Page 59 of Bracing The Storm

Chapter Twenty

“Afew months later, a letter arrived in the mail, urging me to get in touch with the US office of a legal firm called Ellis & Connolly LLP. That’s pretty much how I got here.” I peer up from the folded hands in my lap to read Patrick’s expression and find him regarding me intently. I don’t know what I expected to find in his eyes. Maybe surprise or disbelief. Anything but what I’m seeing.

Warmth.

And something else—like a spark that glints in the artificial lights.

His reactions are like an enigma to me. I don’t know what to make of him.

“What are you thinking?” I ask and bite my lip, suddenly nervous. I wish I could dive into his thoughts instead of struggling to pry the words out of him.

Silence ensues. The few seconds passing seem to stretch into an agonizing eternity. Ever so slowly, he leans forward to brush a stray strand of hair out of my face. His gaze holds mine; his stormy eyes pierce into me, penetrating through the ice wall I thought I had built around my heart.

He’s perfection. Everything about him is, from his looks to his singing and the way he carries himself. There’s something in the way he’s looking at me—an intensity that renders me unable to breathe. The spot where his fingers touch my face suddenly feels scorched, the instant flame traveling through my body as fast as a wildfire and settling in my abdomen.

“What am Ithinking?” He pauses for a moment to consider his words. “I’ve been all over the world. I’ve seen many amazing places and met interesting people. But I’ve never met anyone like you. You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. The most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. And what you’ve just told me makes everything much easier,” he whispers.

Before I can see his next move coming, his mouth is crushing mine, fingers tangling in the hair at the nape of my neck as he draws me closer.

Whatexactly makes everything easier, I want to ask, but somehow the words get lost between a whimper and a moan as his tongue slips between my lips, eager to taste and explore. He kisses me long and hard while his hands run along my body, caressing my curves like my body belongs exclusively to him, kneading all the right places.

“My bedroom, now!” He utters the command in between exploring my mouth, his tone leaving no room for discussion.

I want to point out that my bedroom’s closer by or we could just do whatever he’s planned for us right here on the spot, but Patrick’s already pulled me to my feet and scooped me into his arms. I don’t know what to make of his decisiveness. No man’s ever taken the lead like he is. Before I know it, he’s rushed up the stairs and we’re in his bedroom.

He lowers me onto his bed and barely gives me time to catch my breath before his mouth is on mine again. My body’s molded into the bed, soft and pliable under his weight, ready to accommodate him in any way he wants. His fingers inch beneathmy shirt, cupping one breast and rubbing the coarse fabric of my bra over the tender nipple. I moan as a wave of pleasure shoots through me and arch my back in response, involuntarily asking for more.

But Patrick’s eager to move farther down.

His hands are busy with the zipper on my jeans and then he pulls them down my legs in one swift motion, parting my legs in the process. I’m wearing a thong—not the expensive kind, just black cotton that’s faded a little with time. But the way he’s looking at me, his gaze hooded and hungry for more, makes me feel as though I was wearing silk or lace.

He’s definitely not a fan of wasting time enjoying the view, which suits me just fine.

“You’re so damn beautiful.” His eyes lock with mine as he groans his appreciation and moves the string to the side. His fingers slip between my wet folds, moving up and down, wetting my clit with my juices.

I lean back against the pillows and close my eyes for a moment. The strong waves of an imminent orgasm shoot through my abdomen, but Patrick seems to have other plans for me.

“Look at me, Lori.”

I open my eyes to obey his command.

My gaze stays glued to him as he sits up and pulls his shirt over his head. I stare at the rows and rows of muscles on his sculpted chest and abdomen.

Holy shit!

I’ve never been with anyone so ripped and it makes my clit throb in anticipation. I have to focus on something else before I climax from justlookingat his perfect body.

My clit twitches again, reminding me that I’m more than eager to get this going, no matter the outcome. Who cares if I’m just a notch on his bedpost? I desperately want him to keeptouching me; I want him like I’ve never wanted anything in my life.

“Patrick,” I whisper his name. My actions match the longing and urgency in my voice as I reach to help him unbutton his jeans and free the object of my desire. It’s huge; I can tell from the bulge straining against the shorts covering it. As he pulls down his underwear, his whole length comes free, and I gasp.

He’s fully erect.

There’s no way I canpossiblytake that.

I’m too rusty in that department. Besides, my work life has always come first so dating and gathering experience has never been a priority.

“Relax, sweetheart,” Patrick says, sensing my hesitation. “I’ll be gentle.”

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