Page 3 of Passionate Defense

“Was it the same nightmare?”

“Yes,” was her hitching reply.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“No. It’s too horrible.”

“Baby,” he whispered, as his hands moved over her back, soothing and gentle. “You know he’s been extradited to Texas. He’s locked up and will be for months awaiting trial on two other counts.”

“I know that when I’m awake. How do I remember that when I’m not?” Lanie buried her face in his chest, blinking away her tears. “I’m sorry I woke you—again.”

“Don’t apologize for something you can’t control. And if you suggest sleeping in the guest room again, I’ll turn you over my knee.”

She sniffled as a startled laugh escaped her. In the three years they’d been together, Ethan had swatted her behind a time or two in the heat of passion, but he’d never spanked her for real. Although, if she pushed for separate beds, she could see him followingthrough on his threat.

“I’m here for you, sweetheart,” he murmured with his lips against her temple. “Whenever and whatever you need. Until death us do part, remember?”

She shivered. “Could you have chosen a different passage from our vows?For better or worse, maybe?”

He snuggled her closer. “How aboutto love and to cherish?”

“Much better,” she sighed.

With his strength and heat and love surrounding her, she felt the weight of her burden lift ever so slightly. As a defense attorney for years, he’d had troubling cases and could empathize with her struggle. His understanding and unwavering support were a beacon of hope in the darkness.

Lanie couldn’t help but wonder, after standing beside pure evil for weeks and months on end, if the lingering sense of fear would ever leave her.

Suddenly frantic, she clutched his shoulders, fingers digging into his skin. “Make love to me, Ethan. Distract me from the thoughts in my head.”

“Whatever you need, but if you’re ever going to get past this and sleep peacefully again, you’re gonna have to let go of this irrational guilt. You were doing your job and upholding your sworn oath. It’s not your fault you’re exceptional at the first and committed to the latter. Talking about it would be a good place to start.”

“I know, but not tonight. Please, Ethan.” She needed him, not only to set her mind at ease but to assuage the ache and hunger that had quickly consumed her.

He moved over her, his fingers threading into her hair. “When you ask so sweetly, I can deny you nothing.”

His mouth covered hers, and he set out to make her forget. Ever patient, he started out slow, cherishing every inch of her with his lips and tongue. He traced a path down her neck, leaving a trail of shivers in his wake. With purpose, he explored every curve and dip of her body, sending waves of pleasure coursing through her.

As the intensity grew, so did their conflicting desires. Lanie’s urgency clashed with Ethan’s measured pace, creating a tantalizing tension. She writhed against him, her fingers digging into his shoulders, legs wrapped around his hips. But he held firm in his resolve, murmuring, “Easy, baby. It’s not a race.”

When their bodies finally became one, him sinking into her with exquisite slowness, time stood still, and her worries faded away. Lanie’s senses were overwhelmed by the feel of his body brushing hers, the taste of his lips, and his intoxicating scent. Even more so, by his hardness filling her as their bodies found a rhythm that was both primal and tender.

She couldn’t hold back any longer and exploded in a powerful climax, his shouts of release echoing in the room a moment later. As the intense pleasure receded, Ethan rolled them onto their sides, still connected. The room fell into a serene silence, broken only by the sound of their heavy breaths. In his arms, as she’d hoped—no, as she’d expected—her body found fulfillment and her mind a sense of peace.

“Do you think you can sleep now?” he asked, a post-sex rasp in his already husky voice.

“Yes, honey. Thank you,” she breathed, already halfway there.

He snorted softly. “You never have to thank me for loving you, Lanie. It was and always will be my pleasure.”

Her last thoughts as she drifted off to pleasant dreamland were, what happened when she closed her eyes tomorrow night? Would the sexual spell he’d cast tonight have the power to ward off more bad dreams? Maybe instead of wine, a hot bath, counting sheep, or a pill that left her feeling hungover, she’d just use Ethan as her sleep aid. Even though his passion was addictive, at least it wasn’t bad for her health and sublimely more enjoyable.

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