Chapter 43
Chapter Forty-Three
Devon unlocked the door and let her inside. “So, this is my real apartment. Not exactly a penthouse.”
He switched on the light, and Aurora glanced around. They were in an average apartment building several miles away from the ocean. Not too far from the area where Aurora had grown up.
Some people might think that the houses and structures around here were a little old, a little worn. But the trees were tall, and children played games out on the sidewalks.
The inside of his studio apartment definitely looked nothing like Rick Harrison’s penthouse. Yet it was perfect for Devon. There were photos of his family all over the walls and shelves. Snapshots of Ruby, Devon in a tan beret and camo, Devon holding a baby that Aurora guessed was his niece.
She saw a photo of Devon along with a mirror image of himself. The two brothers had their arms around one another, one of them holding a football, both wearing easy smiles. Just a casual, candid moment.
“You and Kellen?”
“Yeah. When I was on leave the last time that I saw him. I wish he could’ve met you.”
“I wish that, too.”
She took Devon’s hand as she walked through the rest of the space. The kitchen was mainly a sink, hot plate, and dorm fridge. The bathroom was down the hall. But everything was neat and tucked away. He hadn’t even left any dirty dishes in the sink, which was Aurora’s worst habit.
“I know it’s not much, but…”
She pulled him toward a small couch facing the bed. “I love it. You’ve made it really nice. It feels like you—cozy.”
He sat beside her, their fingers entwined. “There’s a lot more I’d like to share with you. I’d really like you to meet my family. If that’s something you want.”
She nodded. “Absolutely. I can’t wait. But first, I need to know—why did you really leave yesterday? I know what Max said to you. Lana got that out of him. But I haven’t been able to figure out why you took off without saying anything to me.”
“I may have freaked out a little. Just because this is happening so fast, and I was afraid that I was putting too much pressure on you. I wanted to give you some space. In case you needed to think about what you really want from me.”
Space? She didn’t want space at all.
She crawled closer to him. “It is happening fast. That’s true. I was afraid you were having second thoughts.”
“About you? I want you in my life, Aurora. In whatever way you’re comfortable with. I’m sure of that.”
Warmth spread through her insides. She leaned in to kiss him. His lips were sweet, tender. She wanted to feel the rest of him. Needed his skin against hers.
But then she pulled back before they could get carried away. There was more that she had to tell him.
“I need to change some things about myself. I mean, the way I’ve been approaching my life.
I don’t want to rely on Max so much anymore.
Not because I’m still angry with him, but because I want to have a good relationship with him that’s free of so many complications.
He did overstep, but I’m the one who led him to believe I couldn’t stand on my own.
I want to find my own clients, build my business on my terms. And I want my own place, too, based on what I can afford. Hopefully…close to yours.”
Devon smiled. “That sounds really nice. I’ve enjoyed being your neighbor before.”
“I promise I won’t be so noisy this time.” She bit her lower lip, tired of joking. She wanted him to know how she really felt about him.
“Devon, I’m falling for you. I don’t want space. Do you?”
She’d whispered these words. He pulled her into his lap, his breathing growing heavy. His focus had gone soft with longing.
“No space. I definitely don’t want any space between us.”
Their mouths connected. Almost immediately, she deepened the kiss.
She needed him closer. They broke contact only so that she could pull off her top, and their mouths collided again.
Devon’s fingers pushed her bra straps aside, yanking the fabric down to expose her breasts.
He lifted her higher so he could suck one nipple into his mouth. A rush of desire pooled in her belly.
He let the nipple go so that he could suck the other one. His eyes flicked up at her. God, this man was sexy.
“Make love to me,” she said. “Please.”
“You don’t feel like being bossy?”
“No. I want you to have me any way you like.” She whispered into his ear. “I trust you.”
He got up from the couch in one swift motion, bringing her with him. He crossed the room to the bed. There, Devon set her gently on the covers.
“Lay back.” He grinned when she obeyed. He removed the rest of her clothes, one piece at a time, covering every inch of bare skin with kisses. His fingers slid her panties away. But instead of tasting or touching her center, he stood up and took a step back.
“You are so beautiful. Especially when you’re being quiet.”
She kicked a leg at him. “Oh, shush. Don’t make me sorry I put you in charge.”
Laughing, he fisted his T-shirt and pulled it off. His expression shifted back to lust as he unbuttoned his jeans and pushed them past his hips, then did the same with his boxer briefs. He squeezed his hand around the base of his erection. The tip glistened.
“You want me?” he asked huskily.
“Yes. Please.”
“Then touch yourself. Show me that you’re ready for me.”
Yikes. Her entire body felt like it was combusting with need.
Devon in charge was absolutely doing it for her.
She spread her legs and brought her hand to her core as he watched, just as she’d done in Chase’s bathroom days ago.
Only this time, Devon wasn’t holding back, except to tease her. He was driving her crazy.
“Fuck. Look at you. You’re soaking wet.”
“Wet for you.”
He fetched a condom from a drawer. Rolled it on. He walked toward her and stopped at the edge of the bed. “Turn around. Hands and knees.”
“Yes, Lieutenant.”
He smacked her lightly on the hip when she was in position. She couldn’t help giggling.
Then his cock slid home, stretching her, and her giggle turned to a moan. He wrapped his arms around her upper body, lifting and bracing her so that her back was against his chest. He cradled her against him as he began to thrust. Aurora gasped at the sensation.
“You like that?” He kissed the back of her neck.
She couldn’t make a coherent sound, so she nodded. Devon had complete control over the way they moved. Yet she also felt completely supported. She’d given herself over to him in every way—for this round, at least—and it was perfection.
As his movements grew more urgent, he reached around her to massage her clit. Her orgasm came on her fast and intense. He pumped into her with his own shuddering release, then scattered her back with kisses as he lowered her to the bed.
“What do you think?” he asked once they’d caught their breath, and he’d discarded the condom. “Did I do okay? Will you let me be in charge again?”
“Hmm, maybe. If you ask nice, and I’m in the mood for it.”
“Still a firecracker, I see.”
Aurora yawned. He pulled the covers over them and cuddled her close. Her eyes drifted closed.
“Sleep. You’re safe with me.”
I know, she meant to say, but she was already dreaming.