Chapter Seven
Connor set the alarm after Marc left, walking Rafael through the process. There was a tour of the house after that, but it didn't take long. There was only one other bedroom besides the one Molly was in and the sofa pulled out into a bed. Connor made a joke about the sleeping arrangements, but Rafael had already made up his mind that if he wasn't in Molly's bed he'd be sleeping outside her door.
Small yet cozy, the house put thoughts of living with Molly in his head. It was all too easy to imagine coming home to a place like this one with Molly cuddled on the couch, a glass of wine and the fireplace bathing her in heat and soft lighting. He'd rub her feet and they'd share their days with each other. He'd learn to cook, if she liked that. He'd learn anything for Molly.
It was strange—when he let the human side of him think too much—to love Molly so thoroughly when he hardly knew her. If it wasn't for his panther's absolute faith that she was the one and only person for them, he might let the freakout take over. He'd learned over the years to trust his panther, though. His love for Molly was real and he could spend the rest of their lives finding out why.
Rafael made it ten minutes before he had to see her. Filling a glass with water as an excuse, he prowled to her door. Connor rolled his eyes and set up his own laptop at the kitchen table.
"Molly?" he called, tapping lightly on her door. He didn't wait for an answer before slipping inside, gently closing the door behind him.
Late afternoon sun filtered through the drapery, casting the room in honey gold tones. His eyes took in every detail before coming to rest on her form, curled into a ball on the chair in the corner. His heart flip-flopped in his chest at the sight of her. She must have come in and just collapsed, curled around a pillow. He padded forward, not wanting to startle her.
"Molly," he whispered, kneeling next to the chair and resting a hand on her shoulder. "Honey, how're you doing?"
Her eyes fluttered open, landing on him instantly and she smiled. "Now there's a face I like waking up to."
He smiled back, hoping she couldn't hear the purr from his chest and tucked her unruly curls behind her ear. "Glad to hear it."
"I guess that's not the most appropriate thing to say, huh?" She blinked a few times and glanced around the room.
"I won't tell if you don't." He let his hand trail down her cheek, enjoying the sleepy softness of her skin. "Thirsty? I brought some water. And you might rest a bit better on the bed."
"Thanks." Molly yawned, stretching in the chair like a cat and Rafael was ridiculously pleased to see it. Until she winced and rubbed a hand over the bandage on her arm. "Guess I should change this."
Rafael went to the attached bathroom and scrounged up a first aid kit. He brought it back to Molly, holding out a hand to help her stand. "May I?"
"Oh, you don't have to." She almost sounded embarrassed.
"Since I couldn't do anything to keep it from happening, at least let me help you with it."
She hesitated then nodded. "Alright. It'll be easier with help. Thank you."
"My pleasure," he said, and meant it.
He helped Molly stand and they shared the small bathroom space. Though a bruise had spread around the cut, it wasn't as bad as he'd expected it to be. She did heal quickly. Could be part of her family line? It hurt to think of the number of secrets she must have grown up with. How many of her own did she have?"
"You have such beautiful hands," Molly said, watching as he secured the fresh bandage on her arm.
"I'm glad you think so," he said, softly. It was an odd compliment to receive, but he was glad for anything about himself that Molly liked.
She twined her fingers through his and he was suddenly aware of how close they stood. Aware of her tenderness. Of the heady scent of her skin.
"In case you're wondering," she said, voice deep and breathy. "I really want to kiss you, but I can't reach."
His lips were on hers faster than he could smile. Impossibly soft, kissing Molly was better than he ever imagined. She wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing onto her tiptoes to reach him better. Rafael gathered her in his arms, pulling her supple body tightly to his chest and nearly lifted her from the ground.
With a noise of pleasure, Molly opened her mouth to him as he deepened the kiss. Their tongues entwined and the more he tasted of her the more he wanted her—naked and moaning under him. Rafael knew he would never get enough of Molly.
She broke the kiss, stepping away from him. Overcome with emotion, Rafael's hands shook. He had to take a deep breath to calm himself. He was moving too fast. This wasn't the right time. He needed to get control of himself.
He looked to Molly and the apology died on his lips. She pulled open the neck of her dress, revealing the lacy black bra that cupped her heavy breasts. His cock strained the seam of his jeans and Rafael swayed where he stood. His hands joined hers, sliding her dress over her shoulders until it pooled at her waist.
He brought his fingers to her breasts, tracing along the edge of her bra. Molly shivered. She covered his hands with her own, gripping the lacy fabric and pulling it down until the rosy buds of her nipples peaked through the trim of lace.
"God, you're so beautiful." Rafael's voice was little more than a growl.
Molly grinned and took a deep breath, pushing the tips of her nipples up and over the fabric so they rested against his fingers. He took a long moment to etch that sight into his memory. He loved the contrast of her pale skin against his dark, the rosy blush to her skin and the way her nipples tightened when he finally rubbed his knuckles over them.
"This is the sexiest thing I've ever seen."
Her breathing hitched as he cupped both breasts, pushing them free. They reached the bed and he lowered Molly to sit on the edge before they both collapsed. He knelt in front of her, dipping his head to her breast and placed a gentle kiss against one nipple. Molly fisted her hands in his hair and the little moans she made when he pinched her other nipple drove him wild. She arched into him, trembling under his touch and squirming with desire.
Sensitive breasts. Good to know.
"God, I needed this," Molly whispered.
Rafael looked up, meeting her glossy eyes. The way she looked at him, lips swollen from his kiss and an expression of complete trust filled his heart to bursting. He didn't know what he'd done to deserve such a beautiful mate, but he'd thank whoever was listening that he had found her.
He grasped her neck, pulling her in for another kiss. "Anything and always. Whatever you need, Molly. I swear it."
She grinned, tears filling her eyes and kissed him again. "Get me naked."
"Yes, ma'am."
A cheshire grin lit up his face as he unhooked her bra, tossing it over his shoulder once she was free of it. She had to stand for him to slip the dress free from her hips. Which left only the bright pink panties. He dipped his fingers into the waistband, teasing along the sensitive skin of her belly. Molly's head dropped to the side and she bit her lower lip. The sight of his mate turned on and as horny as he was nearly sent him over the edge.
Unable to keep teasing her, Rafael tugged the panties over her hips and let them pool on the floor at her feet. A thrill went through him at how damp they were. He rested his forehead against hers, squeezing his hands into the roundness of her hips.
"What do you need, honey?" His voice was rough with desire.
She hesitated, shallow breaths doing amazing things to her breasts. "I need you to kiss me."
Rafael pressed his lips to hers, tracing his tongue along her lower lip. "Like that?"
She shook her head.
"Where do you want me to kiss you?"
Molly sat on the bed and spread her legs to him. Rafael swallowed, nostrils flaring. His erection strained painfully in his pants. But that could wait. What Molly needed now was release and he was the lucky bastard that got to give it to her.
He lowered himself to kneel between her legs, running his hands up her thighs until his thumbs came to rest at their apex. He spent a moment teasing her inner thighs and leaned forward to draw her breast into his mouth, sucking its peak until she moaned.
"Oh, god, Rafael. Please," she gasped.
Need overwhelmed him. With a growl, he pulled back and pressed her legs up and over his shoulders. Molly lay back until she rested on her elbows, watching him with bright eyes. His hands circled around her legs and spread the moistened lips of her sex apart.
He loved how bold she was, that she was already slick with desire for him. He loved everything about this moment. About her. Here in this space, it didn't matter how unworthy he was. How flawed. All that mattered was Molly's pleasure. Her release.
Keeping eye contact, he buried his tongue in her petals. Her hips bucked when his tongue found the sensitive bud of her clit. Tightening his grip, Rafael kept her locked in place. He lapped at her, hungry for the quiet noises she made. Her heels dug into his back, urging him closer.
"Oh, god." Her thighs shook as she clutched his hands on her hips. "Rafael."
The sound of his name on her lips while she filled his mouth drove him wild. Moaning into her, he tilted his head, raking his teeth over her clit and, ever so gently, pulled the bud into his mouth.
Her body became magic under his touch as the orgasm hit her. With a high pitched gasp, her body seized, arching off the bed. He rode the sensation with her, pressing his tongue against her over and over until she pulled away from his mouth.
He took a moment to rest his head against her thigh, smiling as she continued to shake and gasp. When he'd caught his breath, Rafael crawled onto the bed next to her, drawing her boneless legs on top of the blankets and curling himself around her.
The smile on her face was beatific. Rafael nuzzled into her neck, placing gentle kisses anywhere he could reach. She giggled, squeezing her legs together and turned into him.
"That was amazing!"
She sounded so enthusiastic he chuckled. "Glad to hear it. You deserve amazing."
Molly giggle again and covered her face with her hands. "No. I mean, like, oh my god."
Pride blossomed in his chest. He trailed his thumb along her chin, enjoying the sight of the smile and knowing he was the one that put it there. Maybe the matebond intensified the experience, but he felt nearly as satisfied as Molly. Nearly.
She blinked, coming back to herself in pieces. She kissed him hard. "Your turn."
He lowered his mouth to hers, taking her lips in a slow, deep kiss. He knew she could taste herself on him and lust surged through him. With a suppressed sigh, he pulled away from her lips and kissed the tip of her nose.
"Later. When I have the proper time to enjoy myself."
Molly's eyes went wide and she stared at him. "So, what? You go down on me, blow my freaking mind and you're good?"
"Honey." He waggled his eyebrows at her. "I'm more than good."
Molly snorted adorably. "Well, I know that. But...no guy ever gives without getting."
As an answer, he kissed her again. Because he didn't know how to find the words to tell her how much she meant to him. That bringing her any amount of pleasure and relief from the hardship she'd faced was its own reward. That he would always put her needs above his own. That he'd love her until he drew his last breath.
Maybe he'd wait until they knew each other for two days.
Molly bit her lip and buried her face in his chest. "That's so fucking romantic."
Rafael laughed and gave her breast a squeeze. "That's what they say about me."
She paused full lips at his throat. "I smell french fries."
"I have that effect on women."
Molly laughed again and seeing her do so freely, her face relaxed and content was such a beautiful sight, he'd happily forgo his own pleasure if it would mean she could be like this forever. Well, maybe not happily, but it would be worth it.
"Guess I should get cleaned up." Her stomach rumbled and she glanced at him in embarrassment. "I sort of skipped every meal today."
Rafael placed a kiss against the swell of her belly and rose from the bed. "I'd say I was sorry for keeping you from eating, but I don't like lying to beautiful women. Your brother must be back with the food."
Molly's eyes went wide and she stared at the door as if she just remembered they weren't alone in the house. "Oh my god. We just...I can't believe...was I loud?"
In a swift motion that made her gasp, Rafael swept her into his arm, pulling her tightly to his chest. The startled look she gave him, lips slightly parted, was too sweet to resist. He captured her mouth with his, kissing her hungrily as he carried her to the attached bathroom.
It felt so right to have her in his arms and she fit so perfectly against him. Soft and protected. For the first time since he'd left the military, he felt like his life had a purpose again. And if Molly was that purpose, it was worth letting go of the fears of his past. She was worth it.
He placed her gently on the linoleum floor, breaking this kiss with a sigh. "You were perfect. And not loud at all. Take your time. The burgers will still be there whenever you're ready."
She nodded, pausing with her hand on his chest and stared up at him. Naked and vulnerable she was so fucking beautiful and trusting it made his heart hurt.
"Thank you," she said, raising on to tip toes to kiss his chin.
Rafael stood at the closed bathroom door until he heard the shower turn on. Taking a few deep breaths, he stepped away from the door. Thinking of her luscious curves as steaming rivulets of water raced along her bare skin was not going to help him get his boner under control. And while shifters weren't that shy about their bodies, he didn't want to face Connor and Marc with his pants tented in front of him.
His eyes landed on the glass of water he'd brought in for Molly. Draining most of it, he splashed the rest on his face. Warmth had wrapped around his sternum the first moment he saw Molly. It wasn't unpleasant. The opposite in fact. Somehow, this would all work out. He'd find a way to explain shifters and mates to her that didn't make him sound unhinged. Whatever dangers she faced they could overcome together. With everything in the open, all barriers defeated, he could claim her as his mate. As they were meant to be.
His panther rested quietly, as through agreeing with him.