Chapter 25
Nik
Slowly opening my eyes to the sunlight streaming through the blinds, I see Noelle curled into my side, her bare back pressed against my chest, and her hair a mess on the pillow.
The sheets are pooled around our waist, and I get a good look at those perfect breasts that I had in my mouth and hands last night.
I inhale deeply, the room smelling of sex and her, us, and if I’m not careful, I’ll be rolling her over and taking what I need again.
Her breathing is even and steady. She's peaceful for once—not on edge, not looking for a fight—just quiet and serene, lying next to me. My arm is slung over her, and I slowly drag my fingertips over the dip in her waist and cup her breast, smoothing my thumb over her nipple. It hardens before my eyes, and I can still feel every bit of last night. The way she arched into me, the way she whispered my name, the way she didn’t whisper my name, and the way she gave herself over to me, like the match we are.
She stirs, groaning at my touch. Her hand covers mine as I hold her breast, and with a raspy voice says, “Tell me I didn’t sleep with a football player.”
I nip at her shoulder. “You slept with the football player. Rookie of the year hopeful, I might add.”
Noelle rolls onto her back and squints up at me. “God, your ego wakes up earlier than you do.”
I roll my hips against her. “So does my dick.”
She smacks my chest but burrows in closer, and I laugh softly, propping myself on one elbow to look at her. We hold the silence for a second too long, not sure of the words needed right yet. She doesn’t roll away, and I don’t look for the Saint mask I normally wear for everyone.
It’s just me, her, and whatever the fuck happened last night.
Noelle shifts beneath the covers, pulling the sheet up higher but still not covering herself completely. “So, what now? You do mornings like this with all your hostages?”
I brush the hair from her face, letting my fingers trail down her jaw. “No. Just the ones I accidentally fall asleep next to because they wore me out.”
She snorts, but it’s soft this time and with no fight. “Well,” she says, stretching a little with a wince, “you were annoyingly good at wearing me out.”
I lean in closer, lips hovering near hers. “I’m good at everything I do.”
Her eyes narrow with amusement. “You say that like you want a second round.”
My voice drops, low and gravelly. “Second? Try fourth. I woke up already planning it. By my count, you’ve got one up on me, and we can’t have that.”
She hums, pretending to think it over. “Breakfast first.”
“Room service or me?”
She laughs, stretching again, this time with more purpose, teasing me with that body. “Tempting, but we have—” She glances at the bedside clock, eyes widening. “Nik. We have an hour to get to the airport.”
I blink, the time not really registering. “What?”
“We have a plane to catch, remember? The team is leaving soon, and your ass has to be with them.”
I groan, dragging a hand over my face. “Unreal. I was finally having a peaceful morning.”
Noelle throws off the covers and starts hunting for her clothes around the room. “You? Peaceful? You spent half the night proving you have stamina issues.”
“Excuse me.” I sit up, ready to pick a fight. “Issues? I’ll have you know that was textbook elite performance.”
“Sure,” she says, stepping into her underwear. I watch, disappointed, as she covers all that’s meant to be mine. “If the textbook is titled ‘How to Make a Girl Forget Her Own Name.’”
I pause, raising a brow as her smirk appears. “So, I am memorable.”
She tosses me my dress shirt from last night. “Let’s just get through airport security without you making any headlines, Saint.”
I stand, ignoring the shirt and stretch, making sure she takes notice of all I’ve got to offer. “No promises.”
She’s put her bra on, but makes no move for more clothing. “I should shower.”
“That sounds like a great idea.” I round the bed, still naked, and pull her close to me. She wraps her arms around my waist, and I reach behind and undo her bra.
“Nik! We’re going to be late.”
I usher us toward the bathroom. “You wrecked me last night. I’ve got about three good minutes left in me. Better keep up and get yours first.”
She snickers at me. “Careful, Nik. You flirt like a man who’s about to fall.”
I start the shower, then turn and pull her panties down, palming her pussy. “Polí argá, Noelle.”
Too late, Noelle.