Page 17 of Her Dirty Defender

Capturing my wrists in one big hand, he holds them firmly but gently. “You use humor like a shield, but your body gives you away. Why are your hands shaking?”

I shrug, feigning nonchalance. “Low blood sugar? Existential dread? The crushing weight of societal expectations? Take your pick.”

His lips twitch. “Okay, have it your way. But I promise you’ll be shaking everywhere by the time I’m done with you.”

Holy crap.My core throbs at his words. Something tells me this man doesn’t make promises he can’t keep.

I swallow hard and close my eyes. I hope enthusiasm compensates for inexperience. How hard can it be? No pun intended. It’s like sealing a gasket. Right? No gaps, just a perfect fit. Which is exactly what I want: one perfect night with a stranger when I can be myself.

His voice drops lower, rougher. “Open your eyes, sweetheart.”

I do. I wish I hadn't.

I hate how my chest tightens. How my pulse kicks faster. How his fingers trail over my hip. Slow. Teasing. Creating sensual magic.

My hands slide to his upper arms as he releases them, molding around the thick swell of muscle through his shirt. I know he’s going to kiss me, that he wants me. And God help me, I want him more than I’ve ever wanted anything.

I suck in a breath, bracing for his delicious onslaught. Ready to give him everything.

But he doesn’t take. He gives.

His lips brush my neck, and his hands steady me as I sway. He takes his time, kissing down my throat and across my collarbone.

My breath hitches as his fingertip glides along my cheek, featherlight, as if I’m something fragile—a wild creature that might flee at the first hint of urgency. With deliberate care, he strokes my chin, tilting my face upward, guiding me into an unspoken surrender.

When his mouth finally finds mine, the kiss is deep, consuming, effortless.

His lips mold to mine, coaxing until I part my lips with a gasp of pleasure. The tip of his tongue strokes the edge of my teeth, ventures farther, brushes inside in a burning, delicate exploration.

I melt.

I hate how fast I melt.

The kiss makes me light-headed, and I wrap my arms around his neck in a desperate bid for balance. He takes my weight, pinning me securely between his large body and the unyielding wall at my back.

I twist and pull at him until he makes a soothing noise and runs his hands down my sides. The slow caress only sharpens my need, making me arch against him in a blind, instinctive search. His hips settle against me, pressing the swollen ridge of his cock into the cradle of my hips. He fits perfectly between my thighs, his hardness pressed into my softness, his mouth claiming mine with wicked skill, his arms a firm cage around me. Strong. Unyielding.

Safe.

The word pops into my head unexpectedly, catching me off guard.

How is that possible? How can a man I barely know, one whose touch sets my body ablaze, also make me feel like I could sink into him and never fall?

I should question it. I should pull away, clear my head, and regain control.

But when his grip tightens, grounding me in his heat and strength, I don’t want to let go. I want to hold him forever. This dark stranger whose name I don’t even know.

Sliding my hands into his thick, dark hair, I curve my fingers around his scalp. A harsh breath escapes him as his lips leave mine and slide along my throat. His touch is deliberate and intuitive as if he knows exactly how to make me respond, hinting at the hunger he’s keeping tightly shackled.

But when I push for more, when I reach for his belt—he stops me.

“Hey.” It’s not a warning or rejection. “Tell me this is just physical, a one-night stand, and I'll believe you.”

He looks as surprised by his words as I am, as if he didn’t expect this attraction to dig so deep and fast. But it’s there, tangible and inevitable.

But he’s right—it’s not just physical. It should be one night of escape, nothing more. That’s what I told myself when I followed him up here and kissed him back like I needed him to breathe.

But now, with his gaze searching mine, I feel exposed. Like he already knows the truth I’m too afraid to admit.

---