Chapter Ten #2
“That’s a little hazy.” His hand slid to my nape and lightly massaged the back of my neck, the pressure his digits exerted provoking a moan from my lips. “But yeah, a little.”
“Your memories are coming back.” I couldn’t deny the relief emanating from me that the man I loved remembered the times we’d had. “I’m so glad.”
I’d tried not to dwell on the outcomes where Harper hadn’t been able to piece our past back together, but the concept had always terrified me.
I still didn’t fully understand what had caused his collapse at the police station—the doctor had mentioned extremely high blood pressure—but it was reassuring to hear they had no long-term concerns about his health, and that he’d finally had the MRI his private physician, Armitage, had wanted.
Perhaps, after so long ruminating over my responsibility for his ill health, I could finally accept that the injuries I’d inflicted on him hadn’t been to blame for his recent difficulties. Even though I regretted the harm I’d caused, there was solace in that knowledge.
“Me too.” His mouth grazed over mine, the gradual caress eliciting another groan from my throat. “And I’m also glad we finally have a little time together.”
“Here?” I peered over my shoulder, half-expecting to see his nurse loitering at the end of the bed. “I don’t think we’re truly alone in here, Sir.”
“Here is the best we have for now.” His hand moved from my nape, guiding my face back toward him, and I met his insistence with a smile. There was my commander general, a man who knew what he wanted and always got it. “Let’s make the most of it.”
“But what about your nurse?” His breath was warm on my face, lulling me to stop querying him and just succumb. “She’s always hovering around.”
“Elsa understands we need a little time.” His hand brushed over my chest. “I talked to her about it. It’s been too long since I enjoyed you, little girl.”
“Wait, you mean you asked her to leave us alone for a while?”
“You sound surprised.” He chuckled, the sound vibrating over me. “This is a private and very expensive hospital, little girl. Why can’t I have what I want?”
“I suppose I am surprised.” My head was spinning, both at his admissions and the feel of his fingers goading me. “I didn’t know she would be so pliable to your suggestions.”
His laughter deepened. “You make it sound so illicit, naughty girl. I just asked that, barring medical emergencies, she let us have some alone time. I told her how important it would be for my recovery to spend time with you, and you of all people know how persuasive I can be.”
“Hmmm.” I stretched my neck as his fingers lowered and brushed over my right breast. At least that conversation explained why the room had been permitted to fall into dusk-inspired shadows. Elsa obviously thought we needed mood lighting. “She has a soft spot for you.”
“So what if she does?” His tone was knowing. “Your jealous side is showing, little girl.”
“Yeah.” I smirked at the accuracy of his words, knowing beneath my clothing, my nipple was budding at his finger’s insistent attention. “I suppose so, Sir. You’re a good-looking guy, so I guess I’ll just have to get used to being envious of other women.”
“I only have eyes—and hands—for you, Caroline.” Stroking at my needy nipple, he pinched the sensitive tissue through the layers of attire I was wearing, and I jerked forward. “Don’t forget that.”
“I won’t.” My pulse pounded faster at the sudden shot of hurt. “I am shocked that Kaspar allowed me to stay here with you, though. She made such a song and dance about how I was still their detainee earlier, yet now, she permits this...”
“Not complaining, are you?” His tone was wry as his fingers trailed a line across my chest in search of my other nipple.
“Of course not,” I panted. “Just confused.”
“I suspect Elsa has spoken to Kaspar. And I know that the police will still have an officer outside that door.” He motioned to the exit with his head. “Kaspar knows neither of us is going anywhere.”
“But...” I sucked my lower lip as the delicate pressure his digits were building tightened. “Is she really okay about me staying here?”
His face was little more than an inch from mine. “It turns out, I don’t care. Kaspar has power over us, but I won’t let her suck all the joy from our lives. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but tonight, you’re staying with me.”
“And there you are.” I smiled at how easy he made the whole thing sound.
“Here I am?” In the half-light, he offered me the one delicious gesture that I adored the most, cocking an eyebrow as a silent demand that I explain.
“There you are.” I motioned toward him. “Commander General Adam Harper, the man who takes control of every situation.”
“The man who loves you,” he corrected. “The man who’ll—"
Inching closer, I halted his explanation by stealing a kiss of my own, nipping at his lower lip before I pounced. He responded immediately, his arm snaking around me and holding me in place as his tongue slowly moved to fuck my mouth.
Groaning at the heady sensation of possession, I was vaguely aware of the beeps of the machines attached to him growing speedier as I ceded.
After moments of protracted and heated passion, I allowed him to roll me onto my back, a tangle of wires stretching between us as Harper settled over me in the hospital bed.
“Jesus.” I panted as his legs nudged my knees wider, and there, pushing at my inner thigh, was his huge, needy erection. “You can’t kiss me like that in a hospital, Sir!”
“You’re mine, little girl.” He lowered to kiss the side of my neck, his caresses urgent. “I’ll kiss you however and wherever I choose.”