Page 41 of Dearest Protector

“Ariel?” he replied gruffly. “You okay?”

There it was, that constant habit he had of checking in with me that I completely adored.

He was always tuned in to my emotions. Always making sure that I wasn’t in emotional or physical pain.

At moments like this one, we were so damn connected.

I felt like there was more to his concern than just being a friend, but I also knew that I was probably just trying to convince myself of that because I wanted it so badly.

Our gazes collided, and I could see the concern in his eyes, even though the light was sparse on the patio.

I’d seen that expression so many times over the last few weeks, and it still made me want to cry because it reminded me that I wasn’t alone.

Ben…cared.

He gave a shit, even if it wasn’t in exactly the way I wanted.

He ran a comforting hand up and down my back, and I had everything I could do not to rub against him like a cat in heat.

I wanted Ben Blackwood.

I had since the very first time we’d met.

And that longing was getting harder and harder to control.

I nodded to let him know I was okay, the lump in my throat keeping me from speaking.

I really needed to get a grip.

Even though I knew he cared, Ben didn’t want methat way.

“Ariel?” Ben queried in a fuck-me baritone that sent a flood of heat between my thighs. “Do you really want me to do something I want just for myself, something selfish?”

I nodded again, puzzled by the heated look in his gorgeous hazel eyes.

The hand he had on my back moved up sensually until it was at the nape of my neck, and then urged my face closer to his.

My breath caught and my heart skipped a beat. We were so close that I could feel his warm breath on my lips.

My eyes fluttered closed.

Oh, God, yes. Kiss me.

How long had I wondered what it would be like to kiss this beautiful man?

Caught up in the moment, all I could do was feel, and I craved the touch of his lips on mine like a highly addictive drug.

“Then you’re in big trouble, sweetheart,” he warned in a throaty, lust-filled voice that I’d longed to hear since the first time we’d met. “Because the only selfish thing I want right now isyou.”

I had no time to think about his words.

His mouth covered mine so fast that there was no time to consider what we were doing.

He swallowed the moan of satisfaction that escaped from my lips as he plundered.

It wasn’t just a simple embrace. Ben’s kiss was total devastation, a conquering, a claiming that set every nerve ending in my body on fire.

He demanded, and I gave, opening to him like it was the most natural thing in the world to do.