Page 101 of One Spicy Summer

I don't realize Ry’s moved closer until I feel his heat behind me, surrounding me like a protective shield.

"You know," he says, voice low, "you look damn sexy beating up that dough."

I chuckle bitterly. "Yeah, well, I don't feel sexy. I'm seeing Keifer’s face every time I hit it. I'm reminded of what he did, and how I swore I'd never let it happen again." My voice cracks. I hadn’t even realized I was crying. "Great. Now it’s ruined."

Ry’s arms wrap around my waist, strong and steady, his breath fanning across my cheek.

"Stop," he murmurs. "Don't let him win."

"He already has."

"No, he hasn’t." He turns me to face him, and I come eye-to-eye with the man I’ve fallen for all over again. His voice is tender when he says, "This? This is you taking back your life."

"What do you mean, Ry Ry?"

"I overheard your therapist suggesting defense classes." He smiles, a smile so beautiful it melts my heart and makes my body ache. “I know, I know, confidentiality. But I don't care. I vowed to keep you safe. That means knowing what you need, even if it means breaking a few rules."

I hook my arms around his neck, teasing, "Don’t you just have all the answers?"

"Not all," he says, brushing his lips against mine. "But a pretty fair amount."

Ry’s not satisfied with just a soft kiss. The second I pull back, his hand fists in my hair, pulling me into him as he crashes his mouth over mine. I tilt my head, giving in to him completely, breath stolen by the sheer intensity.

It feels like our first kiss all over again.

"I’ve been waiting a long fucking time to do that, Princess," he groaned against my lips.

"Oh, Ry Ry," I whispered, dizzy with want, "I’ve dreamt about this moment forever."

Suddenly, Ry pulls back, cupping my face. "Hey... where’d you go?"

I smile dreamily. "Just thinking about how magical our first time was."

His grin could knock the air from my lungs. "Good. Now, " His voice drops lower. "We’ve got some catching up to do."

Without warning, he lifts me onto the counter, stepping between my legs. His hands bracket my hips, his body a solid, burning line against mine.

"Therapy twice a week. Defense classes three times. Girls' day, spa days, cooking..." His voice softens. "And loving you, every single day."

I laugh breathlessly. "You sure you can handle that?"

"You’re a brat, Princess," he growls, grabbing my hand and sliding it over the thick ridge straining his sweats.

I smirk, fingers teasing him through the fabric. "Am I really, Ry Ry?"

His lashes lower, a muscle ticking in his jaw. "Yes. And I fucking love it."

I release him with a wicked smile, hiking my nightgown up to my hips. "Then breakfast is served."

The hunger in his eyes turns molten. With a growl of approval, he drops to his knees, pressing kisses up my thighs, slow and reverent.

"I love you, Princess," he murmurs, right before his mouth finds me.

I cry out, fingers threading into his hair, anchoring him to me. Every stroke of his tongue is pure, devastating bliss. My back arches off the counter as he pushes me higher, higher, until,

"Come for me," he growls against my skin.

I shatter, crying his name, clenching around the overwhelming pleasure he gives so freely, so fiercely.

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