Page 31 of Tomlin

“Then I won’t publish it.”

He relaxed a little at her response. He’d anticipated her answer, but he was glad she’d confirmed it.

“I’m sorry, Etta.”

“Don’t be. As much as I would like to share the knowledge I have gained, the discovery is the most important part for me. Although…” She shot him a speculative glance. “There is still a lot to learn.”

“And no reason to stop working as long as you are content to keep the knowledge private.”

She tapped her lip thoughtfully, then nodded.

“I am, although it means I will have to either withdraw from the university or pursue another avenue of inquiry as well. I am expected to produce papers regarding my research.”

He hated seeing her look so resigned, even if she had accepted the necessity of hiding her work. He kissed her, hoping to distract her, but as soon as their lips touched, his need flared again. It was different this time. The frantic urgency was gone, but the hunger was no less fierce. He felt her response, her desire mirroring his own, and everything else disappeared except the need to claim his mate.

‘Yes,” she gasped as his hand found her breast, and he let himself fall into the fire again.

CHAPTER 16

Etta smiled up at the ceiling over the bathtub as the hot water soothed away her lingering aches. They had made love twice more before she’d recognized that her body had reached its limit. Tomlin had stopped immediately, but even though he’d frowned, clearly concerned, he hadn’t retreated into his usual guilt.

Instead he’d immediately gone to prepare a bath, then carried her to it. Dozens of candles filled the room with a warm flickering light and he’d even found flower petals to float on the gently steaming surface. As he lowered her into the water, she ran a teasing hand down his abdomen.

“Will you join me?”

He hesitated, then shook his head.

“If I do, I do not think I will be able to resist touching you and you need a chance to recover. I will prepare a meal.”

Now that she was alone she’d begun to think about what he’d told her. The thought that someone might have intended to use her research to create a weapon horrified her, but itoccurred to her that he’d left out some details. She needed more information, but it could wait.

She swirled the hot water lazily across her breasts, aware of her body in a way she had never been before. Her nipples were still swollen, sensitive even to the movement of the water. There was a definite ache between her thighs, but it was a pleasant ache, heavy and satisfying. She’d never considered herself a sensual person, but she felt like one now.

When Tomlin returned with warm towels, wrapping one around her after he’d lifted her out of the bath, she found herself leaning into him. He’d started rubbing her dry but he stopped suddenly, his eyes beginning to glow.

“You are aroused again.”

“Still aroused,” she corrected, reaching for him.

He gave a fierce kiss, his own hunger unabated, and she squirmed impatiently against him. But then he slid a finger between her thighs and she couldn’t suppress her wince. He immediately stopped.

“It’s too soon.”

She knew he was right, but her swollen clit was throbbing a demanding beat and she felt hot and needy.

“But I need…”

He gave her a wicked smile.

“Don’t worry, little scholar. There are other ways to satisfy your needs.”

He carried her into the bedroom and placed on the bed, then kneeled between her legs, gently parting her thighs.

“Your pretty little cunt is all red and swollen,” he growled, leaning closer, and even his hot breath against her sensitive skin made her quiver. “You are such a good girl to let me take care of you.”

Despite the rough, growling words, his hands were infinitely gentle as he carefully parted her folds. Her cheeks heated as she realized how closely he was examining her but it also added to her excitement.

“Does this sweet little nub hurt?”

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