Behind the Lies (Montgomery Justice #2)(74)

“Leave the bandage, but everything else—take it off,” he said, his voice husky with acceptance, his gaze hooded.

She nodded and slipped her hand beneath his shirt until she encountered several butterflies against his skin. Carefully, she eased up the right side of the material and peered at the healing cut slicing across his chest with the strategically placed bandages holding his skin together. “How did this happen?”

“Occupational hazard,” he shrugged.

She bent down, lowering her mouth, and kissed his ribs next to the injury. His blue eyes glazed over and a low groan escaped, starting deep and rumbling in his throat.

“You’ve sacrificed too much for me and Sam already,” she said, gently caressing the mottled bruises over his chest. “And everyone else. Let me take care of you for a change.”

Jenna could see in his eyes he wanted to protest. She didn’t give him the chance. Leaning over him, she let her mouth hover over his. She wet her lips. A strangled groan escaped him. He reached up, claiming her, holding her captive with his kiss.

He tugged her to him, gripping her hair, and she let him take over. She fell into his embrace as he caressed her back. His tongue begged entrance and she gladly succumbed. Her hands roamed the strong muscles of his biceps, and Zach returned the favor, exploring her back, then slipping beneath her shirt.

His rough fingertips against her skin sent a shiver through her. His lips left hers and she nearly whimpered at the loss until he nipped at her collarbone, tugging at the shirt that scraped against her sensitive skin. As if reading her greatest wish, one by one by one he unbuttoned the cotton. She shrugged out of the top and threw the garment aside.

He cupped a silk-covered breast in his hand. With a flick he released the front clasp of her bra. He stared at her, unmoving, for what seemed like ages.

She squirmed under his unwavering gaze, shifted, and covered herself with her hands.

“Don’t,” he whispered.

Suddenly shy and uncertain, she lowered her gaze. “You’ve been with the most beautiful women in the world. How can I compete?”

His hand moved hers aside, then trailed down her curve, cupping its weight. “None of those women were real. Took me hours to make five minutes look easy, and, Jenna, none of those women made me shake with want the way you do.”

She couldn’t look away. Cobalt flecks of fire burned in his eyes, now hooded with passion.

“You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” he said, his voice husky.

“You promised not to lie,” she said, unable to keep the hurt from her voice.

He clutched her waist, his gaze capturing hers. “You’re strong. You fight for your son.” At the dancing of his fingertips across her belly, a tremor fluttered through her. “You’re unbelievably responsive. That makes you more than beautiful. That makes you perfect in my arms.”

The muscles in Zach’s neck corded as he strained his hips against her. His burgeoning length pressed against his zipper. “I’ve never wanted anyone more. I promise.”

He pulled her down toward him and teased her nipple, triggering shocks of utter pleasure. She clutched his head closer. “Please don’t stop,” she gasped.

With a gentle push, he rolled her onto her back and unfastened the buttons of her jeans. Her body swelled in anticipation of his touch. His fingertips toyed with the lace encircling her hips.

His mouth skirted the shell of her ear and he nipped at the sensitive skin. “You want me, but not more than I want you. Can I have you, Jenna? Now? Tonight?”

She shivered at his low tones, and nodded her head.

With a groan, he slipped beneath the satin and found the center of her heat. Passion pooled low between her thighs, nerves begging for attention. He stroked her softness, toying, tempting, teasing the tiny nub of nerves. She gasped and her body hovered over a precipice. She held her breath, and then he backed away.

“Please, please.” She nearly sobbed with want. She lifted her hips toward his touch. “Don’t leave me like this,” she panted.

“I have no plans on going anywhere anytime soon,” he purred. “Lift up.”

She didn’t know how she made her quaking body obey, but within seconds, her jeans and panties had vanished and she lay open to him.

He kissed her belly, her hipbone, then tasted her center.

“Zach,” she begged, straining for heights she’d never known. Her entire body quaked with want. “I need you.”

“As you wish,” he growled.

He struggled to remove his clothes. Hurriedly, she pushed his hand away, carefully unbuttoned, and lowered his zipper. He shucked off the garment, rose above her, and shifted between her thighs. She clutched at his shoulders, pulling him closer, shifting her hips to relieve the tension growing, building, wanting.

She scraped along his back and Zach groaned at her touch. “Make me feel, Jenna,” he growled. “Make me burn.”

Trembling, she reached down and took him in her hand, squeezing his hard length.

“Stop,” he moaned. “I can’t take it.”

She stroked him, and he surged against her.

Her lips parted, and she nipped at the corner of his mouth. “Who’s torturing who now?”

Shuddering in her arms, he bit back a cry and shoved her hands away. “No more.”