Adele, Claire - Guardian of Her Heart (Siren Publishing Classic) Read online

  “You have the most lush lips.” He smiled at her, his eyes darkening. “Makes me want to devour them.” He brushed his warm lips over hers so softly, like the touch of a feather.

  Her heart skipped a beat. She shivered, and her toes curled. Not even one of the few guys she’d dated over the years had affected her so. No one else had filled her with such need and desire. She wanted to wrap her arms and legs around Mike and crawl on top of him.

  Instead, she tasted his upper lip with the tip of her tongue. His kiss turned fierce. His warm lips spread her lips apart. He licked over every surface within and her lips as well. This was a taste of what could happen between them. Lust swelled between her thighs, she felt hot all over, and she moaned with pleasure.

  He deepened the kiss. His arms wrapped around her, making her feel wanted, protected, and cherished. She savored his taste mixed with wine. His masculine scent, mingled with the faint trace of citrus, drew her. She gripped his shoulders and moaned. This was where she belonged, in Mike’s arms, kissing him. If only he felt the same way. Did he care for her like she did for him? She’d waited so long.

  After the terror of being attacked by the very men she wanted to protect others from, finally sharing a kiss with Mike helped her forget everything but his touch.

  His kiss was hot and wet. Thorough. Following his lead, she explored every surface of his mouth. When he broke the kiss, she waited, breathless, her eyes closed, afraid that was all they’d share. But he brushed kisses along her cheek to her ear, fanning the flames of fire and need. His warm breath tickled and sent shivers all over her. She breathed in sharply. She wanted to taste him once more.

  He hugged her close. “I could eat you, you’re so sweet,” he whispered.

  She chuckled. “I wouldn’t mind.” She pressed a kiss to the side of his face. His skin was hot, his five o’clock shadow rough against her lips. She slipped her arms around his lean waist and imagined him kissing his way between her breasts, taking a nipple into that hot mouth. Heat rose, and she felt wet against her panties.

  For years, she’d wanted Mike to look at her as more than a friend. She’d waited patiently, hoping he’d show her she meant more to him.

  Tonight, when she could have lost everything, he’d been there for her. Maybe the intense emotions of the evening had brought about this physical need between them. Maybe it was a release of nerves.

  Whatever, she didn’t care. She only cared that they were together at last. She wanted him to make love to her before he returned to his lonely place up on the hill. Her long wait was finally to be rewarded, and it felt right, like she’d always known it would.

  The fragrance of Italian spices wafted to her from the kitchen. Judging from the time that had passed since they’d settled on the couch, the timer should ring in about half an hour. Would it be enough time to savor Mike’s kisses? She’d take as much of him as she could get, right now, timer be damned.

  “Mike.” She nibbled his prickly jaw and brushed her mouth over his, inviting him to kiss her again. He lowered his head and trailed a path of pure temptation down her throat. “Don’t stop, Mike.” Her voice rasped in a shaky whisper.

  He groaned, almost a growl, as his strong arms closed tighter around her. His body trembled. His response left her awestruck.

  His teeth grazed her throat. With his warm, wet tongue, he licked the depression at the base of her neck and trailed upward. She leaned back, offering him more. He watched her. His eyes burned with an almost feral intensity.

  Her own desire increased under his heated gaze. Fascination consumed her as he unbuttoned her cotton blouse and unhooked her bra. He bared her to his gaze. She wanted him to touch her.

  “You’re beautiful,” he said, his eyes darker now with desire. He lowered his head.

  His firm lips brushed kisses along the valley between her breasts. She held her breath in anticipation of what he would do next. He nuzzled the fabric aside, pressed his warm lips against the curve of a breast. When he licked the nipple, she gasped. He caused rivers of sensations to course through her, drew her nipple into his mouth, and sucked hard. The flesh surrounding her clit ached with need. She closed her eyes and moaned.

  At the touch of his fingers on her jeans waistband, she jerked to awareness. If he was going to undress her, maybe she should turn off the lights. “The lights…”

  “How about I turn the light down,” he suggested, his voice low and raspy. He reached for the lamp on the table beside him and turned the light low. “Is that better?”

  “That’s good,” she choked, and sucked in a breath as his nimble fingers blazed tantalizing heat across her waist, unzipped her jeans, and smoothed beneath her panties. With the first touch of his fingers on the sensitive flesh between her thighs, her body arched.

  “You like that?” he asked, while he caressed her.

  “Yes.” She could hardly form the word as warmth swept over her face and wet heat pooled between her legs. A delicious contraction made her want to squeeze her knees together. He parted her already slick folds and slid his fingers around her needy opening.

  Oh, my. Gripping his arms even as she longed to grip the bulge in his pants, she moved one hand to unbutton his jeans. He shifted lower on the cushions. Now, she had better access.

  His stroking, teasing fingers never left her most needy flesh, and her breaths came faster. She smoothed her fingers over the fabric covering his rock-hard erection. His chest filled with a swift breath at the stroke of her fingertips. She pulled down the waist of his black boxer shorts and touched his exposed shaft. He took another swift breath.

  His skin was tight and satin smooth beneath her exploring hand. She marveled at the textures, the curly hair of his groin and the smooth skin of his penis. The sculpted head. Running her index finger over the satin skin, she felt the drop of moisture at the tip and spread it over the smooth surface. A soft rumble came from deep in his chest. He liked that. She curled her fingers around the width of his hard length, squeezing gently. He jerked against her palm.

  “I want you inside me,” she whispered.

  He moaned deeply again. She stroked up and down his rigid erection until he lifted her to straddle his thighs.

  “Let me,” he said, and lowered her, slipped his hand between her thighs and slid one long finger slowly deep inside her wet opening.

  She gave a sharp moan, her back arching with the surge of desire he sent through her like lightning.

  He took her hand from his stiffened length and held her fingers to his warm, damp chest. “I want to give you pleasure, but I won’t last if you keep that up.” He grinned.

  The fullness of his touch stroking sensitive places within her distracted her. He’d never looked more devilishly handsome. Oh, my God. She didn’t mind letting him take control, but she wanted to explore his bare chest while he pleasured her. She took hold of his shirt and unbuttoned it. He wore nothing underneath, and she sucked in a breath at the sight. “I want your shirt off.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He quickly complied.

  She’d seen his chest before many times, working on high school projects together and on outings to local swimming pools. But he was leaner now, his chest and washboard abs awe-inspiring with a sheen of dampness. The sight increased the pleasure he created.

  His tormenting fingers built exquisite need in her. All shyness gone, she moved her hips in time with his strokes as she ran her palms and fingers over the contours of his abs, learning the shape and firmness. Finally, she reached his muscled chest, sprinkled with black hair. She flicked his nipples and lowered her head to lick one and then the other, tasting the salty dampness, feeling his fiery heat. Her inner muscles contracted around the erotic sensations of his delving finger, and she gasped.

  He gave a deep sound of satisfaction just before he eased deeper inside her with two fingers, stretching her.

  “Mike! I want…” Her body pulsed, wanting to be filled.

  He took hold of her shoulder and pushed her flat on the sofa c
ushions. Feeling as if her whole world tilted, she waited to see what he had in mind next. He wiggled her jeans and panties down over her hips and legs. The brush of fabric added to her craving. Close to sensual overload, she was bare to his devouring gaze, and she felt only a little self-conscious.

  “I want to taste you,” he rasped.

  Daring to accept his outrageous desire, she shivered as she waited, mostly naked, her shirt and bra parted to reveal her breasts. He eased his fingers from her, knelt on the rug, and smoothed his hands up and down her calves. He removed her shoes and slid her jeans over her feet. Gliding his hands up her thighs and back down to her knees, he spread her legs. The intensity in his eyes took her breath. She should feel naughty or embarrassed, shouldn’t she?

  Except she wanted only to share her body with him and let him explore her as she longed to explore more of him. Filled with desire and a strong need for him to be inside her, she held her breath and watched him as he parted her swollen flesh with his long fingers and lowered his head. A whimper escaped her, and she reached for him, tangling her fingers into his thick hair, intending to pull him away but more desperate to let him do what he wanted.

  Tension increased through her as he pressed kisses to her most sensitive skin and licked her swollen flesh with one long stroke of his warm tongue. Her body tightened, and she thought she’d come as his lips and tongue moved down again ever closer to her wet opening. Instead, she shivered while he devoured her. When his tongue delved deep inside her, she curled her fingers in his scalp. A keening cry escaped her, and her body arched. He didn’t stop but drove her ever higher.

  “Mike!” Her climax took her with more power than she’d ever known. Ecstasy soared, light flashing around her as orgasmic contractions rocked her.

  Slowly, the exquisite throbbing eased to teasing pulses.

  Chapter Two

  My God. How did that happen? She panted and strove to regain her breath.

  When her body quieted, she opened her eyes. Mike watched her, a smile lifting the corners of his mouth. His beautiful eyes sparkled with warm satisfaction. A soft growl came from deep in his chest. He rejoined her on the couch, leaning down to embrace her. Sated and lethargic, she gave him a trembling smile.

  “You’re incredible,” he said.

  “You’re awesome.”

  He kissed a trail from her breasts to her belly and left her speechless. He pushed her to an animalistic hunger. She’d never known such feelings before…and she wanted more.

  The damp heat of his body merged with hers. His chest hair tickled her nipples. The hard length of his arousal pressed against her belly. Shouldn’t she give him the same release?

  He captured her lips and ravaged her mouth with a searing kiss. Tangling her tongue with his, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pulled him closer. She loved the press of his body on top of her and folded her legs around his hips. His kiss made her moan with pleasure.

  A noise came from the kitchen. It kept buzzing. Damn, what was that?

  Mike broke the kiss. “Is that the timer?”

  “Oh…yes.”

  “Stay here. I’ll get it.” As he rose to his feet, he slid from the hug of her limbs. He straightened his boxers and jeans as he crossed the room, the heels of his boots ringing against the wood floor.

  Melissa remained on her back. She sprawled naked. Instantly, she sat up and reached for her clothing on the rug by the couch. The timer clicked off, and the oven door squeaked open and closed.

  “Looks delicious,” Mike called from the kitchen.

  Melissa pulled on her panties and dragged on her jeans before he came back and found her still half clothed.

  * * * *

  Mike stood in the doorway of the kitchen, one hand on each side of the door frame, and stared at Melissa. The wolf in him threatened to destroy his control and take her with no gentleness.

  Her tousled hair framed her lovely face. She zipped her jeans, and the motions pushed her lush, naked breasts together, her dusky rose nipples erect and seductive. She hadn’t hooked her bra or buttoned her shirt yet. Driven by the beast within, he wanted her now. He crossed the room, his strides resounding sharply on the floor. He intended to have one more kiss, one more taste of her satin skin, before she served up dinner.

  She glanced at him and brought the edges of her shirt together.

  “Don’t,” Mike said, his voice a soft rasp.

  She bit her lower lip and released the shirt’s edges. “I thought you’d want to eat now.”

  She had that right. He wanted to devour her. “It won’t hurt to let it cool a bit. It’s still boiling hot.” In two strides, he reached her, pulled her into his arms, and covered her mouth with his. He tangled his tongue with hers, delving deep as he cupped and stroked one full, warm breast. His cock was still raging and tight. He wanted to take her hard and fast, bury himself deep inside her.

  The animal in him wanted to dominate. But the human side wouldn’t take a chance on hurting her or getting her pregnant. Not when she didn’t know what he’d become. Ruthless, feral, half wolf, half human. And if she did know that about him, she’d probably scream and chase him the hell away. Never let him come near her again. But what if she would let him love her?

  She was the most giving woman he’d ever known. The kindest, most considerate. Her touch on his bare skin had been pure heaven. When she’d taken his cock in her hand, touching and caressing, he’d thought he’d come right then. The wolf in him wanted to mate with her and keep her by his side for all time.

  The human side feared that wasn’t possible.

  She moaned as he rubbed his thumb over a firm nipple. He broke the kiss and trailed his lips down her soft throat. Releasing her breast, he pushed her shirt and bra strap off her shoulder. He embraced her gently as he pressed kisses along her shoulder. Her sweet scent intoxicated him.

  She arched her neck back, her long hair draping like silk over his arm. He licked the dampened skin between her breasts. He loved her taste and could never get enough of her. Her hand rubbed his cock.

  Damn. He was close to losing it. He reached down and unbuttoned his jeans. Opening his shorts, he led her hand to his bare flesh and curled her fingers around his eager cock once again. While she stroked up and down the length of him, he lowered his head to suck her nipples, first one then the other, flicking each peak with the tip of his tongue.

  Her quick, short breaths matched his. Tentative, slender fingers delved lower and fondled his balls. Fuck. He was losing control.

  “Melissa.” He groaned as he strained to keep the ravaging beast at bay.

  “Yes?” she whispered. Her eyes were wide and her lips swollen. She parted them for another kiss.

  He’d never felt so tempted. Could he make love to her without hurting her? She was delicate and inexperienced. He needed to be gentle, but could he be? He wanted to make love with Melissa, but he wouldn’t. Not tonight. Maybe never. Kissing her softly, he took a half step back.

  It had been a long while since he’d had sex, and not ever with a woman he loved. He’d cared for Melissa for as long as he’d known her. He didn’t want to mess up. He glided his hands up her ribs to her breasts, and she gave a little moan.

  Kneeling in front of her, he pressed kisses down her body to her waist and dipped his tongue in her navel. When she chuckled, he looked up to see her smile.

  “I think we better eat before dinner is cold,” she said.

  He pressed his lips and tongue to her clit through her panties. She gasped, and her fingers squeezed his shoulders.

  With a resigned moan, he pressed another kiss to her then rose to his feet. He helped her straighten her clothing. Taking her hips in his hands, he pulled her against his cock. Just one more kiss.

  He watched her pleasure-filled gaze as she gently pressed her hands against his chest, moving him back a step. Her eyes darkened even more as she looked him over slowly.

  “Would you prefer eating in here or at the kitchen table?” she asked
.

  Her words taunted him. “Are you on the menu?”

  His cell phone rang where he’d left it on the coffee table. He grabbed it up and hit the call button. “Yeah.”

  “Hey, Mike,” Derek answered. “Afraid we lost those guys in the streets below Rim. We’ve searched, but that car is nowhere to be found. What do you want us to do?”

  “Hell, call it a night,” Mike said, disappointment plain in his voice.

  “We have a plan we want to discuss with you,” Derek said. “Call us when you’re free.”

  “See you tomorrow.” Mike ended the call and shoved the cell into his jeans pocket. He buttoned up his jeans and turned to Melissa. She’d buttoned her shirt. He slipped his hand around her waist. “Let’s eat.”

  “Was that Derek?” she asked.

  “Yeah. They lost the car in the streets near downtown.”

  She grimaced.

  “I’m going to stay here with you tonight. You shouldn’t be alone.”

  “Thank you. I’ll feel safer.”

  “Good. I’m starving.” As she spooned the lasagna onto the plates, he buttoned his shirt and tucked it in. She handed him a plate filled with the fragrant pasta. He placed it on the kitchen table, held her chair for her, and joined her.

  * * * *

  Mike awoke to the sound of Melissa’s cries. He lurched up from the bed and remembered she was right beside him. Turning to her, he spoke softly. “Melissa.”

  She quieted. “Mike?”

  “I’m here.”

  She groped for him. Mike put his hand at her waist and pulled her close. As he wrapped an arm around her, she rested her head on his shoulder. Tendrils of her silken hair feathered over his chest.

  She groaned. “I had a bad dream about those guys catching me. I couldn’t get away and I ran and ran. Their hands were like claws reaching for me.” She shuddered.