He smiled and it changed his entire face. The lines at the corners of his eyes deepened. He seemed happier. Younger. Not the same tough-as-nails alpha he showed to the world. Oh, that part of him was still there. But this was a side of himself he showed to few.
He dropped a quick kiss on her lips. “We need a bath.”
He rolled off the bed and dragged her groaning after him. They stumbled into the master bathroom and she leaned against the vanity while James set the water running in the tub.
When he was satisfied with the heat level, he straightened and turned. There was the alpha male. Satisfaction gleamed in his eyes as he studied her naked body. He prowled toward her, slid his hand behind her neck and pulled her toward him. “You’re mine now.”
Where once his claim would have sent her into a panic, made her run, now it made her feel wanted and loved. She slid her hands over his massive chest, tugging none too gently on his chest hair. “And you’re mine.”
He growled and nipped playfully at her neck before scooping her into his arms and depositing her into the tub. He climbed in behind her and pulled her back into his arms. They lay there, not talking, as the tub filled.
As soon as he turned off the taps, James grabbed a bar of soap from the built-in shelf and rubbed it between his hands. The lather built quickly and he set the soap on her stomach and began to wash her.
He started at her neck and worked his way down her arms. It was erotic to feel his soapy fingers slide through hers. She lolled in the water, enjoying his attentions. When her arms were done, he started on her torso. He purposely touched every square inch of it, excluding her breasts.
Her breathing got quicker. Shallower. Her nipples were red and tight, eager for his touch. “James,” she moaned. Tired of waiting, she grabbed his hands and placed them over her breasts.
“Oh, is this what you wanted?” he teased, plucking at her soapy nipples.
“Yes.” She ground her butt against his erection, which was growing rapidly beneath her.
He growled, sliding one hand between her thighs. There was no teasing. He shoved two fingers right inside her. She gasped and jerked, sending a wave of water over the side of the tub.
“James,” she gasped.
“What?” he asked innocently. “You don’t like this?”
He worked his fingers in and out in a game of advance and retreat until she couldn’t speak.
“I love your pussy,” he whispered in her ear. “So hot and tight and pink.”
She could feel her cheeks turning red at his graphic words. But her embarrassment was quickly forgotten as he traced the whorls of her ear with his tongue.
“You’re so responsive. So perfect for me,” he praised between licking and nipping her neck.
He hooked his legs between hers and parted her legs, leaving her open for him to play with. He stroked his thumb over her clit while he drove his fingers into her again and again.
It should have been impossible for her to come. She was exhausted. Sexually wrung out. Yet the familiar heat rose within her. Her channel rippled around his fingers and she came yet again.
This one wasn’t quite as explosive as the last one, but it was still devastating to her senses. For a female who had always equated sex with something bad, her opinion was swiftly changing.
Oh, the lack of control was still there. But she knew it was mutual. Plus, he cared for her. Wanted her pleasure. Didn’t want to dominate and control her every move.
For the first time in her life, she felt as though she was a part of something. A real partner. A mate.
“Beautiful,” he whispered. He wrapped his arms around her. And this time there was nothing sexual about the embrace. It was all about comfort.
Tears seeped from the corners of her eyes. She was emotionally spent. The morning had been a complete roller coaster.
“It’s okay.” James stood and rinsed the soap off both of them. He helped her out of the tub, pulling the plug so the water would drain. Grabbing a towel, he began to roughly dry her. “Don’t cry, Shelley.” He dabbed at her face. “You’re killing me here.”
But she couldn’t help herself. She swiped at the tears but they kept coming. James dragged the towel over his body and tossed it aside. He lifted her again and left the bathroom behind. He bypassed his bed, which was a total wreck, and headed down the hall to her room.
Shouldering the door open, he padded to the bed and managed to turn the covers down. He didn’t release her as he sat on the mattress and stretched out. He grabbed the sheets with one hand and dragged them up, covering them.
His heart beat next to her ear as she snuggled against him. He sifted his fingers through her hair. “Everything will be fine. You’ve just been through a lot.”
She hated that she was weak. That she was reduced to tears. Saying nothing, she wrapped her arms around him and held on.
“I’ve got you,” he promised. “Sleep for a bit. You’ll feel better after a nap.”
For the first time in her life, she truly trusted a male. Not just any male. Her mate. He would keep her safe while she slept. She’d be stronger when she woke and ready to deal with everything.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
His arms tightened around her. Lips brushed the top of her head and she sighed. Exhaustion overtook her and she slid gently into sleep, lulled by the sound of his strong heartbeat.
Chapter Nineteen
Shelley had no idea how much time had passed when she woke. She kept her eyes closed as she soaked up the reality of the situation. James’s arms were still locked around her. He’d held her while she’d slept, just as he’d promised.
Her fingers were locked around a few strands of his chest hair and her thigh was thrown across his. Heat radiated from his large body, comforting her. The hair on his legs tickled her inner thigh. She could feel the steady beat of his heart beneath her hand.
She took a few minutes to simply enjoy being in his arms. It was quiet, but she could hear sounds from outside and knew it was still daytime. Probably sometime in the afternoon. It had certainly been an eventful morning.
I know you’re awake.
She stilled at the voice in her head. James?
Who else?
What is this? What’s happening?
He caught her chin in his hand and tilted her head up. “Open your eyes.”
She did and he smiled at her before lowering his head to kiss her. “It’s part of being a mated pair. We can communicate telepathically if we choose to. You were open and receptive. That’s why I was able to talk with you.”
“That’s amazing.”
“Useful too, in case of emergency.” He stretched and she leaned back, propping herself up on one arm to watch.
Oh, he was a prime specimen of a male. His biceps flexed and rippled as he raised his arms over his head. His chest flexed and his abs tightened into delineated bands of muscle. Stubble darkened his jaw, making him look dangerous. His brown and gray hair gave him the appearance of maturity, adding to his edgy look.
Shelley shivered and her body responded to his nearness. She wanted him again.
He caught her in his golden gaze. “Not this time. Not yet.” He brushed a lock of hair away from her face. “We need to talk.”
Sitting up, she wrapped the sheet around her and leaned against the headboard. He was right. But where to begin.
“You came back.” He settled in next to her, angling his body slightly so he could see her.
She nodded.
“Why?” His voice was soft, but she could hear the need beneath it.
Taking a deep breath, she sought the words to explain. “I was heading to Chicago with Isaiah and Meredith. But the farther away from you I got, the more I started to panic. I knew I was making a mistake.”