Chapter 18
Molly stared at her reflection in the dark glass of the refrigerator. She had been doing that all day whenever she stood in front of any reflective surface.
And every time, the person looking back startled her.
A throat cleared, making Molly jump. Leo stood in the doorway of the kitchen. Rose drifted off, he said, setting the baby monitor on the kitchen counter.
He had purchased everything a baby would need. Or had tried to. But Molly had insisted being around familiar things would put Rose at ease. So Leo and Neil had gone to the flat and returned with their things. No one had followed them this time.
After helping her arrange a few items, Neil and Alasdair had left for the night. Now boxes of her stuff sat in a spare bedroom in Leo’s house.
Leo walked into the kitchen, his gaze studying her. Ever since she’d driven back in his now-decommissioned car, he’d been eyeing her like a creature under the magnifying glass. Are you alright?
I… I don’t know, she whispered. A sane person didn’t look in mirrors and almost not recognise the person staring back. It’s been a weird day.
I’ve been thinking about Rose being in the car with you. Can’t shake it off.
She nodded although that wasn’t what her issue was.
How did she explain to him something she herself didn’t understand?
She licked her lips. It’s not— I mean, Rose could have gotten hurt.
And it’s not your fault. You can’t see the future.
Besides, who could have predicted Johnny or his goons would do what they did?
Leo walked closer, his lips pursed. It gave her a chance to study him.
They had been around each other all day, and she’d told him about her past. Between that and the wee car chase, her body felt itchy, as if uncomfortable and unsettled.
Now she cleared her head and seized the quiet moment to really observe him.
When he’d come to open the door for her, after they’d escaped Johnny’s goons, had he realised he’d been trembling? He’d been terrified. For her. Almost as if he couldn’t bear the thought of losing her.
That realisation sent a jolt of… something through her body. It was powerful, sensual. Her mind belatedly came up with the words. He wants you too.
Leo had always been around ever since they’d met. She’d come to terms with the fact that he cared for her and Rose. Wasn’t that why her daughter was so attached to this man? Isn’t that why Molly’d thought about walking away from him?
But now the knowledge that he possibly felt something more propelled her towards him. He was standing by the end of the counter, as if unsure whether to run or stay.
Molly gripped the marble countertop with her fingertips, then looked up at Leo. I don’t want to think about what happened today.
That’s understandable. I’m so—
She rose up on her tiptoes. But even that wasn’t high enough for her to do what she wanted. So Molly reached out, draped her arm around Leo’s neck, and pulled him down.
Clearly this new Molly made the most of life because even though his eyes widened, she dove for his lips.
The last kiss she’d had had been brutal, painful, and given out of misplaced possession, not love. She’d half expected to be slapped with a sense of PTSD, but this Molly wasn’t the same as the one who’d woken up that morning.
She pressed her chest to Leo’s muscled torso. He was still too far away though, so she used her free hand to nudge him closer. She angled her mouth to pepper his lips with tiny kisses, tease him with kisses to the edge of his lips.
Leo didn’t reciprocate, but he groaned. With yearning or protest?
Oh shite! This was just like when she’d broached the topic about moving out with Rose.
Like most embarrassing situations, Molly had two choices. Run away or continue.
She pulled away, her eyes averted to his lips. His delectable lips. Involuntarily, her tongue peeked out and licked her bottom lip.
That pulled a reaction out of Leo. The man growled. Fuck, Molly.
His voice was low and husky. God, was he angry at her? Unlike with Johnny, she didn’t retreat. Instead, she gathered the courage to look at him.
Leo’s face was pulled tight in a frown full of concentration, as if he was focusing on holding back. She took tiny steps nearer to him until their bodies brushed each other.
Leo’s Adam’s apple bobbled when he swallowed. We shouldn’t… I…
Molly thrust her hips forward.
Molly. Another growl, then his arms came around her, pulling her tight against him. You were hurt today, and I’m responsible for—
I told you I don’t want to think about that. Molly rested her palms over his chest. Maybe she was being a bit too forward. Was that a turn off for him? Unless… Do you want me to stop?
She had felt a pull towards him from the first time they’d met. But over the years, he had grown that much more attractive to her. Had she just destroyed her only friendship with her lust?
The arms he’d placed around her unwound and gripped her hips. He leaned down and rested his forehead against hers. No, please don’t stop. As you can feel—he pressed his bulge against her—I want this, want you more than anything.
Molly bit her lip. I sense a ‘but’.
His hands flexed against her hips, but he still didn’t let go of his hold on her. Sweetheart, I don’t want to be someone you hook up with. And I know you’re not looking for something long term.
Er… what?
And, the eejit continued. Please don’t think you need to repay me or—
Do you want to kiss me back? Molly asked, her tone curt. Actions speak louder than stupid words.
He chuckled. Oh, I like this. So fucking much.
Without a word of warning, he pounced like a starved man who’d been offered a three-course meal. His lips pressed against hers, his hand gripping the back of her head to deepen the kiss.
Molly threw any and all caution to the wind with the firm knowledge that with Leo, she was always safe. His actions had proven that for two long years.
But fuck, even as she nipped at his lips, and he at hers, she could feel he was holding back. Molly grabbed his hair with both hands and tugged. The tuft of dark curly hair was thick, almost like a mane. She’d dreamed of grabbing it, pulling it near to her body as he kissed her.
He was leaning down, mimicking her earlier kiss and peppering his own sweet pecks above her lips, on her nose, the side of her lips, on her chin. You’re incredible, he whispered. I can’t believe we’re finally doing this.
Me too. Oh, Leo. Molly pressed her body to his and rubbed against him. I need more. Need you. Please.
The man groan-growled—where the hell had he been hiding these gruff roars all these years?— and picked her up so that she suddenly found herself sitting on the marble countertop with Leo between her legs. She wrapped them around him, caging him against her body.
Leo gripped her arse and pulled her nearer to the edge, his bulge rubbing against her core. Feel that, honey?
Honey. Her legs squeezed, but with Leo there, she only dug her thighs into his sides.
He laughed. You like that, do you? Do you like this too?
He slid his hand underneath her shirt, that skin-on-skin contact making her shudder.
He cupped her right breast, his thumb flicking over her bra’s cup. So soft. So gorgeous.
His lips were urgent on her, his day’s stubble rubbing against her skin. He lightly grazed his teeth over her bottom lip. She complied, opening up to his curious tongue. He moaned when he got a taste, his erection growing even more prominent against her.
Almost involuntarily, she began rubbing herself on him, and he replied with his own gentle thrusts. His thumb hooked into her bra’s cup and dragged it down, freeing her right nipple.
Molly sighed. How had this man brought heaven to her this easily?
He teased her nipple, even as he held her against him and ravaged her lips. Leo’s demand for compliance had her toes curling, the need in her body mounting higher and higher.
His other hand slid under her shirt, finding her other breast, yet he didn’t touch her where she wanted them the most. Leo, she moaned. Please.
The bastard grinned at her. What happened? Not pleased with my technique?
Leo! Now she was the one who growled. I’m not satisfied.
Well, actions speak louder. He thrust his bulge in between her legs, making her groan and try to rub against him harder. Your body doesn’t lie.
And he was back again. Kissing her collarbone, trailing more kisses up her neck. He nipped underneath her earlobe. His fingers tugged her nipples, grazed the skin on her breasts, all the while whispering to her how beautiful and gorgeous she was.
Molly fisted his T-shirt and tugged. When that didn’t work—the man was too strong for his own good—she gripped his trouser and tried to free him.
What happened to patience? He raised a brow, rubbing his nose to hers. Patience pays.
I have been patient for two fucking years. Come here. When she yanked again, he gave in, his lips curving in a sinful smile.
You’ve been waiting for two years too? He grinned, reaching down for her yoga pants. Then you know how I feel.
He’d wanted her for that long as well?
I’m crazy about you, Molly. His fingers grazed her belly button, making her shiver. God, she needed more, so much more from this man. So much.
She gripped the edge of his shirt. Hands up.
Leo laughed, then stood back enough for her to divest him of his six-pack-blocker. With every inch that his T-shirt exposed, her core grew wetter. She licked her lips. You knew exactly what you were doing wearing that apron this morning, didn’t you? Prick.
Just like you in your pyjamas and yoga pants. He reached forward and kissed her. You knew exactly what you were doing every time you strutted around in that white T-shirt.
She had one white T-shirt. And it had been stained with food, Rose’s pee and shit when she’d been younger, and vomit when she’d been sick. That shirt’s disgusting.
But clearly not for him. He reached up and slid her shirt above her head, leaving her in her yoga pants and a tangled bra. Leo groaned as if she was some molten chocolate dessert. You’re fucking gorgeous. He fused his lips onto her nipple.
Oh fuck! Molly arched, sliding back on the counter.
Leo nipped and sucked gently on the areola of her left and then right breast. He hummed as he did it, passing on the vibration from him to her. Somehow that was so damned sensual. Any second now she was going to burst.
Leo— Her bra slid down until it was a band around her ribs. She held Leo’s head to her, watching him love her up, leave a trail of kisses on her intimate flesh.
He brought her flush against him, slipping her off the counter and into his arms. Molly intertwined her legs around him as he held her, one arm cupping her arse. They both moaned at the sensation of being flush against each other. Finally. Fucking finally.
Now they only needed to get naked.
He strode over to the sofa, Molly wrapped around him, and fell back onto it with her straddling him. She kissed him, then reached down to the waistband of his jeans again.
He stilled her hands. Wow, hold on.
Molly sat up, eyes narrowed. Seriously?
He rubbed his hands up and down her thighs. I’ve been waiting a long time for this. And it’s been too long since I’ve been with anyone. I’m not going to last. And you deserve better.
She crossed her arms over her chest, hiding her breasts, a part of her body he apparently liked a bit too much. What’s your plan then? Defer this to build anticipation? That’ll only make it worse for you. And me.
He shook his head and drew her closer, sliding her yoga pants down. His fingers slid underneath her knickers. Fuck, baby, you’re so wet.
Aye, yes, she was. So fucking wet that when he thrust a finger into her, she exploded with a loud scream. Leo!
His mouth found her breasts again, tugging and suckling. A second finger slid inside her. You’re so close, honey.
Yes, she was close, again, and in under a minute. Fuck him.
Molly rode his hands, watching as his eyes darkened, wild and burning with passion for her. Seeing him like that, this powerful incredible man, had her shattering against him. The orgasm went on, causing her body to shudder and tremble.
Leo reached up and kissed her, this time slowly and gently, even as his fingers helped her cascade to earth.
Oh God, Leo, she huffed, pressing their foreheads together. You also need to—
He shook his head. No, this was what I needed. For now, just being like this with you is enough.
Words she never thought a guy would ever say to her. But they were sexy, just like every other thing he did. She slid her arms around him and held him tightly to her. And they stayed just like that, together.