Alex had to remind himself not to take the steps two at a time. It would have been a little awkward with Janie in his arms, but she weighed less than some of the pack’s he’d carried for days on end over rough terrain, a quick trip up a single floor of stairs was nothing.

He liked that she didn’t protest or suggest he shouldn’t carry her. He was too impatient to get them to the bedroom to let her walk. Damn. His cock ached to be inside her. It only took a minute before he’d stepped into the bedroom and kicked the door shut behind them. Unable to wait any longer he set her on her feet and met her lips with his again. Alex loved the way she tasted, the way she responded to his every touch. He couldn’t get enough. One hand thrust into her hair, holding her against him, but he didn’t need to. Her arms went around his neck and pulled him down to meet her as she stretched up to him.

Unable to resist the temptation any longer he cupped one breast with his free hand, swiping his thumb over the puckered nipple he felt begging for attention. She moaned and arched against him as if asking for more. More he was happy to give her. She tugged at his shirt. She’d done that before. He wanted to feel her hands on him. Her fingers against his skin, her naked breasts pressing against him.

Alex broke the kiss and peeled his shirt off over his head, tossing it aside as he brought his hands back to her. Her face was flushed, lips swollen from his kiss making his already iron hard dick throb in his jeans. The impression of his zipper was going to be permanent if he didn’t get the damned things off soon. But not yet. It would scare her if he took them off now. He had to go slowly. Even if it killed him.

Tugging at the hem of her shirt, he watched her face for any signs of hesitation. There was none. She unfastened a couple buttons at her collar and kept her eyes on his face as she lifted her blouse off. Once the shirt cleared her head, her hair fell back around her shoulders in a tousled disarray that made him want to growl. It looked like she’d already been laid well and he wanted that honor for himself. He snaked an arm around her waist and tugged her against him.

“You’re beautiful.” The words were low and guttural, but that didn’t make them any less true. She was stunning. The puffy lips and dilated eyes only made him want her more. Made him need to hear her scream his name. Her color rose. He could only guess she wasn’t used to compliments. Fuck that. She’d sure as hell get used to them.

Alex started at her waist and slid one hand up her belly to cup her breast. Janie’s breath caught then came just a little quicker.

“You make me want to touch you. Everywhere.”

“O — okay.” It was nothing more than a whispered word, but he took it as permission. With the hand holding her against him, tightly enough she had to feel the hard lump in his jeans press into her stomach, he reached up and undid the clasp on her bra. It fell loose except where she was pressed against his body. He watched her face for any signs of wanting to stop, this might be his last chance. The only release he’d had in more than two years was his own hand and while he was determined to make this good for her, he wasn’t sure about his own control anymore.

“Please,” her whispered plea spurred him.

“What do you need?” He stared down at her.

“I don’t know.” She moved against him, restless, needing but not knowing what she was feeling.

“I got you, sweetheart.” He swept her up and carried her to the bed, then laid her down gently. He peeled her bra away as he stood, then stared down at her a moment, awed by how perfect she looked spread out on his bed. Like she belonged there. He’d be damned if he’d let her go anywhere else.

Ever.

Lowering himself over her, he cupped one full breast with his hand, kneading and squeezing the soft mound of flesh as he pulled the puckered nipple of the other into his mouth and suckled. Her back arched up off the bed and she cried out.

Her breath came in ragged pants and Alex couldn’t help but be pleased at how she reacted. He fumbled for a moment then managed to get the button on her jeans undone. He slipped his hand inside, but kept it on the outside of her underwear. Cupping her through what felt like silk panties. Heat and moisture pooled at the apex of her thighs. Satisfaction shot through him. She was as affected by this as he was. He lifted up, pulling at her nipple with the suction he’d created until the weight became too much and pulled it free. She reached for him, he knew to pull him back, but he moved out of her reach as he shot her a grin.

“Hold on, sweetness, there’s more to come.”

“I know how it works, but this feels so good. I’m not sure the rest will be this good.” Her eyes were glazed with passion and he couldn’t wait to watch her come.

“It’s better. Trust me.”

“I do.”

In that moment he knew she wasn’t lying. He eased her jeans past her hips as she kicked off the shoes she’d been wearing and let him slip the thick denim off. The process revealed the thin white silk panties that were little more than strings and a tiny patch of silk, they barely covered the treasure they hid.

Alex ran his hands up her legs, moving up her body until his face was pressed against that thin barrier. He inhaled, pulling in the intoxicating musky scent of her desire. Unable to resist he took hold of the thin silk with his teeth and tugged it away from her skin. It didn’t want to go.

Impatient to touch her, he grabbed the tiny scrap of fabric and tugged. The thin strings that held it in place snapped. He tossed the useless piece away.

Janie gasped and he looked up to find her watching him with half-lidded eyes. He searched them for any signs of fear and found none.

“You good?”

“I ache.” Her hips moved and he lowered his face over her core again.

“I’ll fix it. Open up for me.” He nudged her thighs apart.

She hesitated for a split second then eased them apart.

“Good girl.” He couldn’t help but encourage her. Alex lowered his body between her legs and lifted her legs into his shoulders as he leaned close once more.

“Are you sure you should do that?” She looked a little uncertain.

“I’m sure. Just give me a minute. You’ll know too in a minute.”

She nodded and he went back to showing her what pleasure was.