Deadly Testimony (Safeguard #2)

His hands settled on her hips as he drove upward into her one more time and she went over the edge, crying out as she did.

He sat up as the orgasm shook her, wrapping his arms around her and holding her to his chest. He buried his face in the side of her neck and came with her.

*

Kyle came to awareness slowly, noting with appreciation that the carpet beneath his back was reasonably easy on the skin. No rug burns, though he’d have considered them a small price to pay for the amazingly enjoyable time they’d both just had.

Lizzy had lowered herself to lay tucked against his side, her legs entwined with his and her head pillowed on his biceps. “Welcome back to the world.”

He chuckled, supremely satisfied for the moment. “Was I gone long?”

She shifted next to him, propping herself up on one elbow and leaning over him to trail a fingertip over his chest. “Only a few minutes. Long enough to catch your breath.”

She sounded smug. He smiled and reached up to play with a few loose strands of her dark hair. She had every right to be.

He let his eyes close again, relaxing under her fingertips and curving his arm around her so he could enjoy the softness of her skin under his own hand. He stroked her back gently, amazed at the supple softness of a woman so strong. He couldn’t get enough of touching her.

“Mmm. We’re going to end up falling asleep here.” Her warning was halfhearted.

He opened his eyes and looked up into her playful gaze. “You look wide-awake. But if you are so inclined, I have no qualms with pulling the blankets down off the bed and making a nest right here.”

He’d dispose of the used condom and perhaps move a few others to a more readily accessible location. Just in case.

She chuckled. “It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve slept on the floor.”

“I can imagine your line of work has taken you to some uncomfortable places.” He found himself curious. He’d never been much for pillow talk but she fascinated him.

“Sure.” She rose though, sitting back on her heels, and gathered her hair into a tidy ponytail. “Deploy enough times and you learn to catch sleep however it comes to you. Mostly, I catnap but I don’t sleep in often and I don’t crash on the floor unless the bed is too soft.”

“Ah.” He paused. Her background was mostly a mystery to him, he realized, but he could make some guesses about the kind of danger soldiers lived through. “It must be hard to sleep in the presence of a stranger.”

“I generally don’t, if I can help it.” She definitely wasn’t sleepy. He propped himself up on his elbows as she stood and walked into the sitting room. Naked.

“I’d think you’d like the comfort of a good mattress.” It seemed wiser to retreat to a more harmless path for their conversation. He was enjoying the view as she checked the door and then her laptop. She was continually vigilant, even in the midst of an unexpected tryst. He should be grateful even if his pride did end up somewhat bruised to be so easily set aside for work.

She shrugged as she returned and stepped into the bathroom, only partially closing the door as she ran water and freshened up. “Some hotel beds are too soft, like trying to sleep on a marshmallow. Pillow tops aren’t my favorite and I definitely don’t like memory foam.”

There he agreed with her. “It’s hard to move on memory foam mattresses and I wake up with a sore back.”

“Yeah.” She emerged and sat on the edge of the bed, holding out a washcloth. “This hotel has promise though. The bed doesn’t seem too squishy.”

“It’s quite firm, actually.” He rose and stood in front of her, other parts of him waking up in response to her continued relaxed exposure. Every inch of her was sleekly beautiful and he appreciated how comfortable she was in just her skin.

Instead of handing the cloth to him, she proceeded to gently wash him. “I can see that.”

He’d become erect under her gaze and he was getting harder as she continued her ministrations. He enjoyed her consideration too. Usually he was the one to take care of such practicalities. Cleanliness was important to him. He’d set the earlier used condom aside discretely and he was happy to see she’d brought a handful with her along with the wash cloth.

“Perhaps I could convince you to give the bed a try tonight.” He pressed her back, pausing to nuzzle her breasts as she lay down for him.

As interested as he was in conversation, he was also ready to explore other means of getting to know her better.

*

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