Page 57 of A Raven Returns

She felt his head shake on top of hers. “No. He’s not. But I promise he’ll never be a threat to you again.”

She turned enough that she could see his face. “Because I asked you not to?”

He pressed a kiss against her temple. “Of course.”

He’d spared Greg, and spared his soul, for her. For some reason, it felt like a huge sacrifice. She turned and snuggled back against him. As she wiggled, she felt his manhood begin to come to life against her backside and her stomach fluttered.

He just ignored it. “What else are you upset about? With all those tears, I know there’s more than that.”

Part of her just wanted to forget it all and ask him to make love to her again instead. Obviously he wanted that. But she also needed answers.

“Sarah reprimanded me, as I deserved, but she knows about us, and I’m afraid she’ll make you send me away.” She sucked in a deep, shuddering breath as pain gripped her heart.

His soft lips pressed against her neck. “I know it doesn’t seem like it sometimes, but I am actually the person in charge here. I’m not going to send you away. I need you here with me.” His hand skimmed up her stomach to claim her breast. She moaned and felt him grow even more aroused against her bottom.

“But what does that mean? You need me here with you?” She was growing breathless as searing, openmouthed kisses moved languidly over her shoulder.

He stopped. “I don’t know yet.”

“Don’t stop, Ash.” She felt his lips turn up in a smile against her shoulder. His thumb brushed over her nipple making it pucker and sending a flash of desire straight to her core. She wiggled her bottom against him.

“I’m not going to be able to finish this conversation if you keep that up.”

“You started it,” she said teasingly.

“So I did.” He gently rolled her nipple, coaxing a moan from her. “Perhaps I should make love to you, and then we can finish our conversation.”

“What about your rules?”

His lips had moved up her neck and his tongue stopped just behind her ear. “No more rules. Not with you, Angel.”

Joy flooded her heart. “Then what are you waiting for?”

With a rumbling groan, he turned her onto her back and his lips descended. Any sadness or fear she’d felt was vanquished by the hunger of his kisses. His firm mouth demanded a response, which she eagerly gave. She opened for him and his tongue swept in to claim every recess of her mouth. Fiery desire rushed through her, finally chasing away the chill that had settled while he was gone.

She gasped with surprised pleasure as his fingers dipped suddenly between her legs. She was already wet and so ready for him and he hummed his appreciation against her mouth. He left her lips and looked into her eyes as he slid a finger inside of her. There was something incredibly intimate about him watching her reaction and it made her excitement soar.

“Yes. Just like that.” Her mind emptied of everything else as his thumb swirled against her sensitive nub, sending pleasure spiraling through her body. Her hips lurched, driving his finger even deeper.

“Jesus, Gwen. You make me lose all control. I need to be inside you.”

She nodded urgently and spread her legs wide for him. He settled himself between them, his mouth claiming hers for another passionate kiss. He nudged against her entrance. “May I?”

Gwen laughed impatiently. “Are you always going to ask permission?”

His smile was bordering on apologetic as he nodded. “Probably.”

How was it possible that a single word could make her love him even more? She lifted her head from the pillow to press a kiss to his lips. “Yes you may, my love.”

There was such tenderness in his eyes as he guided himself gently into her body. He rocked slowly in and out of her, his gaze locked on hers as if transfixed. Pleasure whirled through her body as he poured his soul into her.

Her nipples were aching desperately, so without even thinking, she reached between their bodies and grasped them between her fingers. The action, and especially the resulting bolt of pleasure, shocked her and she gasped.

“Christ,” he growled, his body jerking with his overwhelming need.

She’d never felt more powerful than she did in that moment. Slowly, she rolled her nipples between fingers and thumbs, making sure he had full view.

Ash was panting as his rhythmic thrusting accelerated. “You, my little minx, are going to send me right over the edge. Give me your fingers.” He opened his mouth and she tentatively held out her fingers. He sucked on her thumb and forefinger, wetting them both thoroughly.

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