Mercury Striking (The Scorpius Syndrome #1)(91)

“It’s too late not to.” He rubbed his thumb over her lips, sending tingles through her entire body. “At least for me.” Sighing, he sat back on his haunches, his gaze remaining sure and steady. “I know I’m difficult. I spanked you, and I tied you up with a belt.” His bare shoulder lifted, rippling muscles. “I’ll probably do both again.”

The words jolted her. “Hey.” Her hands fell into her lap.

He shrugged. “Well, I will. Might as well be honest about it. I am who I am, and you’re, well, you.”

Her head snapped up. I am who I am? “Listen, Popeye.”

He barked out a laugh. “Cute.” His hands manacled her wet jeans around her thighs. “You’re smart and spirited, and I never thought I’d meet anybody like you. If there are bullets, I’m between you and them. If you get taken, I’m hunting you down till my last breath. And if you end up in hell, I’ll storm the fucking place until the fires go out.”

Everything inside her—the good and the bad, the strong and the terrified, the feminine and the scientist—all turned over. An ache for him, one with a sharp edge, filled her throughout. Her mind tried to take control. “You don’t even know me.”

“Don’t I?” he asked, gaze dark and so male it stole her breath away.

“No,” she breathed, her hands fluttering over his.

He flipped his hands over and captured hers. “You’re the woman who walked by herself into hostile territory, knowing there was a good chance you’d get your head blown off. Or worse.” He leaned in, brushing warmth across her skin. “You’re a woman who took and gave what she wanted with me, not playing games, not trying to manipulate me. You’re a woman who has worked in the infirmary with people who hate you, and you’ve sacrificed yourself to get to Myriad in the slim hopes of saving a humanity that probably doesn’t deserve saving.” His eyes softened to the color of warmed bourbon. “And you’re the woman who put her body between my best friend and certain death, trying to protect him.”

She tried to tug away, and he held her tight. Tears pricked the backs of her eyes. “Jax, I can’t—”

“I’m not asking for anything from you, Lynne. I know who I am, what I’ve done. I’m a kid from the streets who got out and still killed, and now I’m just surviving until I take a bullet to the head.” He brushed her lips with his. “I’m just telling you how it is.”

Desire blasted through her from just that simple kiss. “Man, you really don’t see yourself,” she murmured. How could she not open herself up to him? The guy had already walked through hell for her. “You’re a hero, Jax. You fight for people and don’t even know why, but you keep going.” She leaned in and kissed him. Hard.

His mouth opened over hers, and he took over the kiss, as she’d known he would. He leaned back and tugged her shirt over her head. “You need to warm up.”

She smiled and then faltered as blue reflected on his face. A glance down showed the neon blue across her chest, spreading into blood vessels before blending into her body.

He placed a hand over her heart and waited until her gaze lifted. “I like the blue.”

Those words. Four simple words, and they stole the fight right out of her. She closed her eyes and then opened them, reaching for his belt buckle. “I’ll protect you, Jax.”

He smiled and tugged her to land on top of him, shucking her wet jeans in one smooth motion. Weapons and clothing hit the floor, and soon she lay on top of him, his skin finally warming her. “You going to take up arms for me?” he asked, kissing her deep, sending her world spinning.

She caressed over his broad shoulders. “No. I’ll just protect you.” It was all she had to offer, and she gave it to him. She licked along his jaw to bite his earlobe.

He rolled them over, his gaze darkening with understanding. “You’re a sweetheart, Harmony.”

The dim candlelight flicked over his sharp features, highlighting the wildness living inside him. He rose above her, so male and powerful, yet so damn human. “The world wouldn’t agree with you,” she whispered, sliding her hands through his thick hair.

“Fuck the world.” He leaned to the side and yanked a condom from his jeans. “Today’s raid was a success, at least in one area.”

Lynne chuckled. They’d found an entire box of condoms in an exec’s desk. Apparently the guy was prepared at work. Jax ripped open the foil and quickly unrolled the rubber. He poised at her entrance and slowly eased inside her, stopping several times for her to relax and accept his size.

“Fuck, it’s like coming home.” He lowered his head and took her mouth, pressing her back against the carpet, his tongue claiming her.

She kissed him back, her body rioting, feeling more than filled.

He gripped her hands and pressed them above her head, entwining her fingers with his. Holding her in place. “Wrap your legs around me.” Even gentle, even sweet, Jax was all control.

She obeyed, arching against him, groaning at the contact. Not only did she not have to be in control, but as usual, he wasn’t giving her the choice. That lit her on fire in a way she never would’ve imagined. He started to move, slowly at first and then with speed. Magma boiled up, sharpening her nipples, igniting a craving only he could satisfy. She lifted her hips, meeting him, taking all he could give.