Chapter 14
FOURTEEN
ANNISTON
I lie curled against Banks's chest, my head on his shoulder, listening to the steady beat of his heart.
The room is dark except for the soft silver moonlight slipping through the window.
His arm is wrapped around me, warm and heavy, one big hand resting on my lower back like he is afraid I might disappear if he lets go.
I should be trying to sleep. Instead all I can think about is how badly I want him.
I want his hands on me again. I want his mouth.
I want to feel that solid weight of him pressing me into the mattress until the only thing I can think about is us.
It’s been years since I felt this kind of deep, aching want for someone.
Years since anyone made me feel safe and wild at the same time.
And now here I am, wrapped up in this man who’s supposed to be protecting me, not making my heart race like this.
I shift slightly, pressing closer. Banks's fingers flex against my back. He’s still awake. I can tell by the way his breathing has not evened out.
"Anniston," he murmurs, voice low and rough in the dark.
Before I can answer, he rolls me gently onto my back and leans over me. His gray-blue eyes catch the moonlight as he looks down at me. Then he kisses me again.
This kiss is slower than the one after my nightmare.
Softer. His lips move against mine like he’s savoring every second.
I sigh into his mouth and slide my hands up his chest, feeling the hard muscle under my palms. He deepens the kiss, tongue brushing mine in a slow, sensual stroke that makes heat bloom low in my belly.
I know I shouldn’t be doing this. I know we said we would keep things professional. But I can’t help myself. I want him too much.
"Banks," I whisper against his lips.
He pulls back just enough to rest his forehead against mine. "Tell me to stop and I will."
I shake my head. "Don't stop. Please."
He kisses me again, deeper this time, and everything else fades away.
His hand slides under the hem of the t-shirt I'm wearing, his t-shirt, and skims up my ribs. Every touch is gentle but sure. He takes his time, like he’s learning me all over again.
When his thumb brushes over my nipple I arch into him with a soft moan.
"So beautiful," he murmurs, kissing along my jaw and down my neck. "Every inch of you. I can't get enough."
He pulls the shirt off me slowly and tosses it aside.
Then his mouth is on my breasts, licking and sucking softly until I'm trembling beneath him. He doesn’t rush.
He worships. His tongue circles one nipple, then the other, drawing them into his mouth with gentle suction while his hand kneads the soft flesh.
I thread my fingers through his dark hair, holding him there as pleasure sparks through me.
His free hand trails lower, over my stomach, across my hips, until his fingers slip between my thighs. He strokes me lightly at first, teasing, spreading the wetness already gathering there.
"You're so wet for me already," he whispers against my skin. "So ready. That's my good girl."
I gasp as he slides one thick finger inside me, then another, curling them slowly while his thumb circles my clit. The stretch is perfect, the rhythm unhurried. He keeps kissing my breasts, my collarbone, my mouth, murmuring soft praises between each touch.
"You feel incredible," he says, voice low and warm. "So tight around my fingers. I could stay right here all night just listening to those pretty sounds you make."
I rock against his hand, chasing the building pleasure. He adds a third finger, stretching me wider, and I moan louder. He kisses me through it, swallowing every sound, his tongue moving in the same lazy rhythm as his fingers.
When I’m right on the edge, trembling and gasping, he pulls his hand away. I whimper at the loss, but he’s already moving down my body. He settles between my thighs, spreading them wider with his broad shoulders. His breath is hot against my sensitive skin.
"Look at this pretty pussy," he murmurs, pressing a soft kiss to my inner thigh. "All mine tonight."
Then his mouth is on me.
He licks me slow and sweet, like he’s got all the time in the world.
His tongue parts me, tasting me thoroughly before circling my clit with perfect pressure.
Two fingers slide back inside me, curling gently while he sucks softly on the sensitive bundle of nerves.
I cry out, hips lifting off the bed. He hums in approval, the vibration sending sparks through my entire body.
"That's it, baby," he praises between long, slow licks. "Ride my tongue. You taste so good. So sweet. Let me hear how much you like it."
I moan his name, fingers tightening in his hair. He keeps going, steady and patient, building me higher with every stroke of his tongue and every curl of his fingers. The pleasure coils tighter, hotter, until I’m shaking.
"Come for me, Anniston," he whispers against me. "Let go. I want to feel you come on my tongue."
I shatter with a soft cry, waves of pleasure rolling through me. He stays with me through every pulse, licking gently until the last tremor fades. Only then does he kiss his way back up my body, settling between my thighs again.
He looks into my eyes as the blunt head of his cock nudges my entrance. "You sure?" he asks softly.
I nod, wrapping my legs around his waist. "I need you."
He pushes in with one slow, deep thrust, stretching me wide. The fullness is overwhelming, perfect. We both moan at the same time. He stills for a moment, buried to the hilt, letting me adjust.
"So tight," he breathes, forehead pressed to mine. "So fucking perfect around me. You take me so well, baby."
He starts moving in long, rolling thrusts, never rushing.
Every stroke is deep and deliberate, dragging against that sensitive spot inside me that makes stars burst behind my eyes.
His hand cups my face, thumb brushing my cheek as he kisses me softly between thrusts.
The tenderness of it makes my chest ache in the best way.
"You're doing so good for me," he whispers against my mouth. "Taking every inch. Look how well you fit me. Like you were made for my cock."
I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. We move together in a slow, sensual rhythm. Skin slides against skin. Our breaths mingle. He keeps praising me in that low, rough voice, telling me how beautiful I am, how perfect I feel, how much he wants me.
"God, Anniston," he groans softly as he thrusts deeper. "You feel like heaven. So warm and wet. I could stay buried inside you forever."
The pleasure builds again, sweeter this time, wrapping around us like warm honey. I cling to him, nails lightly scoring his back, meeting every slow roll of his hips. He kisses me deeply, tongue stroking mine in time with his movements.
When I’m right on the edge again, trembling beneath him, he slides a hand between us and circles my clit with his thumb.
"Come with me, baby," he murmurs. "I want to feel you fall apart around me."
I come hard, clenching around him in long, pulsing waves. Banks groans my name, hips stuttering as he follows right after me. He buries himself deep and stays there, pulsing inside me as pleasure washes over us both.
We stay locked together, breathing hard, hearts pounding against each other. Banks rolls to the side and pulls me into his arms, tucking me against his chest. He kisses the top of my head, then my temple, then my lips, soft and lingering.
"You okay?" he asks quietly, his hand stroking slow circles on my back.
"Better than okay," I whisper, smiling against his skin.
We settle back into the bed, tangled together under the quilt. His hand keeps stroking my back in long, soothing strokes. I feel safe. Cherished. For the first time in weeks the constant knot of fear in my chest feels a little looser.
His phone vibrates on the nightstand. Banks reaches over and checks it, then lets out a relieved breath.
"It's Mack," he says. "They've got Sadie safe. Jace is with her. She's staying at a secure location until this is over. No one will touch her."
Tears prick my eyes. The relief is so strong it makes me dizzy. "She's really okay?"
"She's okay," he confirms, showing me the message. "Jace won't let anything happen to her."
I let out a shaky breath and press my face into his chest. "Thank you."
He kisses my forehead and pulls me closer. "Get some sleep, baby. I've got you."
I close my eyes, wrapped in his arms, the taste of his kiss still on my lips and the knowledge that my sister is safe. For the first time since this nightmare started, I fall asleep feeling truly peaceful.