Page 59 of Sinful Negotiations

Chapter 48

At first, she bought the cabin for the peace, quiet, and solitude. She’d lost half a year in captivity. Hours in her new kayak, exploring the tranquil coves of Lake Cumberland, provided a sense of clarity. Many times, she’d stray too close to Aidan’s cabin, but never caught a glimpse of him.

The remainder of her time was spent hiking, quilting, in a self-defense class, and learning about the history of this new town.

A counselor helped her work through her chaotic thoughts, and Lexxa had become a loyal friend. After being kept in seclusion for months, her newfound freedom was precious.

Those things still appealed to her, but she soon realized it was Alex she missed, their time spent here together, the second he changed the rules…not the location itself. Without him, it didn’t hold the same magic.

What happened wasn’t her fault, no more than Alex’s. The difference between Alex and Marco was in the form of dominance. One wished to bend her, and the other to break her. Once she realized the difference, the rest was easy. It couldn’t be changed, and she couldn’t go back in time, but real love didn’t break the receiver.

She toyed with the necklace he’d given her. Alex was her future if he still wanted her.

The sound of a motorcycle brought her to the front porch. Her sexy-as-hell man hadn’t even climbed off when she jumped from the bottom step. When he held his arms wide, she didn’t waste time, and when he lifted her to straddle his lap, she didn’t complain. Helmet still in place, she raised the visor to gaze at those beautiful, blue eyes she loved so much.

“I think I missed you, Mr. Cross”

“So, it’s like that?” Alex winked.

“You know it’s like that.”

“I’m sorry I took so long. I didn’t know.”

“You’re worth waiting for.”

“Ride with me, Tessa.”

“I’d ride with you anywhere.”

Ten minutes later they were on the highway. She assumed he would be tired after riding this far, but Alex seemed excited to show her something. The only clue given referred to the full moon.

This day happened to be unseasonably warm, so the ride was enjoyable. Alex slid one hand over her bare thigh several times, linking his fingers with hers where she held his abdomen. There was something different about him.

Two hours later they turned into Cumberland Falls State Park. Tessa had heard of this place, but never visited. Pristine and lush, she enjoyed the slow ride deeper into the park. When he pulled into an empty spot, she waited for an explanation of why they were there.

Alex removed his helmet, placed it on his seat, and unbuckled hers. Once finished, he helped her off the bike and placed her helmet beside his.

Tessa studied his every movement with apprehension. “Is everything okay?”

Alex pulled her into his arms and lifted her chin. “I realized a few things while you were gone.”

She held her breath as his mouth lowered to hers. He licked the seam of her lips, testing, tasting, building desire in her until she opened for him on a sigh. His tongue swept inside, seeking every crevice, twirling with hers, nipping her lower lip, and repeated the action.

She moaned at the intensity and gave as much as he took. With both hands, he grabbed her hips, pulling her flush against his body. There was no mistaking the erection bulging against the front of his jeans or the heat in this kiss. When he lifted hismouth, he hovered over her, his eyes tracing her face. “Never again, Tessa. No more separations.”

She smiled at his words because she felt the same way. “It was difficult for me too.”

“Good,” he growled, smacking her bottom.

Tessa glanced at their surroundings. “Why are we here?”

Alex smiled before reaching behind her to withdraw a blue blanket and a small backpack from the storage compartment attached to his motorcycle. “I want to share something with you. Are you up for a hike?”

“Sure, but won’t it bother your leg?”

“No. It aches all the time and a little hike won’t change that.”

Tessa watched him limp toward the trail. He took those bullets for her. He came for her, fought for her, and waited for her. Any lingering doubts about him and the future disappeared with the fast-fading light.