Forged in Desire (The Protectors #1)(44)

“That car probably won’t return tonight, so it’s okay. But if you prefer, we can keep them off,” he said, flipping the switch and throwing them into darkness again. And then he began moving toward her.

When he came to a stop in front of her, she tilted her head to look up at him. “What’s going on, Striker?”

When he didn’t answer but reached for her hand, she asked in a strained voice, “What do you think you’re doing?”

He felt it just like she did—sexual attraction that had the ability to overpower them, send spikes of heat through their bodies even when they didn’t want it to. When they couldn’t fight it. This time it was more intense than ever. Hell, even his balls were on fire.

He eased in a little closer, so close their bodies touched. Their hands were still joined, their fingers entwined, and what felt like electrical shock waves were traveling all through their limbs. He felt a deep thumping in his chest from the forceful acceleration of his heart.

“Striker, what are you doing?”

She posed the question again. He figured Margo needed to pay better attention since she should know by now what usually followed the hand-holding. “I’m about to kiss you, Margo.”

Pulling her even closer into his arms, he lowered his mouth to hers.





CHAPTER SIXTEEN

PROTECTOR OR SEDUCER? Which one was the real Striker Jennings? Margo wondered. She had a feeling the answer was both, although it was the seducer who was winning her over right now. He’d already demonstrated just what an experienced kisser he was. Now he was taking all that skill to a whole other level.

Her knees had nearly buckled the moment his tongue had entered her mouth. Then, without wasting any time, he’d begun mating his mouth sensuously with hers. She closed her eyes, feeling whatever strength she had left drain from her body. Resisting him was clearly not an option at this point.

She had come to know his taste that first time and had savored it with each kiss since. But now she wanted to do more than just savor. She wanted to consume it in a way that would be downright scandalous. When had Margo Connelly ever done anything shocking? Disreputable? Outrageous?

Never. Until now.

The instant his mouth had come down on hers, he had captured her tongue and held it hostage while he sucked on it. And he was doing so in a way that had her heart pounding and the juncture of her thighs throbbing. How in the world were they supposed to hold off the bad guys when they couldn’t hold off each other?

And then there was the way he was embracing her, deliberately letting her feel his long, hard erection pressing against her belly. The feel of that swollen shaft sharpened every sense she had, and little by little she was caught up in a wave of desire so thick she was becoming disoriented. They were wearing clothes, but they might as well be wearing nothing at all. Heat was consuming her, and she knew it had to be consuming him as well.

Instead of completely ending the kiss, Striker released her tongue to begin nibbling around her mouth, corner to corner. Then he took the tip of his tongue and licked where he’d nibbled, causing a drugging rush of need to swamp her.

“Striker?”

“Hmm?”

“Where will this lead?” She wanted to know. Had to know. Especially when she was standing here and letting him touch and taste her in a way no other man had done before.

Margo was well aware how his hands had been working her backside. When had a man kneaded her butt cheeks like dough? Pressed them closer to the fit of him. Included them in this process, and this was a process. If his intent was to drive her insane, make her lose her senses, then he was doing a real good job at it.

Then she noticed they were moving. He was leading her backward toward the sofa. When the backs of her legs brushed against the sofa, he released her mouth only to begin gently sucking on her lower lip. She could hear herself moan. He had quite a knack for making her do that.

When he finally pulled back, it was to stare down at her, his lips still wet from their kiss. “You want to know where this will lead, Margo?” he asked in a deep, husky voice, as he removed his holster carrying the Beretta and placed both on the table.

He was looking at her in a way that was so incredibly hot, she could barely breathe. The best she could do was nod in answer.

“It leads here.” And then he lowered her to the sofa.

*

STRIKER KNEW BETTER. He, of all people, knew this shouldn’t be happening, yet he wasn’t of a mind to stop it. He didn’t want to think about how things would be in the morning. After all the heat and lust had worn off. How their protector–client relationship would have taken a hit it could never recover from. Still, knowing all of that meant nothing right now. Not when he eased Margo on the sofa and followed her there, straddling her body.

They were still clothed, but he wasn’t sure just how long that would last. Not when he wanted to strip every single stitch off her. Not when he wanted to taste her all over but especially between the legs and then slide inside of her.

“I want to pleasure you,” he finally said, not able to remain silent any longer.

He could see the shocked look that appeared on her face. “Why are you surprised by what I just said?” He definitely needed her to explain.

She licked her lips as she stared up at him and said, “I’ve never had a man tell me that.”

“No?”