Slade (The Protectors #6)(20)
Before she could open the door, his large hand appeared above her head keeping the door closed with his strength. Jill kept her face toward the door. She may not be a coward for saying what she said—stupid maybe, not a coward. No, the coward part came when it was time to face him.
“Turn around.” It was a harsh demand that sent shivers down her spine in an erotic way. “Now!” he growled.
Jill did, but kept her eyes closed. She felt him all around her, his energy and power suffocating. Taking a deep breath, his unique smell hit her senses, making her shiver.
“Open your eyes and look at me, Jill.” Slade’s demand sounded far away. Slowly, she opened her eyes, bringing them up at a leisurely pace devouring his hard chest, thick corded neck, strong square jawline, full kissable lips, perfect nose and finally to his sexy eyes that were dark and searching.
“I didn’t—” she whispered, but his words stopped her.
“Shut up.” His demand cleared her foggy mind.
“Don’t tell me to shut—” Her words were cut short as he slammed his mouth down on hers. Jill had been kissed, but never like this. Slade took total control with his mouth, tongue and body. He took her breath as he ravaged her with his lips. Suddenly afraid this would be the only kiss she would get from this Warrior, she sprang into action, kissing him back with the force of a woman starved for attention, his attention…only his.
Slade grabbed her jaw in a tight grip, pulling away, his breathing harsh. “I’ve wanted you, against my will, from the first moment I saw you. You have haunted me, but I’m warning you, Jillian, once you are mine, it will be body and soul. Do you understand me?”
Did she? Did she understand? Her nod said one thing, but her eyes reflected the uncertainty of his words.
“Fuck!” Slade pulled away, but didn’t let her go. He looked above her head, taking deep breaths. “I don’t think you are ready for a man like me.” He laid his chin on top of her head. “I may ask too much of you, need too much from you.”
Wishing she could see his face, Jill pulled back. “No one has ever needed anything from me, Slade. I need to be needed.” She drew in a shaky breath. “I need you.”
“Do you know what dominance is, Jill?” His glanced down at her, his eyes still searching for something Jill prayed she could give him.
Understanding finally evaded her brain. “Yes, I do…” She looked into his eyes, then with a small smile added, “Sir.” She may not be able to read, but she loved books and listened to audios anytime she could find the time and thank God, for that and Cherise Sinclair.
His growl at her response sent sensations through her body almost scaring her with the intensity. “I’m very demanding behind closed doors,” Slade warned, his breath hot against her face.
“Are you trying to scare me off?” Jill asked, her hand grasping his shirt in an attempt to show him it wasn’t working.
“Yes, I am.” Slade cursed again managing to pull out of her grip, but kept his eyes on her, looking torn.
“You either want me or you don’t, Slade.” Jill stood there, terrified of what he was going to see if he looked too hard.
“Oh, there is no doubt I want you, Jill.” He grabbed her hand placing it on his hard cock that was pressing to be free. He bent down, tilting his head to see her better. “Does that scare you?”
“No, it doesn’t.” She pressed her hand harder against him as she tilted her head mocking him. “Does that scare you?”
Slade totally pulled away as if her touch burned him. “You’re playing with things you don’t understand.”
“No, actually, you’re the one playing, Warrior.” Jill knew without a doubt he could walk out that door right now, but her mind and body couldn’t take much more. She was either going to go insane or up in flames; hell, she might do both. “I said what I had to say, even as embarrassing as it was, but I f*cking said it. Now, it’s your turn.”
When he remained silent, the tick in his jaw beat a frantic pulse as he glared at her.
Taking off her shirt, she threw it at him. He just stood as it hit his chest and fell to the floor. The only thing that moved was his eyes as they caressed her body. “And I repeat…you either want me or you don’t.” Inside, she prayed he wanted her. If not, she was pretty confident she would die. His silence might kill her anyway. “Say something, dammit!”
Her words seemed to snap him out of it. “Fuck!” With a curse, he made his way past her toward the door. Jill watched, her heart sinking to her stomach as angry tears threatened to explode from her eyes.
“You bastard,” Jill’s words quivered as she turned her back on him. She couldn’t stand seeing him walk out the door. She grabbed the nearest object ready to throw it at the closed door, but stopped when she heard the loud sound of the lock clicking.
“Let’s get one thing straight, Jillian.” Slade’s deep voice washed over her like a caress. Whenever he used her full name, her insides shook. “If you ever threaten to kill yourself, even in a teasing manner or call me names again, I will blister your ass.”
Only turning her head, she peeked over her shoulder. Her eyes going from the lock to him, something inside her that she didn’t know existed came to the surface, a sexy half-grin formed on her lips. “Promise?” Even her voice sounded different to her own ears. She knew without a doubt she was playing with fire. As he grabbed her pulling her to him, her body became supersensitive, her skin and insides felt electrified. This had to be what heaven felt like.