Twice as Hot (Tales of an Extraordinary Girl #2)(116)

It was heaven, the possession I'd craved all these many days.

"I love you," he said, nipping at my lips, my ears, kissing down my neck.

"I love you so much."

"We're getting married."

"Yes."

"Soon."

"As soon as possible."

"And you'll take my name." He swirled his tongue around one of my nipples, then the other.

"I'm still undecided. I mean, you once called a pet Bone Crusher, so clearly you aren't good with names. But why don't you convince me of the merits of your plan?" I tangled my hands in his hair, ran my thighs up his sides. How could a man with so many hard muscles feel like velvet?

"Give me an hour. Maybe neither one of us will even remember our names, so it'll be a moot point." Kneading my breasts, he turned the hot, wet attentions of his tongue to my navel, swirling. I moaned at the heady bliss. And then he was licking between my legs, flicking my clitoris and driving me mad.

"Rome," I shouted as I came, my muscles spasming, my back shooting off the mattress, my nails digging into his scalp. "I - I still remember."

"Hang on." He surged up, impaling me deep. Another climax hit me instantly, hurtling me over the edge again and again and again. I chanted his name, only then realizing there wasn't a fire desperate to escape me.

I truly had control of my powers.

"Woman," Rome grunted, pounding deep, hard, fast, and then roaring a sound of utter satisfaction.

When the last of our tremors subsided, we didn't move. I couldn't. Not because Rome's weight pinned me down - though it did - but because for the first time in weeks, I was utterly satisfied. Happy beyond measure. And I didn't want it to end.

"How embarrassing." He kissed the inside of my neck. "I only lasted five minutes. And I was the first to forget. Again."

"Well, I can top that, Cat Man. I only lasted three."

He laughed. "See, this is why I love you. You're the biggest smart-ass I know." The sound of a woman's blissful cries suddenly seeped through the walls, blending with the sound of our ragged breathing, and my laughter joined Rome's. "Bet Tanner lasts longer than both of us combined." Rome gave another laugh, but the laughter soon faded. He cupped my face, forcing my gaze to remain locked with his. "You meant what you said? About marrying me?"

"Absolutely." I hugged him tight. "You're mine, Rome Jamison, and I'm never letting you go."

"Rome Jamison. I like the sound of that."

"So do I." I rose up and straddled his waist. "Now, let's try to set a new record for us. Let's try to last ten minutes."

I woke up bright and early , whistling under my breath as I made coffee for myself and Rome, the puppies playing around my feet. Rome was currently in the shower, where I'd left him after another round of hot and steamy loving.

We were together again, and we were going to get married, though I had no idea when. Both of us wanted it to be soon, but I had nothing planned and all of my appointments were canceled.

A dark slash in my periphery captured my attention and I turned, expecting Rome. Or Tanner - who had stayed awake laaaaate last night. I knew because the sounds he and Elaine had made had never ceased. I now knew beyond any doubt that Tanner had lost his virginity. Never would I be able to blot the many "Oh, Tanner, oh, yes, like that" pleas from my mind.

But instead of Rome or Tanner, I saw a familiar figure with white hair and silver-violet eyes tiptoeing toward the living room and the front door. I followed, brow scrunched in confusion. "Cody?" He stopped in his tracks, muttering, "Shit." Slowly he turned and faced me. A pair of shoes dangled from his hands. His shirt was wrinkled and his jeans unsnapped - as if he'd dressed in a hurry. He smiled sheepishly. "Well, this is awkward."

"Isn't it, though?" I asked, hands on my hips.

"So, uh, hey, Belle. How are you?"

"Enough pleasantries. What are you doing here?"

He shifted uncomfortably, shrugged. "Came to see Sherridan."

"Why?" The question lashed from me, sparks of anger lighting. "I don't think she wants to see you."

"Uh, you'd be wrong about that."

What the hell? "You said you weren't interested in her anymore. You said you didn't like high-maintenance women."

"Well, I lied. Or changed my mind. I'm not sure which. She looked at me with those baby blues while Desert Gall had her caged and I sort of forgot how to think. I'm not going to hurt her, though. You have my word."

"Are you guys a...couple?" I gasped out the word.

His cheeks reddened, then paled. "No. Yes. I don't know. For now." I ran my tongue over my teeth, my hands clenching at my sides. Then someone sidled up to me, strong arms banding around my waist. Soft lips pressed into my temple, and I breathed deeply of soap and wild beast.

"Hey, baby," Rome said to me. "You look pretty. Jeans and a button-up. My favorite. Except when you're naked. Or wearing a dress. Or a towel. Actually, whatever you wear, I love. Have we already covered that?" He paused, but not long enough for me to answer. "Hey, man," he said to Cody. "See things went well last night."

Cody smiled smugly. "You could say that. Thanks for letting me in." I whipped around, facing Rome with narrowed eyes. "You knew he was here?"