Beard Necessities (Winston Brothers, #7)(90)

I moaned instead of saying thank you, gasping, beyond words. I could only feel, the texture of his rough, hot skin, his hard body, his hand on me, plucking and rolling my nipple. The warm, heavy ache between my legs intensified, coiled until I entirely lost my grip on self-possession, spiraling.

Abruptly, he lifted to his knees, his hands bracketing my hips and lifting me, his stare hungrily moving over my face as I lost myself to the pleasure of it. I closed my eyes, my body bowing as I came apart, and still he moved.

Tremors fading, my lashes fluttered open and I found his gaze—dazed and hot and greedy—waiting for me. His eyes trailed to my chest, stomach, and finally to where he entered me. Sliding one hand to the front of my hip, he rubbed a circle around my clitoris with his thumb, causing my breath to hitch as my body coiled anew with sudden sharpness.

Grabbing the sheets in my mindlessness, searching for purchase, I splintered once more, the pain of it matched only by the pleasure. Vaguely, I was aware that this time he also lost himself, lying on top of me, his mouth fastening to mine as his hips jerked, thrusting roughly, filling me completely.

“I love you.” The words burst from him as he gathered and crushed me against his chest, rolling us to the side. “Marry me, please. Marry me.”

He sounded so lost, so vulnerable. Even in the aftermath of my bliss, the sound of his plea squeezed my heart, sobering the intoxication of the moment and solidifying my decision to rescue him. Pushing against his chest to wiggle free, I captured his face in my hands, holding his gaze intently so he could see the clarity in mine.

“I will marry you. You will be my husband, I will be your wife. And I will keep you safe.”

He blinked, as though my words startled him. Or perhaps he hadn’t realized he’d expressed his hopes out loud.

So I added, “But first you have to ask me twenty-four hours after we make love, when I’m convinced you’re thinking straight.”

A surprised, joyous looking smile split his face, his gaze suddenly sharp, but then he frowned just as suddenly. “We didn’t use a condom.”

I laughed, shaking my head and kissing his lips. “No. We didn’t. And I might get pregnant. And we haven’t talked about whether that’s something you want.”

“It is. But is it something—”

“Yes. With you, yes.” I placed featherlight kisses over his eyes, but when I leaned back, he was still frowning.

“I don’t want you to feel rushed,” he said solemnly, his gaze searching, his arms tightening around my body.

“Are you kidding? Was that a joke?”

A hint of a grin softened his features, but his tone turned thoughtful. “I keep telling myself there’s no rush, we should take our time, get to know each other as we are now.”

Unable to stay the impulse, I leaned forward and nibbled on his ear, whispering, “How’s that been going for you?”

“Not well.” His voice was gravel, his hands sliding down to my bottom. “I don’t know how to be cautious with you.”

That made me smile.

“We’ll add it to the list of items to discuss. Go back to sleep.” I turned, snuggling my back against his front as he nuzzled my ear.

“You got what you wanted, and now you let me sleep? Is that it?” he asked with obvious humor and affection.

“Yes. But I reserve the right to wake you if additional services are required.”

He laughed, a deep, rumble of a sound, tickling my ribs with one hand and holding me hostage with the other. “Good,” he whispered hotly against my ear, palming my breast. “I live to be of service.”

My body liked the sound of that, and my heart loved the smile in his voice. It was my brain that broke up the party, reminding me why I needed Billy to sleep.

He’d put everything on the line for me time and time again, risked his safety, his freedom, his health, his soul. He’d said his actions and decisions to save me from Razor had been for himself and now I finally understood. It wasn’t a debt to repay. He loved me, and so Billy had done whatever it took to keep me safe.

I couldn’t let him go to jail. What I was about to do was for myself. I love him, and I will do whatever it takes to keep him safe.

“Sleep time,” I whispered, forcing my body to relax.

He kissed my shoulder, and I felt him shift, arrange himself in a comfortable position all the while keeping hold of me. I waited until his breathing evened. I waited until he was asleep again. And then I waited a half hour longer, listening to him, feeling the press of his body, memorizing it.

Then I stood, showered, dressed, grabbed my phone, passport, and wallet, and wrote Billy a quick note before I left.



Dear Billy,

I was invited to perform at the Nashville Music Festival, but I was too afraid to commit. You’ve made me brave, your strength inspires me to be brave, and so I’ve decided to go. I couldn’t sleep, and if I want to make it on time I have to leave now.

I’ll meet you in Rome at the end of the week and we’ll pick up exactly where we left off (i.e. you naked, me naked, provision of services, etc.). Here’s a haiku to see you through:



Past, present, future.

I’ll never regret any

Moment loving you.



-Love, Scarlet





Chapter Twenty-One