Chapter 21
Malcolm held Clare as tight as he could without hurting her. She felt like home, and he couldn’t get enough. He had fought this and was losing the fight. He wanted her more than anything he had ever wanted in his life.
“I’m going to disappoint you,” Malcolm warned her against the softness of her hair.
“Then I’ll be pissed and kick your ass.” She answered against his chest, snuggling closer. “Then we can make up, and you can buy me flowers. Sunflowers are my favorite. Pink roses will do if the sunflowers are out of season. Problem solved.”
That made him smile even though he was serious with his warning. He felt her shiver and frowned. “Clare, you need to get out of those wet clothes.”
“I don’t want to move.” She snuggled even closer. “You are so warm and cuddly.”
“I’m not cuddly.” He grunted, rubbing her back through her wet shirt.
“And I’m waiting for you to kiss me again.” She whispered, rubbing her fingers along his bare ribs. “But only if you want to.”
Malcolm cursed to himself, knowing that his reaction to their first and only kiss had hurt her. He hated himself for that. Pulling away, he grasped her chin, tilting her face up. Her eyes were lowered as he looked down at her. “Look at me.” He ordered softly, and she did immediately. “That night, I wanted to keep kissing you. I wanted to do more than kiss you, Clare.”
“Then why didn’t you?” She questioned as she leaned into his hand.
“Because I didn’t feel like I was good enough for you.” He replied honestly.
“And now?” She whispered, searching his eyes, wanting the truth.
“I still don’t think I’m good enough.” He gave her the truth she sought. When she sighed and tried to pull away, he refused to let her. “But I’m working on that.”
Reaching up, she touched his cheek softly. “And I will help you every day to see what I see in you.” She gave him a small smile. “A decent man who saved my life not once but twice. A man who walks me home. A man who makes sure I don’t carry a heavy tray when I burn my fingers. A man who loves his nephew and sister. And a man I hope that one day loves me.”
“I am a man who loves you, Clare.” He took her face in both hands, his thumbs caressing her cheeks.
A tear slipped out of her eye, and he caught it with his thumb, rubbing it into her skin. “These fast, intense feelings, is this what it feels like when you find your mate?”
“It is.” He leaned down, kissing her softly. “Does that frighten you?”
“Not anymore, but it did. I thought I was losing my mind.” She gave him a small smile. “I really did. Never have I had these feelings for anyone and so quickly. It was like I couldn’t be without you. I looked for you everywhere and felt alone when you weren’t around. That isn’t something I’ve ever experienced before, so yes, it was a little scary.”
“Are you afraid now?” He kissed her again, not getting enough of her.
“No.” This time, she kissed him. “I’m not afraid. You make me feel safe.”
Malcolm deepened the kiss, his lips moving with an urgent intensity. His fingers threaded through her hair as he pulled her closer, leaving no space between them. The world around them seemed to blur and fade away. The only thing that mattered was the connection between them, growing stronger and more profound with every passing second. Their hearts pounded in unison, a rhythm that matched the passion of their embrace, sealing a moment that felt timeless and unbreakable.
Her hands roamed his body, exploring every contour and muscle with a delicate yet eager touch. She was driving him crazy. Her breath hitched, a soft sound that told him she was just as affected by their closeness as he was. She pressed herself against him, her touch becoming bolder, more insistent, as if trying to memorize every detail of him in this moment.
“I want you, Clare,” Malcolm growled against her lips. He couldn’t contain himself much longer. She was driving him insane with her touch. Her power over him at the moment was staggering, but he welcomed it.
“I’m yours.’ She whispered, then moaned when he pulled away from her.
“Are you sure?” He stared down at her, wanting to see her eyes when she answered this because once he had her, there was no turning back. She would be his...forever. Hell, who was he kidding? She was already his, and nothing in this world would keep him from her, but he needed her answer before they went any further. “Once I have you, Clare, I will never let you go. You will be mine as I will be yours.”
Clare pushed away from him, and his heart sank. Had she changed her mind? Heat flooded his body going straight to his cock as she pulled her shirt over her head. Her damp hair fell around her bare shoulders. The blue lace bra barely contained her tits, and he couldn’t take his eyes off them.
“You are beautiful.” He growled, his fingers flexing, more than ready to touch her.
She didn’t say a word but continued to stare straight at him as she stepped out of her jeans before slowly slipping out of her bra and panties. She stood naked in front of him, bare and vulnerable. “I am yours, Malcolm.”
It took every ounce of control not to grab her and bury himself so deep inside her that he had to take a second before he could touch her. Unfortunately, he waited too long because she started to cover herself self-consciously. He cursed.
“Don’t.” He growled, shaking his head. “Never hide yourself from me, Clare. The reason I’m holding back is to get control. I don’t want to hurt you.”
Her hands dropped as she walked straight up to him. “I trust you.” She reached out and took his hand, placing it between her breasts. “You would never hurt me.”
Malcolm felt something inside himself shift. It was as if a part of him healed in that instant. Her words had that power, and he knew at that moment she would be the one to heal his soul. He didn’t even give a fuck that he sounded sappy as hell. It was the truth, and he would be forever grateful that he found her.
Clare was goingto scream if this man didn’t touch her. Her body was strung tight with need, and she could tell by the impressive bulge in his pants that so was he. Never in her life had Clare ever felt a connection like this with anyone. The pull this man had on her should send her running for the hills, but instead, she kept running toward him.
She had never been in love before; these feelings were new and intense, but she was going to live in the moment. Reaching out, she took his hand, placing it on her chest in a gesture that said just as her words did that she trusted him not to hurt her.
He growled, picking her up. “Where’s the bedroom?” He asked his hand squeezing her ass as he held her.
She moaned and pointed toward one of the two doors. His strides were long as he walked that way, once inside he laid her on the bed. Their lips touched as his hands roamed her body, exploring every curve with a gentle, reverent touch that made her shiver with anticipation. She closed her eyes, surrendering to the sensations, feeling his fingertips trace intricate patterns on her skin. Each caress was deliberate yet filled with a longing that spoke volumes.
Never had a man worshipped her body, and that was exactly what Malcolm was doing. He left no part of her untouched. Her body was alive and on fire, begging for more. His fingers slipped inside her. Malcolm’s groan told her he was pleased with how tight she was. It had been a very long time since she had been with anyone.
“This pleases me more than you know.” His husky voice rumbled from his chest. He began to pump his fingers faster as he added another one, stretching her for his size.
He slowly pulled his fingers out and stood, taking off his shorts. Her eyes roamed his body as she sat up, knowing it was her turn.
Clare was eager to explore his body, her curiosity and desire driving her every move. Her hands roamed over his skin, mapping out the planes and contours with a mix of wonder and intensity. When she gripped his cock, her touch was firm yet gentle, her fingers wrapping around him with a confidence that made him hiss in pleasure.
Stopping her hand he gently removed it from his cock. “We have all night.” He smiled, kissing her again and pushing her back onto the bed. She opened her legs, waiting for him to make her his fully.
His lovemaking was gentle but urgent, a blend of tenderness and a deep-seated need that made her heart race. Every touch was both soft and insistent, conveying his desire and affection in equal measure. She felt cherished and wanted, their bodies moving in a rhythm that was both soothing and exhilarating. The urgency in his movements hinted at a passion that was barely contained, and it was perfect, yet she felt he was being way too gentle with her.
She began meeting his thrusts, wanting him to lose control, her movements deliberate and provocative. She could feel the tension in his body, the way his muscles tightened with each powerful motion. She watched his face and saw the struggle for restraint in his eyes, which fueled her determination. Her pace quickened, urging him on, her own need driving her to push him to the edge of his self-control.
“Fuck!” Malcolm hissed as he pumped into her body with a force that had her panting in pleasure.
“Malcolm.” She cried out as her body released and clinched around him. It wasn’t long before he came inside her still pumping as if he couldn’t get enough. She kept up with him, moaning his name.
Collapsing, he kept his weight off her but was breathing heavily, his head in her neck. “Please tell me I didn’t hurt you.” Malcolm’s voice was rough but worried.
“I’m more than fine.” Clare grinned, still shivering on and off from her own climax. “And ready for round two.”
Malcolm lifted his head to look at her with wide eyes, but his cock, still inside her, jerked at her words. “I’m going to be one happy son of a bitch.” He growled as he nipped at her breast, then took the nipple into his mouth, rolling it with his tongue. He reached down, hooking her knee, and began to pump inside her again but stopped. “Are you sure you’re okay? I didn’t hurt you?”
“No, Malcolm.” She assured him. “You didn’t hurt me. I promise. But, if you need a break to regroup, that’s fine.”
“Honey, I’m a Shifter and can go all night long.” He grinned at her as he began moving again.
“Looks like we’re both going to be happy sons of bitches.” She sighed as she began to meet his thrust.
Malcolm’s laughter stopped, and a more serious expression replaced his smile. “I love you, Clare. I promise to do whatever I can to make you happy. I don’t have much to offer you, but what I can offer you is my love and loyalty.”
Tears filled her eyes as she stared up at him. “You, Malcolm. You are all I need.”
Never did Clare think she would find love this quickly. It had taken her by surprise, unfolding with an unexpected swiftness that left her both exhilarated and breathless. She had always believed love would come gradually, like a slow burn, but with Malcolm, it was an intense, immediate flame. Their connection was undeniable, a force that seemed to pull them together, and Clare was more than okay with that.