CHAPTER ELEVEN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D raped over his shoulder the extra blood flow to her head must have caused temporary insanity because she looked forward to being alone with him. Hard questions or not; she needed this. She needed him. Jill giggled and admired Luka’s tight buns as he moved down the empty corridor.

“You don’t get to leave.” He stomped down the hall, opened a door and flicked on the light. “Not until we settle things,” he said as he carried her inside.

They were in a janitorial closet. Mops, brooms and towels covered rows of shelves along the back wall. She slid down his body as he set her on her feet. The room was small and reeked of cleaning supplies. He turned and closed the door, making the area seem even smaller with him taking up most of the available space.

Deep lines creased his forehead as he stepped away from her. Creating as much distance between them as the tiny room would allow. Even though it was only a foot, it seemed like a mile. She didn’t like it. Jill closed the gap and ran her hand over the buttons on his dress shirt. “Do you trust me?”

She hadn’t meant to start the conversation with a question. Not when she was the one who had explaining to do. But there was no point baring her soul if he had no intention of listening to reason. She needed assurances. As much as she could get, given their circumstances.

“I want to,” he answered.

Rianne’s words from earlier echoed. They were fitting given their situation. “Either you do, or you don’t. Trust doesn’t live in between.”

Luka leaned back against the door and ran his fingers through his short mane. His eyes connected with hers. So dark and alluring. He took his time to answer. “I do. Do you trust me?”

“Yes.” She swallowed hard. “I have never lied to you and I won’t. That’s not who I am. Ask me anything.”

His nostrils flared as he charged towards her. His hands landed on the hem of her jersey and he lifted it over her head. Her bra hit the floor next. Rather than devour her like she wanted, he stepped back.

He placed his hand over her heart and the other on her shoulder. “What do you want?”

“I want to fall in love again, and I think maybe I have.” Her words were choppy as she covered his hand with hers. “With you.”

“Keep going,” he prompted.

“Luka, I don’t know what you want me to say.”

He tapped her chest. “Tell me what is in here. What do you want the most?”

Admitting this next part out loud had set off the demise of her marriage. “I want to grow my family and be a part of something amazing. I want to foster, adopt and maybe by the grace of God have another biological child. Sharing my love with as many children as possible is all I’ve ever wanted. Are you scared yet?”

“Not even a little.” He slid his hand from her shoulder to cup her jaw. “Why are you scared to want that?”

She blew out a huge breath and melted into him. “I’m scared that I’m too late.”

“Is that why you tested me?” He tilted his head and stared at her. “Why you asked me to come to the hotel you are sharing with another man. To see how I would react. Cause a fight.”

“No. Not at all my intention.” Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. “I planned to spend the entire night alone with you. Worshiping your body and showing you how much I…” Love teetered on her lips, but she held back. “How much you mean to me, but then Terry needed my help. Time got away from us. I’m sorry you had to see me with him. I don’t want you to fight him.”

“You still love him,” he said, running his thumb over her lower lip. “It was written on your face.”

It wasn’t a question. His observation wasn’t wrong. She needed to set the record straight for Luka and for herself.

“I love my family with all my heart and soul.” Her voice trembled as she searched inside herself. “Terry was a part of that until recently. I don’t want to be with him anymore. Those days are over, but the memories linger. I don’t hate him even though I should.”

“You have a big heart.” He leaned in and kissed next to her mouth. “Your family is as beautiful as you.” He planted another kiss on the opposite side. “And your daughter is the spitting image of you.”

She ran her fingers through his beard. “Thank you. What do you want?”

“I don’t let fear get in my way. I go after the things I want. Nothing can stop me.” The determination in his voice made her tremble. He pulled her against his chest and buried his nose in her hair. “Jill, my beautiful distraction. I want the Championship and I want you,” he whispered in her ear.

“Then take me. Right here and now.” She fumbled with his belt. Unable to get him naked as fast as she wanted. The metal clanked as it opened, and his trousers hit the floor.

Their lips found their way together as they shed every article between them. No more words needed to be said. Talk time had ended. They were ready to explore the sensual side of their relationship.

Luka lifted her off the ground. His strength never ceased to amaze her. She wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. His cock slid between her open legs, rubbing against her slit. She teased him and coated him with her juices. Without warning, he pressed her against the wall and dove in deep.

Jill chomped onto his shoulder to stifle the cry of ecstasy that threatened to give them away. He moved with a brutal necessity that left her boneless. She clawed and held on for dear life as he pounded her towards the sky. It wasn’t long before the clouds parted, and the orgasmic heat bathed her from head to toe.

“Oh! I’m coming. Ohhhh… Luka!” She kissed him, giving him every piece of her as she shattered. The orgasm rolled on and on as he continued to plow into her.

His pace never relented. He shifted her higher, reaching deeper. He found that spot that made her toes curl. The pleasure was so strong it hurt. She couldn’t catch her breath. Passing out from bliss seemed like a viable option as the next climax stole the last of her air.

“I’m with you,” he said as he stilled. His forehead pressed against hers and all movement stopped.

The love and anguish in his eyes as he came was a hauntingly beautiful and powerful moment. Their connection grounded her, keeping her with him. They stood there staring at one another for a long time.

Luka carried her away from the wall. “Can you stand?”

Jill shook her head as the tremors subsided. “I’m not sure.” She loosened her legs from around his waist.

He set her down and pulled his cock from between her legs. His release dripped down her inner thighs. She’d been so starved for him, they hadn’t used a condom. Her eyes widened, and her heart skipped a beat as she covered her face with her hands.

“Um… I am not on the pill and we forgot to use protection,” she said, refusing to look at him.

Luka chuckled and pulled her hands away. “I wanted to feel you without barriers between us.” He kissed her knuckles. “If this bothers you, we can use condoms next time. I prefer without.”

Of course he preferred sex without condoms. Who didn’t? That didn’t mean they should become irresponsible.

“I don’t think you heard me. I am not taking any birth control.” She waited a moment for the ramifications to hit him, but he seemed unphased. “Condoms protect against more than STD’s. Why do I feel like I’m the only one worried in this closet?”

His broad shoulders lifted and fell as though he hadn’t a care in the world. “I am clean. You have nothing to worry about.” He smirked as he bent down and collected their discarded clothing.

A nervous giggle escaped. “Right. No worries.” She shivered and rubbed her arms. “None at all.”

“I’ve told you the things I want most.” He hugged her, smoothing her wild hair with his hand. “Get dressed and tell me what is bothering you about what happened.”

Dressing with Luka was bittersweet. It was a shame to see all those hard muscles get covered, but they couldn’t stay in the closet forever. Her heart was still beating fast and her hands shook as she pulled the jersey over her head. There were so many thoughts racing through her mind, she wasn’t sure what to share first.

He threw a handful of towels on the ground and sat, patting his lap for her to join him. “Come here.”

Snuggling against his chest, she let his heat envelop her. Her nerves settled. He held her as their heart rates slowed. There were so many reasons for them to use protection. Their relationship was new. They’d just endured their first fight or disagreement. More were bound to follow as they found their footing. It was too soon to be making lifelong decisions.

“I’m not bothered by what happened. Well, I am a bit. I’m more concerned that we’re moving too fast,” she said, not fully agreeing with her own statement.

“I don’t agree,” he replied, tilting her chin towards him. “Fast is a way of life. Fast is the speed you travel when you know where you’re going. What does too fast mean?”

“Luka, you’re only twenty-two.” She held his face in her hands. “I’ll admit you are wise beyond your years and have lived through more trials and tribulations than any man should, but you couldn’t possibly—”

“Love you. Is that the problem?” The tip of his nose rubbed against hers. “I am fast and strong and love the same way. I am old enough to be done with childish games. Playing games and toying with emotions is not for me. I speak the truth. So, tell me what I can do to prove myself.”

This remarkable man loved her. She’d been hoping and praying for love again, never expecting to find it. All of a sudden, she’d found it. It sat within reach. All she had to do was grab it, but she was scared. The fear cast doubt on his words.

Her lips hovered over his. “You’re so full of life,” she breathed. “I love that you have no filter. I love your strength and your ability to speak your mind. Dating is all new for me. I don’t know how to do this. I’ve been with Terry since I was a teenager.”

“You’ve loved only one man. I have loved many women, but none of them compare to you.”

A combination of hope and love bloomed in her chest, but the fear remained. “That’s just it. What if you change your mind in a week? I’m not saying you’re too young to love. I was happily married by the time I was your age. It’s not the age difference.”

He raised his eyebrow and wrapped her hair around his fist. “Do I look like a man who changes his mind on a whim?” She shook her head, pressing her lips together as he continued. “Some love is meant to teach you how to grow. My first was never meant to be my only. I was too young and too stupid to appreciate her. I learn from my mistakes and don’t repeat them. What holds you back.” He wouldn’t relent. “Why do you keep your ex around if you say you are done? Explain.”

“He’ll always be family,” she admitted. “My kids want us to be together, and I hate disappointing them. It’s complicated. Luka, you could be with someone who doesn’t have so many issues. You could find a woman who—”

He covered her mouth with his hand. “I have found the woman I want. My attraction and need for you is something I can’t explain. It didn’t stop when I saw you with him. I have been the other man before and I don’t care for it. I won’t do that again.”

She kissed his hand and pulled it away. “This is not an affair. Relationships have many variables and if we have a baby…” She covered her mouth.

“If I put a baby in your belly, would this make you sad?”

They were laying all their cards on the table. He held nothing back and she wouldn’t either. If he could love freely and openly, then she’d follow his lead. Her hands moved over her stomach, and she smiled.

“More like the opposite of sad. If we were blessed with a child, I’d be thrilled. No matter where this relationship goes, I’d be happy to have a baby growing in my womb. That said, I think we should use condoms for now. At least until you’ve met my kids. You don’t have to prove anything to me.” She chuckled at the serious expression on his face. “I can see why women your own age might be frightened by you. You really do go all in when you want something.”

He flipped her onto her back and rolled on top of her. Despite the tight quarters, they made it work. “Will you introduce me to your family?” He pushed her hair away from her face and ground his erection against her sex.

She smiled. “One day, I’d love for you to meet my kids. I don’t think they’re ready for me to have a boyfriend. Can you give me some time? I mean if you’re serious about me and about meeting them.”

“I don’t say things I don’t mean.” He swiveled his hips, teasing her. “They are important to you and you are important to me. The sooner we meet, the better.”

Hearing she mattered to him, made her heart swell and skip a beat. How had she gotten so lucky? “How are you so perfect?”

He laughed. “Far from it. I say the wrong thing all the time. My friend Theo says I’m too blunt. His girlfriend, Carly, doesn’t laugh when I tell jokes. Not perfect.”

“You’re perfect for me, even if you’re not funny.” She kissed him and sighed as his hands found their way inside her panties.

“It is funny I play for Winnipeg while you and your family root for the enemy. I am sleeping with the enemy,” he joked, pushing two fingers inside her center.

Her eyes fluttered shut. They were together again. Jill undid his pants and stroked his length. She pushed his fingers aside, pressed the head of his cock against her entrance and lifted her hips. “I’m making love with the enemy.”