Rush (Breathless #1)(94)

She increased the speed and force of her movements, taking him higher and higher and closer to the edge until his jaw bulged, his eyes glittered and something unintelligible escaped raggedly from his lips.

She saw the moment he came. Even before she felt his release, she could see it in his eyes. The immense burst of fire, the way they momentarily blanked. Then his hands settled firmly at her waist and he gripped her so hard he’d leave marks.

But then one of his hands slipped even lower and his finger glided through her folds to her clit, stroking as she continued to rock over him.

When she began to close her eyes, his command was swift, for the first time asserting himself.

“Eyes. On me, Mia. When you come, I have your eyes.”

She focused on him, her orgasm rising, billowing with excruciating intensity. She was a restless wild thing atop him and now it was his turn to anchor her. To be that steady calm. He stroked his hand down her body while he gently pressed his fingers to her clit.

It was overwhelming. She didn’t even have the strength to remain upright as she began to come apart. She tensed and slumped forward and he gathered her in his arms, pulling her down, cradling her into his chest as her orgasm quaked over her, a sudden, fierce storm.

Gabe collected her against him, his mind reeling with what he’d just experienced. He was in awe. He was humbled. Most of all he was so damn grateful.

He had no words to describe what she’d just done for him. She’d made love to him. After what he’d done to her, that he still had her trust, much less her giving the gift of herself so selflessly.

He was overcome by what he held in his arms. Gripped by a possessiveness so fierce that he couldn’t comprehend it. He hated himself for what he’d done. And yet she didn’t. And that was almost more than he could bear.

She touched a part of him he’d thought was inaccessible. A part that had been jealously guarded for years. And she’d gotten there with no effort whatsoever. She’d walked into his life and heart like she belonged.

And the hell of it was that he was convinced she did.

Chapter thirty-three

As traumatic an experience as Paris had been for her, in many ways, that night played a crucial turning point in their relationship. Gabe was even more fiercely protective of her and he displayed a tenderness—an emotional tenderness—that had been absent before.

It heartened Mia. Made her dare to dream that they could eventually be more than just a contract. She loved Gabe and she only fell more under his spell with every passing day. Love made her patient. It made her hopeful.

The only thing she regretted was that their relationship was secret. From the world. From Jace. Especially from Jace.

Jace had picked up on Mia’s upset when she and Gabe had returned from Paris. She hated having to lie to him when he asked her what was wrong. She’d played it off as a stomach bug and jet lag. Thank God for Caroline’s expertise with makeup. She’d been able to hide the evidence of her bruise until it faded.

Thanksgiving was approaching, and Gabe had been invited to his parents’ house for the occasion. As much as Gabe had mourned their breakup, he seemed to be struggling with their getting back together as well. There was betrayal in his eyes when he looked at his dad, and he was still fiercely protective of his mother. He blamed his father for hurting his mother.

Mia wasn’t sure of her own Thanksgiving plans. Gabe had seemed torn between spending the holiday with his parents and remaining with Mia. She’d insisted that he accept their invitation. It was only for a day. It was likely Mia would spend it with Jace provided he planned to be in town. If not, she’d hang out with Caro and her family.

Gabe didn’t like the idea of her spending the holiday away from him, but what was there for him to do about it? Unless he wanted to go public with their relationship—and so far he’d been solidly against that.

“Have you finished putting those bids in a presentation for my meeting with Jace and Ash?” Gabe asked from across the room.

Mia glanced up to see him staring at her, warmth and tenderness lighting his eyes. Yes, he’d definitely changed in his actions toward her. He’d become more…human. Someone she believed could love her in return.

“Just finishing up,” she said. “There are spots for the other two bids. As soon as I receive them, I’ll input the information.”

Gabe nodded approvingly. “We’ll make our selection this week. It’s possible that I’ll need to return to Paris closer to Christmas. Would you want to go?”

That was another thing that had changed with Gabe. Before, he’d never asked her what she wanted to do or if she wanted to travel with him somewhere. He told her where he expected her to be. She hadn’t had a choice in any of it.

Now? Now he never demanded. Though she could often discern what he wanted her decision to be, he never made it for her.

“I’d love to go to Paris at Christmas,” she said, excitement squeaking in her voice.

He smiled, relief welling in his eyes. “I’ll make our arrangements and I’ll include an extra day so you can see anything we missed the first time.”

If she’d felt ridiculously spoiled before, it was to the point of absurdity now. He was a complete dream. So very attentive to her needs. Responsive to anything he perceived she wanted or needed.

It was an experience she thoroughly enjoyed. She savored every gentle touch, every look of concern, every attention to exacting detail where she was concerned.