Page 22 of Her Only Hero

“June?”

I reached behind him and unwrapped the belt from his wrists. He stood untethered. Confusion crossed his face until he realized the choice I’d made.

He brushed my cheek with the back of his fingers and then followed with a tentative kiss. His hands moved gradually, haltingly, along my back as if waiting for me to put on the brakes. Not this time. My heart beat wildly, waiting for what would happen next. In a fluid motion, Patrick swooped me up into his secure arms and carried me to bed.

Chapter Eleven

Weightless, I floated as Patrick laid me onto the downy duvet. I took in air and let it out. Breathing had never been this easy. My heart, mind, and body were absorbed in this magical moment. Patrick propped himself on an elbow. His skin glowed golden, the muscles of his chest and shoulders, highlighted and contoured.

He seemed uncertain and hesitant to make a move. By setting limits, I’d always been the one ultimately in control. Maybe he was cautious of taking the offensive position for the first time. Patrick and I were now equal players in the field. How would he express himself to me unrestrained? Anticipating his touch, goose bumps spread over my body.

“You take my breath away,” he said in a low voice and smoothed some hair off my face.

My cheek tingled where he had touched me. The lines of his face were now so familiar. “You take mine,” I said and reached behind his head to pull him closer. Our lips connected. The kiss explored and discovered. His fingers trailed a path along my neck and down to my chest. He swirled, teased, and cradled. Suspended pleasure registered through every microfiber.

Patrick’s lips trailed down my abdomen, and then lower. Intense sensations overtook me, and I gasped.

He paused.

“Don’t stop,” I breathed, teetering.

He resumed contact and continued his oscillation. Coils inside tightened. I squeezed a handful of the duvet as I hit the pinnacle and was catapulted into a white burst. I floated in euphoria.

A dream.

Patrick moved over me; his hair scrunched in disarray.

I molded against him.

He needed no more incentive. Nerve receptors overloaded. Engulfed in a sensual haze, I was mindful only of Patrick. A tsunami wave gained momentum and force. A crested swell carried me, and I tensed as the wave crashed ashore. The powerful expulsion left me weakened and panting. Perspiration glistened on Patrick’s body, and his chest rose and fell.

He moved to my side and held me close. My cheek to his chest, his heart thumped powerfully. Rhythmic, soothing. I closed my eyes.

Finally, content.

Finally, close enough.

When I awoke, I was still in Patrick’s arms. I smiled lazily.

“I love you, June. It’s the honest truth.”

Had I heard right?

“I know it sounds crazy and rushed, but I’ve had feelings for you for a long time. Did you not sense it?”

“I thought you were persistent,” I said.

He kissed my hand, and I knew I loved him, too. And I wanted to tell him.

The side of his mouth turned up. “So, you’re not really a dominant?”

I shook my head. “No. Not at all.”

“Not that I minded. You’re hot as hell, no matter what you do.”

“I don’t understand what you see in me.” I nuzzled in.

“I’m sure every guy sees what I see. Even Edward and Vinny.”

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