Under His Protection (Protect and Defend Book 1)

"Are you sure you really want this?"

His brows drew together. He looked positively fierce. "Of course, I want this."

"You say that like I shouldn't question you."

"You shouldn't," he agreed, reaching for her once again.

She took a step back. "So you're not going to walk away from me? Again?" Biting her lower lip, she gnawed it with worry. No way could she admit how devastated she would be if he rejected her again.

"Ah, Blake." Realization dawned in his eyes and he reached out, smoothed a hand over her head. His fingers tangled in her hair, stroking it and she wanted to close her eyes, his touch felt so good. "I don't plan on walking away from you again."

"Do you mean it?" she whispered, hating how weak she was, that she even had to ask.

He took her hand and pulled her close, wrapped his other arm around her waist, aligning their lower bodies together. She felt him, the thick ridge pressing against his jeans and she couldn't resist the urge to rub against him like a cat in heat.

The low growl that he emitted told her that he liked it.

"Of course, I mean it." Leaning in, he pressed a gentle kiss to the side of her neck, his hot tongue darting out for a lick.

Relief flooded her and her heart tripped over itself. She wound her arms around his neck, buried her hands in his hair. Even with their differences in height, they were a perfect fit.

No surprise there.

"Then shut up and kiss me," she murmured, lifting her face in invitation, closing her eyes.