Her eyelids flutter closed and she lifts into my hand when I work deeper and harder. Like some kind of penance, I’m determined to pleasure her until my fingers stop working. And by the ache in my hand that might not be far away but her parted lips and rocking movements are so worth it. Already, she flutters against my fingers, a climax not far off. I find her g-spot and rub vigorously against it. When it hits her, it’s so powerful, I feel her clamp around me and her eyes fly wide. Jess trembles and I draw out my hand to stoke up and down her in a soothing motion.
It’s hard to believe how rewarding seeing her pleasure is. I realize there was nothing selfless in doing that for her. I gained just as much from it. When have I ever felt like that about a woman? I meant what I said to her earlier—that this was it for me—but I didn’t appreciate quite how deep I was until now. I think, given time, I could fall head over heels for her.
That’s if I’m not there already.
When her breathing calms, I coax her onto her side and skim a finger down her profile. She smiles, her lips stretching into an almost cat-like grin of satisfaction. Then a sneaky hand slides down my stomach and begins to stroke me. I groan.
“You’re going to kill me.”
“That’s not my intention. But I owe you.”
“You owe me nothing.” My voice comes out kinda harsh and I move quickly to cover her body with my own before she can protest.
Spreading her thighs with my legs, I grip her hips and move her just enough so I can press into her. We both suck in sharp breaths as I bury myself to the hilt.
I’m lost.
***
I wake exhausted, satisfied, content and guilt-riddled. With a stretch, I glance down at Jess, all curled up in a tiny ball against my side. She’s not wrapped around me like I’d expected but sort of nestled into me. The remnants of dark make-up is smeared across her eyelids and her pale lips are slightly pursed in sleep. Sunlight drifts over her as it seeps through the curtains while dust particles dance lightly in the air. It surrounds her in this bizarre halo that makes her even more beautiful.
Did she really take that money? To look at her now, I wouldn’t think it. Do I even care? Wincing, I try to ease out of bed but she stirs so I freeze. I’d wanted to make a phone call or two without her listening in and also check out that note once more. I shouldn’t have let myself get distracted but I couldn’t resist. The bed creaks while I try to shuffle out from under the covers and Jess mumbles, coming fully awake. The cutest sleepy smile comes across her face and makes my heart flex.
“Morning.”
Just like I couldn’t resist making love to her, I’m powerless to stop myself sliding down next to her and kissing her nose. “Morning. Sleep well?”
“I did.” She stretches but wariness sits in her eyes.
“No nightmares?”
“Nuh-uh.”
“Do you get them often?”
She lifts a shoulder and I draw her fully into me. Like liquid, she moulds to me. Warm soft skin against mine makes my breathing stilt.
“Not too often. Less recently.”
“I wish you’d told me.”
Jess shakes her head. “Hunter, no one wants to know about my sordid past. I was an idiot. I made a stupid mistake. I’m glad you know now but all I’ve ever wanted to do is put it behind me.”
“Princess, you’re not an idiot. You’ve been through so much and you’re so brave. I think you’re amazing. How many people would be brave enough to start from scratch like you did? But I do understand the need to forget.”
A crease appears between her brows. “How did you find out anyway? Did you…” I see her throat work. “Did you see me?”
I draw in a breath through my nose. This is my opening. But I can’t do it. I can’t risk her kicking me out of her life and leaving her open to danger. And now I know just how vulnerable she really is. The bad girl act is a complete fa?ade. I already knew that but I didn’t understand how deep it went.
First I need to get rid of this psycho who’s sent her another letter. Then I’ll worry about the truth. No way in hell am I letting anyone harm Jess ever again.
“I saw a bit,” I admit.
“Oh God.”
“You’ve done well to keep yourself hidden, sweets.”
“Not well enough. Whoever is sending me letters know who I am too.”
“And this is the first all week?”
Jess draws in an audible breath. “There was one more yesterday. Telling me they know who I am.”
I rake a hand through my hair and draw back from her, just to keep control of my body. It’s hard to think when little bits of naked flesh keep touching me. I could just peel away that duvet, spread her thighs and lose myself again. But I need to focus. “It’s escalating.”
She chews on the end of her thumb and nods. “I thought about running again, but I convinced myself it nothing more would happen—that I could cope with a few letters.”
“This isn’t going to stop at letters.”
“You’re scaring me.”
“Good. I want you to be scared. I don’t want anything to happen to you and if you’re scared, you won’t take risks.”
“So what am I meant to do? Just wait around until something happens?”
“I think you should come stay with me again.” It’s hard to believe that less than twelve hours ago I was anticipating a life without her and now I’m asking her to move in once more.