Page 63 of Cowboy's Healing Heart

"I'm always seen as Black, ballsy, and a bitch, or rather intense," I say, voicing the thoughts that have been swirling in my head. "I don't know how to be this."

Shane looks at me, confusion in his eyes. "This what?"

"What you need," I explain. "I'm not soft and dainty."

"You're not a bitch. You're direct," Shane chuckles, pulling me closer. "That's why I need you. And the other two? I'm starting to crave them."

"Crave what, Kennedy?"

"That you don't take no bullshit. And need that?"

"Bullshit?" I joke, fighting the way my heart and soul run to him without restriction.

"No, Krystal.You."

THIRTEEN

POWER TO DESTROY ME

KRYSTAL

Shane's wordssend a tremor through me, reverberating deep in my core.

His hand comes up to cup my face, his thumb tracing the curve of my cheek. The simple touch ignites a fire within me, spreading through my veins like wildfire. I lean into his palm, craving more of his warmth, more of his touch.

I look at him, really look at him, and see the desire in his eyes. Raw, intense, and directed right at me. It takes my breath away, and before I know it, I'm crawling on top of him, needing to feel him inside me.

I straddle him, feeling his length hardening beneath me. I roll my hips, letting him feel how wet I am.

"You have the power to destroy me, Kennedy," I whisper, my lips brushing against his. "Be very careful how you use it."

He meets my gaze, his blue eyes dark with desire. "I would never do anything to hurt you," he promises, his hands gripping my waist. "Because I need you."

With a gentle friction, I slide down onto him, our gazes locked. A low groan escapes his lips, and I instinctively cover his mouth with my hand, wanting to keep our moment private.

Ashanti sleeps in the next room, and I don't want to risk waking her. But as soon as our lips touch, I replace my hand with a kiss that feels like a promise.

It starts slow, a tentative exploration of lips and tongues. But soon, it deepens. Our mouths move together urgently, our breaths quickening. I can taste the heat of him on my tongue, and I want more.

I start moving my hips, a slow grind that has him groaning into my mouth. His hands grip my hips, guiding me. I feel him everywhere, his hands on my skin, his lips on my neck.

It's like we're devouring each other, and it's not enough.

"I need you," he repeats, his lips brushing against my skin as he speaks. "In ways I've never needed anyone before."

His words sink into me, burrowing deep beneath my skin, taking root in my very soul. Each syllable is a caress, a promise, a declaration of something I've been too afraid to name.

Shane's lips trail down my neck, leaving a path of fire in their wake. "I need your strength," he murmurs against my pulse point. "Your courage. Your unwavering spirit."

I shiver, my hands coming up to tangle in his hair. He nips at my collarbone, soothing the sting with his tongue.

"I need your laughter," he continues, his voice low and husky. "The way your eyes light up when you smile. The sound of your voice first thing in the morning."

His hands roam over my body, mapping every curve, every dip, every scar. It's as if he's trying to memorize me, to imprint the feel of my skin onto his palms.

"I need your mind," Shane whispers, his lips ghosting over my ear. "Your quick wit, your sharp tongue. The way you challenge me pushes me to be better."

I arch into him, desperate for more contact. His touch is both too much and not enough, leaving me aching for something I can't quite name.

---