Page 41 of Stolen Hearts

Tears sprang into her eyes. “Me too.” She dropped her forehead against his, shivering lightly as he explored her body.

He cupped her breasts, brushing his thumbs over her nipples, and she gasped, arching against him.

“This okay?” His voice was rough.

Her hands framed his face. “It’s perfect. You’re perfect.”

He kissed her hard then, hands sliding to her hips as she ground down again, heat meeting heat through too much clothing. She made a frustrated sound, and they were fumbling with his waistband, laughing quietly when his fly caught, and then…nothing but skin.

He lay back, letting her take control, watching her with dazed hunger as she sank onto him with a breathless moan. His hands gripped her thighs, but not to guide—just to anchor himself.

She moved slowly at first, savoring it, savoringhim. It was different this time. Slower. Deeper. Less frantic, more connected. Her eyes locked on his, and it felt like more than just sex. Like she was giving him something she hadn’t dared let go of before.

Love. Trust. A place in her future.

He reached up, brushing her hair back as her rhythm picked up. “I missed you.”

“I know,” she whispered. “I missed you too. More than I should’ve.”

“No such thing.”

She bent to kiss him, bracing herself on his chest, and that small movement changed everything.

He hit deeper, her moan shattering into the space between them.

“Denver—”

“Right here,” he promised, holding her steady, letting her ride him until she trembled in his arms. “I’ve got you, Rhae. Always.”

Her climax built fast and hard, body coiling, breath catching. When she broke apart above him, he caught every sound with his mouth, every shiver with his hands. And when she was still shaking, he gave in too, groaning her name as he followed her over the edge.

They collapsed together on the blanket, tangled and breathless.

He pulled her close, one hand stroking her back as she laid her head on his chest, heart still racing.

The room was warm. Quiet. Safe.

After a few minutes, she whispered, “I’m scared.”

“I know.” He kissed her temple. “But you don’t have to be. Not with me here.”

“You don’t know what he’s capable of.”

He went still beneath her, then said quietly, “I know whatI’mcapable of. And I’m telling you right now—Robert Ravencroft won’t get near you or Navy. Not while I’m breathing.”

She looked up at him, eyes wide.

He held her gaze. “You don’t have to run anymore, Rhae. You have me. And I’m not going anywhere.”

Chapter Nine

Rhae stepped out onto the wide back deck that encompassed the length of the veterans’ building, blinking against the slanting rays of afternoon sun. Crisp air teased her skin, reminding her that this would be one of the last meals she and Navy would get to eat outside with winter approaching.

The scent of mountain pine filled her nose, along with the smell of something salty and savory.

She turned to see Denver walking toward her with a tray. His grin so damn charming that it made her heart flex—and that tormenting dimple in place in his cheek.

In her arms, Navy wiggled to be released. She quickly moved to slide the baby into the high chair already set up waiting.

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