Page 51 of Taking What's Ours
His tongue sweeps inside my mouth, and I’m lost in his kiss. It tastes like heaven. It tastes like the forbidden. It’s a drug I’m instantly addicted to in one fix.
The man can kiss. Oh, my God, can he kiss. He takes possession of my mouth in a way that makes me want to give him everything, to let him have every part of me, anything he wants. Submission never sounded so good.
He breaks off and presses his forehead to mine. We’re both breathing heavily.
“God, I’ve wanted to do that for so long,” he rasps in a growly voice edged with hunger. “I shouldn’t have, I suppose.”
“Don’t apologize. I’ve wanted it, too. Maybe that’s wrong—”
“No.” He cuts me off sharply. “Nothing you do is wrong, Elaina. You have nothing to feel guilty about. I crossed the line, but I’m not sorry. That sounds shitty, but it’s the truth. My brother doesn’t deserve you.”
“You make me want to stay here. Not go back to Denver.”
“You want the truth? The last thing I want is for you to return to Denver, and they’re all selfish reasons. But you know who I am. What I am. That’s not gonna change.”
“Shh.” I cover his lips with my finger. “I’m not asking you to change. I don’t want you to change for me.”
“You sure about that?”
“Can we just… take this slow?”
“Sure.” He backs off. “I didn’t mean to push you.”
The moment he moves to his side of the couch and picks up his coffee mug, I feel the loss of his warmth, his touch. Maybe going slow is the last thing I really want, but I can’t afford to make another mistake. This feels too important, like too much is at stake. I’ve picked the wrong men my entire life. I don’t want to get this wrong again. I need to be sure this time.
The thunder booms, and Rosie curls up at my feet.
Baja smiles. “She doesn’t like storms, does she?”
“She hates the thunder.” I stroke her head.
“It’s pouring. Maybe you should just stay here tonight. No sense getting soaked going to the garage apartment.”
I search his eyes, wondering just what he’s suggesting. He must see my confusion, because he clarifies instantly with a grin.
“Darlin’, nothin’ I’d like more than having you in my bed, but if we’re taking this slow, you can stay in the guest room downstairs. I’d feel better knowing you were under my roof and not across the way.”
“I could do that,” I whisper.
“Good.”
We curl up and watch the fire. Eventually, I set my mug aside, yawning.
I lay my head back and rest my eyes, listening to the patter of rain and the fire crackling.
Baja strokes my leg, and I crack an eye open. He’s grinning. “Bailey’s. Does the trick every time.”
I smile and close my eyes, enjoying the moment.
I must drift off, because the next thing I know, Baja is patting my shoulder, and when I blink my eyes open, the fire has burned to embers. He passes me one of his t-shirts.
“Go on to bed, honey. It’s late.”
I yawn and stretch, and Rosie and I pad downstairs. I slip into Baja’s t-shirt, and it makes me feel closer to him. Snuggling under the covers, with Rosie curled up on the bed at my feet, I immediately drift off.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Elaina—