Boiling Point (Crossing the Line #3)(64)

She wasn’t making any sense, but Austin’s hand left the steering wheel to squeeze her knee, telling her without words that he understood. And that was all that mattered. Finally, they turned down her block, bringing her building into view. Employing the same precision with which he did everything, Austin parallel parked alongside the curb and exited the vehicle to open her door. She studied his offered hand in fascination for a moment, amazed that it appeared to be an ordinary hand when she knew how he could use it.

“Help me breathe, Polly,” he grated.

Polly shook herself and slid her fingers onto his palm, gasping when he yanked her out of the car, into his side. He hastily locked the doors and led her to the building’s entrance, his footsteps brisk and familiar. But different. Because everything was different now. The way he’d been watching her ever since his declaration in her father’s kitchen…it wasn’t simply lust and fascination anymore. At first, Austin had appeared a little unsettled by his own vehemence, but it hadn’t been long before his demeanor had begun to own the words. Grow more powerful within them. Primal possessiveness had been present in every mannerism, every flare of emotion in his eyes.

As soon as they were off the street and ascending the stairs, Austin’s touch was beneath her dress, one strong hand molding her bottom.

Polly stumbled on the stair, gripping the wooden banister for balance. “I can’t concentrate on walking when you’re doing that.”

“I drove the last forty miles with you moaning f*ck me Austin from the passenger’s seat.” He swatted her backside. “You can make it three flights.”

Dented pride spread a blush down her neck to shade her chest, but it was cut with perilous arousal. Since their physical relationship had begun, she’d been the one making the calls. Saying she’d enjoyed being in charge was a vast understatement, but this Austin, the demanding one who was abusing her bottom in his grip on their way upstairs? The one who commanded her libido at will, without apology? Yeah, she was starving for him, too. A week ago, this kind of treatment wouldn’t have flown with her—not from Austin—but she trusted him now. Trusted him enough to let the control he’d granted slip from her hands into his.

A wave of anticipation speared up her legs to manifest between her thighs as they stopped outside her apartment door. Austin’s gaze was riveted on her neck, but he didn’t devour her the way she expected. His hesitation was obvious in the taut lines of his frame, although he clearly wanted to pounce. He still thinks it has to be on my terms. She couldn’t wait to strip him of that notion.

They both flinched when the peephole across the hallway darkened, a wooden floorboard creaking. Either Erin or Connor was watching, their vigilance typical for any of the wary squad members, and serving Polly’s new purpose at the same time.

Refusing to second-guess the impulses that felt so right, Polly pressed her back up against the door and beckoned Austin closer. There was only a momentary flare of surprise before he pounced, forcefully conforming his rigid body to her softer, pliant one. “You crook your finger at me, little Mistress,” he breathed at her temple. “You better have a satisfying demand to make when I get here.”

Hyperaware they were being watched, knowing this was her chance to claim Austin as her man in front of the squad who’d made him persona non grata, Polly traced her mouth across Austin’s stubbled cheek. “I can make demands,” she whispered, their mouths brushing. “But only if it pleases you.”

Austin ceased breathing, but the rest of him pulsed with urgent, renewed energy. “What is this?” His voice was rubbed raw. “Don’t play games with me when I’m this hungry. My life’s plan starts and ends with getting my cock inside you.”

Swaying under the tingling blast of desire, she positioned her mouth over his. “If you’re so hungry, maybe you should kiss me.”

A line snapped inside Austin. He devoured her like a starving man, dry-humping her against the door as his tongue invaded with greedy strokes. She never wanted him to stop, could hardly think past how easily the bulge pushing between her legs could drive her to a climax. But she had to focus. There was so much that needed straightening out. Without breaking the kiss, Polly fumbled with her keys, turning them in the lock, allowing them both to crash into the apartment. Austin kicked the door shut, rubbing a hand over his swollen mouth. His eyes were bright, feverish as he strode in her direction.

Polly held up a hand, halting him in his tracks. “W-wait.”

Attention locked on her like an unrelenting magnet, Austin unbuttoned his shirt and threw it to the ground. His lip curled in satisfaction when Polly gulped at the sight of his magnificence. “You take ownership of me in front of them and then ask me to wait? Do you have any idea how eager to please you I am right now? After what you did?”

“Yes, I know,” Polly whispered, reaching behind her back to unzip her dress. She let it flutter into a pool at her feet, emboldened when Austin’s smirk crumbled. She hadn’t been wearing a bra, and after he’d destroyed her panties with his teeth, had zero coverage to speak of. “I know you want to please me, but you deserve to have me just as desperate to please you. And I am.”

Apprehension shaded his expression, but his bravado found its place just as quickly. A potent dose of nerves assailed her. Why was he ignoring her obvious efforts? Had she waited too long to give him the same trust he’d given her? Nothing could stop her from watching as Austin made short work of his belt. His movements were uncharacteristically clumsy as he lowered the zipper and drew out his substantial erection, teeth clenched as he fisted it. “Is it to your liking, Mistress?”