Chapter 51 Sanctuary
Sanctuary
Nick pressed his forehead to hers, smiling down at her. “Katie mine—we brought you back here because it was familiar to you, so you wouldn’t be scared when you woke, but I need you in my home right now, in my bed. I need to know that you are with me and safe. Will you move in with me?”
A surge of joy washed through Kate, spreading warmth from her chest outward until her fingertips tingled with it.
The vulnerability in his voice—this powerful man asking, not demanding—made her throat tighten with emotion.
She laughed up at him, the sound breathless and giddy.
“Yes, Nick. I’d love to be in your bed.”
At her words, Nick jumped up with her still in his arms. The world tilted and spun, but she felt no fear—only exhilaration. He strode toward the doors, laughing at Kate’s squeal of surprise. His heart thundered against her side, matching the rapid beating of her own.
She giggled and settled back in his arms, head on his shoulder, breathing in the scent of him—fresh rain, cedar, and something uniquely Nick that elicited security and desire all at once.
She trusted him to keep her safe. The realization swept over her like a revelation as he carried her through the mansion.
Kate glanced around as he strode down through the halls, once again in awe of how such a massive building could be so warm and homey. Soft lamplight glowed against cream-colored walls, and a faint hint of vanilla drifted from somewhere unseen.
Her attention perked up as he climbed the stairs to his suite, her pulse quickening with anticipation. She hadn’t seen this portion of the mansion before. This was private. His. And soon to be hers.
Richly colored runners covered marble floors, muffling their passage.
Gorgeous oil paintings hung on the walls—classic landscapes and seascapes that spoke of old money and careful curation.
Another homey living area, complete with a spectacular balcony, overlooked the beach.
Through the windows, moonlight painted silver ribbons across the dark water.
Then they passed through a doorway into Nick’s suite, and she gazed raptly around, her breath catching.
This was Nick’s inner sanctum. What would it tell her about the man she’d just agreed to live with?
A rich burgundy spread covered a massive bed that dominated the space, the fabric catching the dim light with a subtle sheen.
A matching dresser sat opposite, its surface neat and uncluttered.
An office alcove lay off to the side, and she glimpsed the edge of a leather chair and papers stacked with military precision.
French doors led to a covered balcony, complete with the promised fireplace, where she imagined curling up in his arms under the stars.
The room smelled like him—that intoxicating blend of cedar and rain and leather and something warm she couldn’t name. Everything here was masculine, solid, and real. No pretense. No show. Just Nick.
Her heart swelled as he turned toward that enormous bed. This was home now. He was home.
Kate’s heart pounded in her chest as Nick set her down, her body sliding against his, every hard plane of him imprinting on her, his scent enveloping her.
Her eyes locked onto his, the intense hunger in his gaze stealing her breath.
The room—his inner sanctum—faded away, leaving only the two of them entwined in each other’s arms.
“Need you, Kate. Need to know you are okay. That you’re here, with me.
” Nick growled against her lips, a desperation in his tone that clutched at her heart.
His mouth took hers, fierce and possessive, as if he could devour her, chase away the lingering shadows of fear.
His hands, strong and sure, slid down to cup her butt, pulling her tighter against him.
His hard length pressed into her stomach, the heat of him searing her through her clothes.
Desire surged through Kate like a wildfire, her body responding to his need with her own.
She met his demand, her lips parting, her tongue tangling with his.
A moan escaped her, a sound of surrender and craving.
Her fingers dug into his shoulders, holding him close, giving him everything he demanded.
Her robe and PJs landed on the floor with a soft thud, and the cool air sent shivers down her spine as it caressed her bare skin.
Nick lifted his head, his gaze raking over every inch of her exposed skin. His hands followed, calloused palms rough against her smooth flesh, mapping her curves, her valleys, as if reassuring himself she was indeed unharmed. His reverent yet hungry touch ignited a fire within her.
The room spun as Nick picked her up, his strength thrilling her.
He tossed her onto the bed, and she laughed out loud as she bounced, the plush spread soft against her back.
He reached over his head, muscles in his arm flexing as he dragged his shirt off, revealing that gorgeous chest. He kicked his boots away, and her eyes locked on the obvious bulge in his pants.
Kate kneeled on the edge of the bed, her hands reaching out to touch him, needing his hard muscles under her fingertips. She traced the ridges of his abs, the valley of his pecs, his skin hot and alive beneath her touch.
He flicked open his button, but she pushed his hands aside, wanting to be the one to reveal him.
She carefully unzipped his pants, her knuckles brushing against the hard length of him.
He hissed, a sound of pleasure, of anticipation.
She slipped her hand in, grasping his length, squeezing lightly.
He pulsed in her grip, silky smooth and hard as steel.
A growl of approval rumbled from his chest, sending a shiver of desire through her core.
Nick shoved his pants off, his body now bared to her.
He pressed her onto her back, his eyes dark with lust. “My turn,” he growled, his voice a promise that sent a wave of heat crashing through her.
He grabbed her knees, spreading her legs, making room for his shoulders.
She was open to him, vulnerable, but the look in his eyes was pure worship.
“All mine,” he rasped, his breath hot against her inner thigh.
Before she could respond, his lips were on her, his tongue flicking over her clit.
Her breath hitched, her head falling back as she moaned her pleasure.
She buried her fingers in his silky hair, her body arching up to meet each stroke of his tongue.
He teased her, explored her, driving her towards the edge of ecstasy but not letting her fall.
“Oh, my god, Nick,” she pleaded breathlessly, her body aching with need. “Please...” She needed him, needed him inside her, filling her.
Nick looked up, his smile wicked, his chin glistening with her wetness. “Please what, Katie? What do you want?” He slid a finger through her folds, his touch teasing as he pushed inside. Then another, stretching her, stroking her from the inside out. “Tell me.”
Kate glared at him, trembling with desire. She knew he wouldn’t go any further until she spoke. “Take me, Nick! I need you inside me!”
His eyes flashed with satisfaction and hunger. He nipped her clit, sending her spiraling into her orgasm. Her eyes closed, her body arching as pleasure raced through every nerve. He moved, lifting her legs over his shoulders, wedging himself between them. He was at her entrance, hard and demanding.
“Look at me,” he demanded, his voice raw with need and lingering fear. “See who is fucking you.”
Kate opened her eyes, a soft smile on her lips. She reached up, cupping his cheek, her thumb brushing against his stubbled jaw. “I know exactly who you are, Nick. You’re mine.”
Her words unleashed something within him.
With a single thrust, he drove home, filling her thoroughly.
Heat exploded; her body stretched to accommodate him.
He was so deep, so intimately connected to her.
She circled her hips, and they both gasped in pleasure.
He withdrew almost completely, then drove his hard cock home again, each thrust a claiming, a branding of her soul.
He slammed into her, his pace relentless, driving her higher, pushing her towards the peak again.
He snagged her wrists in one hand, pinning them to the pillow over her head.
His other hand palmed her breast, thumb and forefinger pinching the tip.
Fire shot through her, and her back arched, her body begging for more.
“More,” she groaned, reveling in his scent, his touch, his everything. “Harder.” She arched up, meeting his hard, fast thrusts, their bodies colliding in a dance of passion and need.
His pace faltered, his body tensing as he neared his own peak.
“Get there, Kate. Now.” His thumb brushed her clit, and her world exploded.
Pleasure erupted, leaving her gasping for breath as every muscle seized and released, her inner muscles clamping down on Nick’s hard length, pulsing over and over.
Nick slammed home one last time, his body shuddering as he emptied himself into her core.
He held himself lodged firmly inside her, his breath ragged, his heart pounding against hers.
When he rolled to his side, Kate wrapped her arms around him, refusing to let go.
He kept her locked to him, his cock still inside her, their bodies still intimately joined.
She draped a knee over his leg, snuggling her face into the crook of his neck, his pulse strong and steady against her lips.
“Damn, Katie. I think you killed me.” His husky voice stroked over her like fingers, leaving goosebumps in its wake. His words rumbled in his chest, as residual quakes of pleasure ran through him, mirroring her own.
“Ha! I’m pretty sure you were in control of that little interlude.” Kate was amazed she had enough breath to speak, her body still floating in bliss.
He chuckled, a sound of pure male satisfaction. “Fine. Next time, you’re in charge.”
Kate smiled, her eyes fluttering closed as sleep crept over her. Next time. The promise of more hung in the air, a sweet lullaby pulling her into dreams.