Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 95748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“Please,” she whispered, half plea, half demand.
His gaze lifted, and something feral ignited in his eyes. With a thrust, he powered all the way inside her, stealing her breath. Her body clenched, instinctive and tight, then softened around him as if recognizing exactly where he belonged. His mouth found hers in a kiss so tender it cracked something wide open inside her.
“Em,” he whispered. Just her shortened name, one simple syllable that tunneled straight through her chest and into her heart. The moment held, suspended between them, before he drove into her again—hard, fast, and relentless. She clung to his shoulders, her nails digging in for purchase as he pushed her higher, faster, and toward the edge she both craved and feared.
He kept her wide and open for him, that arm hooked beneath her knee, holding her exactly where he wanted. Her breath hitched. The look in his eyes was wild, possessive, untamed, and sent another pulse of heat straight through her. He pushed her over the edge, and she shattered, crying out his name as pleasure crashed through her in rolling waves that left her boneless. Every limb felt weak, spent, but satisfaction hummed through her veins.
She murmured his name, still catching her breath, and realized he wasn’t finished. His body kept moving against hers, slow and steady. She clutched his shoulders, fingers digging into hard muscle as she tried to ground herself, but the tension was already building again, too fast, too sharp.
“Now,” she whispered, frustration lacing her voice when he slowed his pace.
His wicked grin sent heat pooling low in her belly. “Oh, we’re taking our time,” he murmured.
“Are we?” She scraped her nails down his back, then gripped the muscle of his thigh, determined to push him over the edge.
His breath hitched, his control slipping. His chin lifted slightly, and she saw it. The moment restraint shattered. He drove into her harder, deeper, every thrust sending sparks burning beneath her skin. Her body clenched around him, tightening as the pressure built impossibly high.
A riot started inside her. One of hunger and dark need. His name broke free on a gasp as pleasure detonated, white-hot and relentless. Her eyes squeezed shut as she climaxed, every nerve singing with sensation. He shuddered against her, his release following hers in rough, staggered bursts that made her cling tighter.
Their breaths mingled, harsh and uneven as the aftershocks slowly faded. His hand brushed her hair back from her face, and he kissed her softly, a lingering touch of lips that felt more like a promise.
“You okay?” he asked, voice rough with exertion.
“Better than okay,” she admitted. “I’ve never felt this good in my life.”
His smile was pure trouble. “Good. Because I’m not done.”
Before she could reply, his mouth captured hers again, and he thrust deep, pulling her right back into the fire.
Chapter 24
Jackson finished his second cup of coffee that morning, eyes fixed on the fireplace as Emily slept quietly in the other room. Contentment and restlessness warred inside him, an odd mix he couldn’t quite shake. His life had never been smooth sailing, but last night had settled something deep in his bones while stirring something else entirely.
A scent drifted from outside, pulling him from his thoughts. He stood and crossed the cabin, the floorboards cool beneath his bare feet. Opening the door, he stepped onto the wide front porch. Crisp air bit at his skin, but he welcomed the chill. Snow blanketed the ground, reflecting the pale morning light.
Erik Volk leaned against the porch railing, arms crossed, eyes sharp. His gaze swept over Jackson like a challenge. “I smell Emily all over you. What the hell are you doing?”
Jackson rolled his shoulders, the now dry jeans sitting low on his hips, his chest bare to the cold. He should’ve cared, but the warmth still lingering in his muscles kept the chill at bay. Walking across the smooth planks, he dropped to sit onto the top step, extending his legs down the other three until his feet touched snow. The bite of frost grounded him, steadying his pulse. “None of your business.”
Erik’s gaze flicked to the cabin, then back to him. “She’s not at full strength yet.”
Jackson met the Copper Pack leader’s gaze without flinching. “Do you honestly think I’d take advantage of Emily? Your instincts are better than that.”
Erik looked down at his boots, scuffing snow from the step, then exhaled and nodded. “Yeah, they are. She’s a friend and has been for a long time. I don’t like that someone’s kidnapped her twice.”
Jackson’s gaze stayed steady. The first time, she’d been engaged to Erik. Even he hadn’t found the kidnappers. “I’ll get them,” Jackson said, his voice low but confident. “Don’t worry.”
Erik studied him for a moment longer, then gave a single nod. The cold air swirled between them, but the tension had shifted. Not gone, just waiting.