Page 59 of Deadline for Love

He got up with me without warning and easily threw me over his shoulder.

“Nathan. Wait a minute,” I tried to protest, but he kept walking into the bedroom and gently put me on the bed.

“I’m not waiting any longer, Bella. Do you know how often I’ve dreamt of touching you?”

He ran his thumb over my lips and looked at me hungrily. “Since I first saw you, I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind. I want you more than I've ever wanted anything in my life.”

I was breathless after his confession, but before he could kiss me again, I put my hand over his mouth.

“I’m glad you kept your distance before,” I clarified.

He raised his brows and stared questioningly into my eyes.

“It let me get to know you and let you get close.”

His gaze softened, and then he pulled me into his embrace and gently kissed my neck.

“Then maybe we should slow down.”

He lay down sideways, and cradled me against his body.

“Are you not going to work out anymore?” I asked, trying not to move because I didn’t want to tease him.

“You’ve convinced me I don’t want to be alone after all.” He lowered his head and kissed the space between my collarbone and neck. This kiss was so loving and tender that all my senses spun.

Then he retook my hand and placed it over his hard chest so I could feel his strong and fast heartbeat under my skin.

“I'm not a particularly patient man, but I want you to feel safe with me so when I do lose myself in you, you know I'll never hurt you. I want you to know who you belong to.”

He kissed each of my fingertips individually and pulled my arm closer so that he moved all the way up to my neck with littlekisses. The bites got longer on my neck, and when he reached my mouth, he stopped and looked into my eyes.

“I'm never letting you go. I want you to be mine.” He sealed the sentence with a kiss that felt like an oath. An oath that took away all my worries and fears.

Chapter 21

I was up first the next morning. And when I caught my reflection in the bathroom mirror, I saw how intense the previous night had been.

I touched my swollen lips, as memories flooded my mind.

Sighing, I splashed cold water over my face to clear my mind, then freshened up and shuffled to the kitchen. While I was lost in thought, brewing a coffee, strong arms wrapped around my stomach, and breath warmed my shoulder.

“Good morning, Bella,” he whispered, kissing the spot on my shoulder where his lips had hovered.

Immediately, chills formed on my body, which Nathan noticed and caused him to chuckle. To my benefit, he made no comment about it, instead asking, “What are you up to today?’’

It took me a moment to collect myself, but I quickly regained my composure. “I’m going to stop by Enzo and Maria’s today during my lunch break.”

“Sounds good, we can have lunch there.”

His voice vibrated in my ear, leaving me with a wave of good feeling.

“I’ll text him right away; I’m sure they’ll have a seat for us.”

He kissed the same place again. “I like the sound of that…Us.”

Yes, it sounded perfect. I turned in his arms so that our faces were facing each other. His eyes were shining, but there was something in them that I hadn’t seen before.

“Why were you upset yesterday?” I asked, as his behavior before the kiss had caused me genuine concern. The gleam became stronger and filled his whole expression. Was it unease? Regret? Fear?

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