Page 21 of Claiming Charity
It was the most wonderful yet torturous day. Wonderful because I got to spend the day with the people I love most in the world. Torturous because all I wanted to do was be alone with Ryder so I could finally make him mine in every way. And yes, I’m talking about sex. If the intense looks Ryder sent my way through dinner were any indication, he was feeling it, too.
But now that we’re finally alone in his hotel room, my nerves return with a vengeance. Ryder closes and locks the door, prowling toward me with single-minded intent. His arms come around me, and I flatten my palms against his chest.
“You should know that I’ve never done this before,” I whisper, tipping my head back to look at him.
He trails his fingers along my cheek. “I guessed as much. When I touched you that morning at your house, it was as if no one had ever touched you that way before.”
“Oh, God, was it that obvious?” I groan and bite my lip. “I might not be any good at this sex stuff.”
“If it’s any consolation, I’m as nervous as hell.”
His words calm some of my anxiety. “You are?”
He nods. “I don’t want to disappoint you.”
“Pah!” I snort. “As if you could, big guy. I’ve already seen the goods, remember? And I guess you’ve seen mine, too,” I add, blushing at the memory.
I watch, mesmerized, as Ryder throws back his head and laughs. It’s been so long since I’ve seen him laugh like this, and the sound fills me with so much joy that it brings tears to my eyes.
Ryder cups my face in his hands, his dark eyes fixed on mine. “In case I haven’t been clear, you’re it for me, Charity. No one who came before matters because it’s you and me from here on out.”
“God, I love you,” I breathe.
“Love you too, Sparkles.”
I gasp when he takes me by surprise, lifting and carrying me toward the bed. Placing me gently in the middle of the king-size bed, he follows me down. He kisses me deep and hard, his big hand at my nape as he angles my mouth where he wants it. I moan into his mouth as his other hand slides up my jean-clad thigh and pops open the buttons.
“Too much clothing in the way,” Ryder growls. He strips me of my jeans and panties in seconds, leaving me in my Christmas sweater with the words “When I Think of You, I Touch My Elf” on the front. “Not sure whether to take this off or leave it on,” he says with a sexy smirk.
I decide for him, shucking out of my sweater and bra and tossing them on the floor.
“Fuck, you’re beautiful,” Ryder growls, his heated gaze sliding over my naked body.
“Ryder,” I moan, trying to catch my breath as he trails kisses down my neck. Sucking and nipping at my sensitive skin.
He stands suddenly, making quick work of his jeans and T-shirt. We showered at Mom and Dad’s to remove the worst of the glitter before lunch and changed into regular clothes.
And, oh, my god, he’s gorgeous. Broad shoulders, wide chest with a smattering of hair, and muscular arms. He carries a little more weight than when he was on active duty, but it suits him. My eyes trail down the tattoo on his neck, which extends over his left pec to the scar below his heart.
Kneeling on the bed, I reach out to touch it, looking up at him. “Badge of honor,” I whisper, stroking my fingers over the puckered flesh.
His throat bobs as he swallows hard. “Second chance.”
And then he’s on me, his body covering mine, his tongue delving deep into my mouth.
I love kissing him, but now I need more.
As if reading my thoughts, Ryder trails kisses down my body, circling my nipples with his tongue and teasing them into tight peaks. His hot mouth continues its delicious journey, nipping and licking my quivering stomach before he pushes my legs wide. My whole body is tight with need, and the pulse between my thighs thrums with desire.
Ryder looks up at me as he kisses my mound, his dark eyes locking on mine. Then he takes one long lick. I almost come off the bed, but he grips my hips, holding me in place as he continues to lick and suck at me, taking what he wants.
“Ryder,” I gasp, writhing under the lap of his magical tongue.
His hands slide down to grip my thighs, pulling me even wider. “You even taste like sweet honey here, too. I knew you would,” he growls against my clit.
He pushes a thick finger inside me, and my head drops back to the pillow as my eyes fall closed. My orgasm is already building, and I try to close my legs because I’m not sure I’m going to survive it.
“Ryder, I . . .I . . .” I can’t form words as he licks and sucks while his big finger works in and out of me.