Total pages in book: 50
Estimated words: 46461 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 232(@200wpm)___ 186(@250wpm)___ 155(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46461 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 232(@200wpm)___ 186(@250wpm)___ 155(@300wpm)
He was gentle but insistent, like he didn’t want me to feel trapped, but wanted his kisses from me unless I really, really objected. I didn’t.
When I sighed, sliding my arms around his neck, Ripper grunted his approval, tightening his arm around me and moving his other hand from my belly to my face. His big hand was callused and rough against my skin, but I loved the sensation. Gripping my chin gently, he positioned me where he wanted me, making our mouths fit together perfectly. His tongue lapped at mine, sending a shiver through me I couldn’t contain.
I’d never been kissed like this. Never! All I could think about was trying to get closer to him. Needing to make this last as long as possible. It felt like my body was on fire with need and want. The longer he kissed me, the more I trembled and whimpered. Somehow, my hands ended up fisted in his shirt, holding him to me. The muscles next to my fingers were hard, tempting me to tunnel underneath the cotton and find warm skin.
When he finally ended the kiss, pulling back to look at me, I was so lust-stupid all I could do was look up at him. I was sure my eyes were as big as saucers, my breath coming in little pants.
“Mmm… That’s a good look on you, Emmanuell.” His voice was raspy and rough. “Like you want to eat me up.”
“I -- wh-what?” I couldn’t process what he was saying. I mean, I knew he was probably teasing me or something, but I just couldn’t process anything beyond the sensual curve of his lips. I wanted them back on my mouth.
“You look like you’re starved for a man’s touch. Like you’ll take matters into your own hands if I don’t give you what you want.” Could he look any more smug?
I blinked, trying to get my wits back about me. “What exactly is it I want?”
Ripper leaned in next to my ear and growled, “A good, hard fuckin’. Bettin’ you’d love to have my mouth on your pussy too. Hell, I’d have a hard time keepin’ you from jumpin’ me if I laid you out on the bed and worshiped your body all fuckin’ night.”
“What woman wouldn’t?” My voice wasn’t as strong as I wanted it to be, but it was the best I could manage.
“Have you had a man do that to you before?” God! Could the man sound any sexier? To answer him, I shook my head, unable to form any more words. He smirked. “Yeah. I could make you scream.” Stepping away from me, he turned back to the bedroom. “Go on. You got ten minutes, then I’m comin’ in there with you.”
I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. He looked back over his shoulder and winked at me. That wink had the effect of a bucket of ice water, snapping me out of the sensual haze he’d woven around me.
Turning, I slammed the door, locking it behind me. My breathing was quick and shallow. I could still feel his lips on mine, while he’d looked like he’d been barely affected. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath. I’d gotten through the previous six months on my own. Learned how to survive with nothing. It had hurt, but it hadn’t broken me. Ripper was one man. I’d be fine. I’d resist him, not giving into his charm like I had Devan’s, and I’d be fine.
* * *
Ripper
If there was one thing I intended to accomplish while Emmanuell was here, it was to make her understand how beautiful and brave she was. I could tell by the way she responded to my kisses that she hadn’t had much affection. I had to wonder how Devan had treated her before he left her. Had he romanced her? Told her she was beautiful?
Had she loved him?
That thought made him want to beat the bloody dog shit out of Beaner. Emmanuell was a beautiful, passionate woman. Those kisses I’d stolen were just the tip of the iceberg. I had no doubt I could have taken things further, but she deserved better than that. When she’d said all that about her daddy’s money, it was obvious that was a sore spot with her. Did she truly not see her own worth? How could a woman who’d been brought up in wealth not have a healthy self-esteem? He’d have thought she’d be confident and more than a little self-centered, but she wasn’t.
I heard the water going in the shower. I’d never actually invade her privacy without an invitation, but it was Goddamned tempting. There was still time. Girl needed building up both physically and mentally. Right now, though, I needed to take her to see Doc. Then I’d start inserting myself into her life.