Page 18 of The Bear's Chosen Mate
A small scream escaped as she rose in the darkness.James had caught hold of her, lifting and twisting so when she landed, she was straddling him.
His hand reclaimed her neck.The other landed low on her body, keeping her from being able to squirm away.
“Let’s see if I can answer the rest of your worries.Yes, I have the mating fever, and yes, I was raving—sorry about that.You can hit Alex and Cooper later for not warning us that the first years of fever tend toward bear-in-charge stupidity.”
Okay, that made sense.“I saw your bear in your eyes—wait.You still have the fever?”
He ignored her and went on.“I’m apologizing for the raving bit, not the desire to have you as my mate.You’re my best friend, Kaylee.And I like you tons, too.You’re also sexy as fuck, and I can’t think of anything I want more than to have you beside me forever.”
“You’re not listening,” she shouted.Although thesexy as fuckpart had been nice to hear.“I’d beterriblefor you.”
“This isn’t a job application,” he stated back, louder than before, but not yet reaching her volume.“I’m not looking for a publicity partner.I’m looking for a mate.”
She didn’t see it coming.Literally, since it was completely dark and they’d been having the entire conversation in a small seven-by-seven-foot metal box that caused their words to echo off the walls.
He caught her with her mouth open, kissing her with heat and wetness, tongue and teeth.That hand on her lower back tugged her in tighter until the entire front of their bodies connected.
The fear that had rushed her earlier was swallowed up whole by the greedy way he took her mouth.The worry he was making a terrible choice was consumed by the ardour roaring between their bodies.
Everything that was wrong was shoved to the side by the lust that had been denied for far too long.It lit every nerve in her body and sent her reeling.
She’d tried to stop him.She’d failed.Now it was up to fate.
Kaylee slid her fingers into his thick hair and fisted tight.Holding his lips to hers so she could give back as good as she got.His tongue slicked over hers, and she moaned.
No longer cold, alone, or fearful, she was the one who came out the winner in this deal.
Even that thought made her sad.
James disconnected their lips, breath escaping in pants as he fought for control.He leaned his forehead against hers, speaking softly.“You’re perfect the way you are.I swear.”
“It’s just—”
“Kaylee.”
She took a deep breath.“I don’t want to hurt you,” she whispered.
He kissed her gently.“Then don’t run away or abandon me again.That’s the only thing you could do that would hurt.”
It was a reasonable request.“I’m sorry.”
“Forgiven.Promise me you’ll talk to me if you get worried, just like we’ve always talked about everything.”
She snorted.“Obviously that’s not true.”
His confusion hovered on the air even as he stroked his fingers over the back of her neck.Caressing.Teasing.“What have we not talked about?”
It was easy to smile in the darkness where he couldn’t see it.“‘Sexy as fuck’?I had no idea.”
A low chuckle escaped him.“Ditto.But I’m glad you feel the same way.I want my mate willing to jump my bones.”
“Jumping could be arranged,” she whispered.She curled against his chest, trying to push aside the lingering worries he seemed so willing to dismiss.“But can I request we not do it for the first time in an elevator?”
“We might be here for a long time,” he warned, “if they can’t get the power restored.I might find it hard to resist the mating fever.”
Kaylee had forgotten about that part—he was so much more in control now than he’d been before.“Are you in pain?”
“Some.You can make it better, though.”
