begging for more.

The pressure grew, each stroke building her higher until she could feel her orgasm coiling tightly in her lower belly. Kingsley's movements became more urgent as if he could sense her need to come.

He kissed her neck, biting gently at the juncture where it met her shoulder, making her gasp. His teeth scraped against her skin, leaving a trail of fire that sent shivers down her spine.

"Yes," she whispered. "God, yes."

With a growl, he flipped her onto her back, covering her with his weight. That delicious pressure only added to the sensations crashing through her. His hands found her hips. His firm grip aided the unrelenting pace. Her eyes fluttered closed, and her neck arched as she gave herself over to the feelings filling her.

Their plan for the day faded away, leaving her lost in a cocoon of love, acceptance, and security. Kingsley's breath was hot against her neck. Every exhale caressed her skin, sending shivers through her. She gripped the muscles along his back as he thrust forward.

She chased the pleasure building inside of her. Then it happened. Her body tightened around him. Her muscles clenched.

"King." Her legs locked around him.

Tremors broke through the spell she was under and, like the aftershocks of an earthquake, continued to batter her aroused body.

Kingsley buried himself inside her and grunted his release. She stroked his sides, barely able to raise her elbows off the mattress.

He came down, putting most of his weight on her before kissing her forehead. "Love you, brat."

Her eyes remained closed, and a soft smile played on her lips. "Love you, too."

For a few minutes, peace came over her. A peace only Kingsley could give her.

And then, the plans for the day returned to her like a tidal wave. She sighed before the ache in her chest returned. Kingsley got off her and moved from the bed into the bathroom. She rolled to a sitting position and listened to the shower.

Her thoughts moved to River. What was her sister doing? Had she slept? Was she ready for the trip to the prison?

She got off the bed and joined Kingsley in the shower, taking his spot under the spray of water. The sooner they got ready and left, the sooner they'd get to the prison. The sooner she'd see her dad.