Way of the Warrior (Troubleshooters #17.5)(104)

The vise that had been gripping his heart released. He tumbled her gently onto her back and then kissed her—a long, slow, tender, languorous kiss. Against her lips, he murmured, “I love you, Alisha. I love you.”

He could feel her smile against his lips as her fingers sank into his hair.

She rubbed her breasts against his chest, the luscious tips of her nipples teasing his flesh.

A growl climbed up his throat, possessive and hungry. She was his.

“It’s my turn,” she stated, her eyes flashing with emotion.

He released his hold on her. He wasn’t going to argue, even though every fiber in his being wanted to take her now.

Alisha rolled him onto his back. This was a woman who knew what she wanted. She pushed his arms over his head. Her fingers stroking the tender flesh around his wrist, down his forearm, and up his bicep. Then, she grabbed his jaw and slowly lowered her face to his. All the while her eyes were teasing him, asking him how long he could relinquish control.

For this kind of torture, he was all game. She didn’t know that he’d go to the very edge of want and then even further to make her happy. But, she would learn what a giving soul he was.

When her lips touched his, he wanted to wrap his arms around her…lose himself in the kiss. Her soft lips were the stuff of sirens and legends, and they were undoing his mighty hold on control. “No fair,” he murmured.

“Every move is fair on the game board of love.” Her voice was thick with want. He knew that sound, and he could feel her body rubbing on his.

His body responded, craving her, needing her. He gritted his teeth, trying to deny the effect she had on him.

Her fingernails trailed over his nipples, gently teasing and inciting.

Her hips lifted, and she rubbed that most tender part of herself over him.

He stopped her and put on a condom.

She smiled at him and then went back to her toying.

His body tightened, hardened further until she could guide him to the exact place she wanted him.

How could he deny the pleasure of that inner sanctum? For anyone else, he could keep his control intact, but not with her. Alisha had always been his undoing. Maybe that was why he hadn’t pushed a relationship with her so long ago. She was the kind of woman who could suck his focus away if he wasn’t careful.

Did women know they had that kind of power? The right person for the right person was a game changer for an entire lifetime. He hoped not! Otherwise, his little vixen was going to be on the winning end of all arguments in their home.

As he slid inside her, every thought in his brain ceased. This was heaven, the absolute peacefulness of pure bliss, and as she lifted his arms and placed them on her hips, her eyes caught his. She rocked gently back and forth until they were moving in rhythm together. The passion grew with every movement and each stroke, until he was holding on by a mere thread of control.

Her fingernails scraped gently over his stomach as she tormented him. Her hands moved up her own body to cup her breasts.

He licked his lips, wanting so badly to touch her.

She lifted his hands, placed them over her breasts, and wrapped her hands around his.

His thumbs stroked in unison, gently over her nipples.

Her eyes widened as she quickened her pace.

“Yes,” he murmured as her back arched and she came. Again and again, her body tightened over his until his precious waiting was over, and he gave himself completely to her.

He cried out. “Alisha.” It was a plea, a thank-you, and a rallying cry that released his need and brought him even closer to her, the woman he loved. The feeling of being connected at the physical root of each other along with the spiritual connection was so palpable that he felt he could reach out and touch her soul. Could she feel his?

He lifted himself up to her. They kissed, a loving lock of lips that had him feeling like they were wrapped in a cocoon together. Alone. And that no one else in the world existed.

When they pulled apart, he could see tears in her eyes. “Hey, what’s this about?”

She shook her head. “I…I’ve never felt so connected with anyone but you.” Her hands fluttered between them. “I was prepared to make this into a contest or game, so that I wouldn’t get hurt. But, when you’re here, I cannot stop my heart from connecting with yours. I’m naked in front of you.”

“What’s wrong with that? Both figuratively and literally,” he asked. “I could change the tone and mood of the conversation. Do you want me to punctuate it with…this is how it is and you can take it or leave it?”

Alisha sat up. Her back was ramrod straight. “That turns this discussion into a power struggle. After that incredible moment, is this what you want?”

“Maybe. Make-up sex is a great way to go.”

Her hand slapped at his chest. “Jonah! Be serious.”

“No, my love, this isn’t what I want. I’d prefer laying all the cards on the table and finding the best medium. We both need to bend, and we both need to lead. Right now, I’m following your lead. Tell me…what you want.”

She laughed. Her outburst turned into a fit of giggles. When she finally stopped and laid her head on his chest, he nuzzled his chin against her head. To an outsider, it might appear that Alisha was unhinged, but he knew her better. This was her process. She was a creative person, an artist, and thus had a lot of emotional depth.