Open Wounds (Harbour Bay #2)(39)
“I don’t like guns,” she said. “Every time I’m close to one, I turn to jelly.”
Which explained that afternoon and how shell-shocked she’d been after the last gunshot. He once more swept her into his arms just so that he could feel that she was alive. It had happened long ago but for him, it had only just occurred and his hand shook with emotion as he ran his fingers over her hair.
“Did they ever find the arsehole who did this to you?”
He hoped not, because he would love to meet the man who’d hurt Kellie and rip him limb from limb. His level of hatred and rage toward the man surprised him.
She shook her head. “Unfortunately, no. I’m just another of Harbour Bay’s unsolved crimes. Believe it or not, there’s quite a few, and it wasn’t from lack of trying on the part of the detective. In fact, I was surprised at his level of determination.” She glanced up at him and pinned him with a look. “Don’t feel sorry for me, Detective,” she warned.
“I don’t.” He saw that his words shocked her. Had she been expecting pity or sympathy? Was that what she’d received from everyone who knew the truth about her—even Amelia? His response had her studying him closely for signs of lying. He stroked her cheek and marvelled at the softness beneath his fingertips. “I believe what happens to you in the past makes you what you are today. And I happen to like the woman before me very much. You have strength very few people have and a heart of gold. I don’t know many people who would put up with Donovan this long.”
She smiled and his heart expanded at the sight. He’d been ruined for all other women. But that was okay because he had his heart set on this one. He wouldn’t give up on her no matter how hard she fought him.
“Kellie,” he said softly, as he leaned down and placed his lips on hers. They were soft and malleable beneath his own. The passion within him ignited once more as she began kissing him back. His tongue slipped inside her mouth and stroked hers. Her skirt slid over her hips to puddle on the floor as he lifted her easily. Her arms stole around his neck even as her legs wrapped around his waist. Her back hit the wall as he pressed himself against her. It was like they’d never stopped, picking back up from the moment he’d broken the sensual haze. He caught the hem of her blouse and raised it up, tossing it across the room as his gaze moved to breasts.
She had lovely breasts, small and pert beneath the lace bra. He growled and quickly removed the offending article of clothing. His gaze feasted on her hungrily before he leaned forward and took one pink nipple into his mouth and delicately sucked on it, causing her to arch her back and moan.
He took his time teasing the bud until it hardened, then moved onto the other. Kellie dug her nails into his shoulders as his hands freely roamed her body. When he reached the junction of her legs, he slipped beneath the edge of her panties and into the warmth of her body.
She rode his hand as he moved his finger within her, his thumb finding the pleasure nub hidden beneath her folds and applied pressure.
Her head thrashed back and forward on the wall as little mewling sounds escaped her mouth. Her desire-filled gaze caught his as she climaxed, and he swallowed her shout of pleasure as he pressed his lips to hers. Kellie went limp in his arms, her softness nestled against his straining zipper. Small beads of perspiration dotted his forehead with the effort it took not to follow her into sweet release. He held her close and made his way down the hallway to her bedroom, placing her gently on the mattress.
Kellie reached out and pulled him to her. He stood between her open legs as she worked on his zipper, gently sliding it down, allowing him to jump free into her waiting palm. She stoked the head with her thumb before sliding to the sensitive underside until he thought he would burst. When he felt her warm breath, he knew he would die soon if he didn’t have her. She pulled his pants and boxers down together, pooling around his feet as he removed the rest of her clothing.
He pulled the condom from his wallet. He ripped open the foil packet and rolled it over his hard length.
She giggled at the fierce look he knew to be on his face as he leaned down and kissed her once more, positioning himself at her opening. She stopped when she felt him nudging against her and her face turned serious.
“No promises,” she told him.
Darryl stroked a finger down her cheek. “One day at a time,” he compromised before thrusting deep inside. She gasped and tightened around him and everything felt right with the world. He moved within her, setting a fast pace. She lifted her hips to meet his thrusts and soon they were both soaring through the sky.
Chapter 19
Under Toby’s watchful eye, Michael knocked on the outer door to Coleani’s office and waited for the answer. His hands betrayed his fear and he stuffed them in his pocket, praying he wouldn’t embarrass himself by soiling his pants.
Please God, I beg you, get me out of this alive.
He prayed for a better life than the one he had. If only he’d had a better start, seen Coleani for the trouble he was, and made a deal with the cops. Dammit, he’d been so stupid and now he’d pay the price.
“Come in,” Coleani’s throaty voice called out.
He stepped into the office and walked over to the desk where the man himself waited. He didn’t notice the plastic floor lining coating the concrete under his feet as he walked, his entire focus on the man who was either his savour or his executioner.