One thing at a time. Her emotional pain could wait. Her safety couldn’t. And if she agreed with his plans, maybe he could work on both at once.
“I hope so. The thing is, I think it would be better if you stayed here. At least until we fix your lock.”
He’d managed to sneak into the living room with her siblings while Julie had helped to clean up the dishes. The broken lock provided them with a perfect excuse to keep Julie with one of them. No one wanted to frighten her if they didn’t have to, especially knowing she could take off if she thought a shifter from town held some unknown grudge. They would figure out who meant her harm and take care of it. Until then, she’d be with Laurie at the bookstore during the day and with him at night. Her brothers were scheduling shifts to watch her as well.
“And when will that be?” Julie asked. He breathed a sigh of relief. The question wasn’t filled with the anger or frustration he’d anticipated, just curiosity. This might be easier than he thought. She made no move to put distance between them, so he left his head on her lap.
“Well, we have to fix the doorframe. And that lock is specially made. It might take a couple of weeks to get a new one. If you don’t want to stay with me, you can stay at one of your brothers’ places or at Laurie’s. But I don’t want you there alone with just the top door.”
She stared down at him in silence. He wished he knew what was going through her mind. With most people, he could sense some of their emotions, but Julie shielded her thoughts too well for him to break through.
“Of course–” He reached up to tug on a lock of her hair, “–it’ll be much easier to get you alone if you’re here. I can’t exactly sneak into your bed while you’re staying with one of your brothers. I don’t think I’d live to see morning if I tried. Although it would be worth it.” He smirked, grateful to see a shadow of a smile curl the corners of her lips. He’d never get tired of making her smile.
“Are you sure I won’t be an imposition?” The words brought him up, and he pulled her toward him, gazing deep into her eyes.
“Never. I mean that, Julie. I don’t want to hear you talk like that again. Don’t you know I would do absolutely anything for you?”
“Anything?” she asked, a wicked gleam entering her eyes.
“Anything.” No hesitation. Whatever she needed, wanted, was hers. All she had to do was ask.
“You know what would make me really happy?” Judging by the mysterious smirk on her face, whatever would make her happy was going to make him happy too.
“What’s that, beautiful?”
“Take off your pants.” He stood and unbuttoned his jeans, shoving his briefs off with the pants in his haste.
“Don’t have to tell you twice, do I?” She laughed. He paused to throw her a disbelieving look before finishing his task. He was as eager now as last night, the raw need for her returning stronger than before. Last night hadn’t been enough to quench his need for her. Nothing would ever be enough.
Julie’s impish smile told him she was just as eager. Her eyes were hungry as she sat forward on the couch. Without waiting another moment, she took him into her mouth. He stiffened, feeling the wet heat of her mouth encase him. His head fell back with a groan, and all conscious thought fled. He gripped her hair as she moved forward, taking him deeper.
Even his most vivid fantasies paled in comparison to the realities of Julie’s mouth wrapped around him.
Needing to see, to watch, he opened his eyes and gazed down at the woman he loved. Any doubt he might have once harbored had vanished after last night. She was perfect for him.
She gripped him in her hand as she moved back, paying special attention to the head. Her gaze met his as her tongue came out to circle the tip. The desire in their depths, the pleasure she gained from pleasing him, was the sexiest thing he’d ever seen.
Without a word, he reached down and pulled her to her feet. Keeping eye contact, he unbuttoned her pants and sank to his knees. His hands ran down her legs, dragging her pants to the floor along the way.
He switched positions with her, pushing her onto the couch and spreading her thighs, opening her to his gaze. Giving no more than a moment’s pause to appreciate the sights before him, Brendan dove in.
Dear God...
Julie gripped Brendan’s hair in her hands as sparks of pleasure robbed her of thought. There was only Brendan, the feel of his hair beneath her fingers, his tongue plunging inside her.
This wasn’t what she’d wanted–she’d wanted to taste him as he came. She’d never done that for George, or anyone. And she’d wanted to give it to Brendan.
That had been her plan. But Brendan had never been one to stick to plans. Groaning as his tongue did something wicked, she really couldn’t complain.
His mouth continued to plunder, bringing her higher and higher. Without warning, a wave of pleasure crashed over her, leaving her gasping for air as her body jerked.
Her cries echoed throughout the room, subsiding as Brendan finished feasting.
“You are incredible,” he whispered, his hands caressing her inner thighs. “Absolutely perfect.” The look in his eyes made her feel every ounce the incredible woman he seemed to think her. When she was with him, she felt like a different person. She felt “special.”
The word crashed through her brain. She’d spent years believing she wasn’t as good as her siblings. Believing she would never feel the depth of love her parents felt.
But…she felt it now. Felt it for Brendan. And gazing into his eyes, she believed he felt it too. Brendan’s words from brunch came back to her. He thought she was special. He wanted her exactly as she was. And if she let him, he could give her a future she’d never dared dream about.
“I bet you tell all the women that,” she teased, closing her eyes as she tried to lighten the mood. She kept them closed as Brendan pulled her into his arms, his fingers caressing her cheek as he brushed a strand of hair away from her face.
“No. Only my mate. Only you.”
Julie's eyes flew open. Mate? Had she heard him correctly? Gazing into his eyes, she knew she hadn’t imagined it.
“Are you sure? Please be sure,” she continued before he could answer. “Because I love you so much. I wouldn't survive it if you're playing around or–”
Brendan's mouth crashed down on hers, cutting her off. This wasn't a kiss of passion or love. It was a kiss about possession. Julie gripped his shoulders, unable to do anything but hold on. The fierceness thrilled her and terrified her in equal parts.
Mate. She’d never dared to dream. But this kiss...this kiss embodied everything she’d sat up at night longing for. Heat and love mingled together, bringing utter contentment with them. Her heart swelled and Brendan, already so much a part of it, flooded every inch. Years of loving him from afar hadn't prepared her for this all-consuming joy.
They were both panting when he released her. He swung her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom, sitting against the headboard with her on his lap.
“I love you more than words can express, and I am going to take care of you the rest of our lives.” His lips brushed against hers. The gentle caress was such an extreme contrast to the last kiss, it made her breath hitch. He adjusted their positions so he sat behind her, surrounding her with his body.
The rest of their lives. It sounded wonderful. Permanent. To feel like this–knowing she was loved, cherished–filled her with pleasure she couldn’t begin to describe. Without a doubt, she was the luckiest woman alive.
“You’re perfect for me.” The breath of his words caressed the skin behind her ear, causing her to gasp in surprised delight. He froze. At least she thought he had, until his lips touched the spot again. His curled lips tickled against her skin.