Page 11 of My Forever Bear

Reaching out, my hand trembles slightly as I cup the side of his bearded jaw. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Leaning his face into my hand, he closes his eyes. “It’s like I’m stuck in a loop where I’m holding Finn as he bleeds out. I keep seeing the light fade out of his eyes.”

He looks up at me with such a haunted gaze. A fist tightens around my heart, aching for him. “What do you need from me?”

“Stay with me, please? I don’t want to be alone.” I nod without hesitation. He straightens the sheet and pulls it over both of us. Pulling me down to lie next to him, my back firmly snuggled up to his warm, naked chest. Somehow, being held in his arms, knowing my presence comforts him, gives me peace of mind. I stay still until I hear his breathing even out. Only then do I let my eyelids close as I drift back to sleep.

Too hot.I try to kick the covers off, but I'm stopped by something large draping over my waist and cocooning my back. I blink rapidly, trying to adjust to my foreign surroundings.

Morning light shines through the window in front of me. A kaleidoscope of colors dancing through the air, brightening the room. Then it hits me–I'm in Kiernan's bedroom.

The walls are painted a light gray, giving the room a serene feel. Looking down, I’m covered by a plush white comforter… and Kiernan’s thick arm is pinning me in place against his warm chest.

I spent the whole night in Kiernan's bed. I meant to sneak out once he was asleep. Stifling a groan, I slowly raise my hand to rub my eyes, not wanting to wake Kiernan. I’m not one to jump in bed with a man I just met, but the fear in Kiernan’s eyes last night pulled at my heartstrings. How could I walk away when he was asking me to comfort him?

His chest steadily rises and falls against my back. He must still be asleep. I peek over my shoulder. His eyes are still closed, so I slowly roll over to face him.

I take the opportunity to catalog his features as he sleeps. His hair is dark brown, cropped close to his head. Smooth, tan skin covers his face, with light wrinkles around his eyes. Thick black lashes rest against his cheeks as his lids slowly flutter. He must be dreaming–I hope it’s something good this time.

When my eyes wander down to his plush mouth, I notice the corners tick up in a slight smirk. “Morning,” he rasps out. The scratchy tone of his voice makes my insides heat. I barely hold back the whimper caught in my throat.

“Hi,” I whisper, voice still thick with sleep. His sleepy eyes open, flicking from my lips up to my eyes. “How did you sleep?”

“Mmmm. Good, once you got in my bed.” He winks, lips tipping into another one of his signature smirks. A furious blush spreads across my cheeks, down my neck and chest. This man knocks me off kilter.

Thick, callused fingers caress from my temple down along my jaw. The pad of his thumb gently traces my full bottom lip. “So beautiful, so perfect,” he murmurs, eyes shining with affection.

A soft moan escapes my parted lips as my eyelids flutter closed. Kiernan slides his fingers into the loosened hair of my braid, using his grip to tilt my chin up to his mouth. His lips slowly descend on mine. Desire blooms in my body, the petals slowly unfurling as Kiernan leans closer.

“Is this okay?” he whispers against my lips. His hot breath skittering against my parted lips, warming my flesh.

“Yes.” A whimper pops out. My heart beats wildly in my chest with anticipation of his lips finally touching mine. Nerves swarm like bees in my stomach.

It’s like that one word snaps what little restraint Kiernan possesses. His lips slam against mine with a rumbling groan, the kiss instantly turning hungry. Tongues dueling for dominance.

My whole body heats, brimming with need, ready to overflow.

Another moan crawls up my throat, only to be swallowed by Kiernan's mouth. The grip in my hair tightens, his other hand at the small of my back, holding me flush to him. I roll my hips in anticipation, seeking relief for the building ache between my legs. Hands sliding up his bare chest, past his neck, I cup the sides of his face.

Tearing his mouth from mine, he breaks the kiss. Our labored breathing fills the quiet bedroom as our eyes meet. “It was torture sleeping with you in my arms all night, sweetheart. I need to touch you, taste you. Need to make you mine, Lilac. My mate.”

I’m too blissed-out from his scorching kiss to comprehend him calling me Lilac and mate.

“Please,” I beg, as my thighs press together. “Touch me, Kier.”

My mind is saying this is all happening too fast, but my body isscreamingfor his touch. His eyes burn into me as they roam down my body. This man makes me feel wanton and desirable, yet safe.

“Like the sound of you calling me Kier,” he rasps while kissing along my jaw. Rolling to my back, I drop my head onto the pillow, exposing my neck to him. He continues his path, kissing down the column of my neck, my skin heating with each touch of his soft lips.

Rough hands run up my outer thighs to my hips, pushing the hem of my t-shirt up to my waist. I squirm under his touch. Lust clouding my brain. His hands continue their ascent, revealing my stomach and breasts to the brisk morning air. His hungry gaze rakes over the exposed skin, causing my nipples to pebble and goosebumps to trail along my pale flesh.

Most of my life, I've been self-conscious of my pear body shape, wishing I had bigger breasts or slimmer thighs. But not now, not under the scorching pools of whiskey Kiernan uses to peruse my naked body. Like he's memorizing every inch of me.

“Fuck,” he groans, “these tits are amazing.” Reaching up, he cups them in his large palms. “Mmm, like I thought, a handful.” He chuckles.

“Kier, please,” I moan, not recognizing the sultry rasp of my own voice. My back arches off the mattress, pushing my breasts into his warm grasp. “I need you.”

“I know, baby. Let me look at you first.” Pulling the shirt over my head, he tosses it over his shoulder with a wink. His touch coasts back down my ribs in a caress until he’s gripping my hips. Suddenly, I realize I am definitelynotwearing any underwear.

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