Always a Warrior(76)

ALWAYS A WARRIOR Patricia Bruening

110



Caught in the dark storm of his fierce stare, she unbuttoned his shirt and slipped her hands beneath the fabric. Crisp chest hair tickled her palms and sent delicious tremors through every nerve ending. Her fingernails flicked his nipples. She relished the catch in his breath as she shoved his shirt and jacket over his shoulders. Leaning closer, she stroked her tongue over his salty skin, tasting him. That taste exploded in her mouth and senses. On her toes, she dropped her hands to his belt buckle. His stomach quivered at the light strokes of her fingers.



The rush of pleasure that swamped her had her pressing her mouth eagerly to his. A low deep groan erupted from him. She savored the heat, her own flash of triumph, as he took charge.

Pressing his tongue deep into her mouth, he shoved the dress over her hips so it puddled on the floor around her feet. Fumbling, she unbuckled his belt as she stepped out of her dress and her heels.



He stepped back, his hungry eyes devouring her as he stripped. A slow flush crept over her at the frank appreciation in his eyes but her avid stare followed his every move until he stood gloriously naked in front of her.



“Take it all off.” His order was a husky growl in her ears.



Staring at the floor, she hesitated for a brief moment then lifted her gaze boldly to his as she slowly removed her bra and panties. This was nothing like the striptease she had done before.

She had been teasing him, provoking him. Now, she blushed furiously and wanted to crawl into bed and cover herself.



“Beautiful,” he murmured huskily, a glint of amusement in his eyes. “Come to bed with me. Make love with me.”



Staring into her eyes, he held his hand out to her. Captivated, mesmerized, she put her hand in his and let him pull her flush against him. Shyness and uncertainty vanished, as it always did when Damien touched her. Passion smoldered then blazed in his eyes. He teased her ear with the moist warmth of his tongue. Delicious pleasure swirled low in her gut. She moaned and squirmed in his arms. His naked arousal scorched her.



As though sensing her eagerness, he whispered, “Slowly—there’s plenty of time.”



He trailed fiery kisses from her ear to her chin, and then captured her mouth with the staggering force of his unleashed passion. His arms clamped around her and he plunged his tongue between her parted lips. They fell onto the bed in a tangle of arms and legs. Their mingled heavy breathing filled the air but she smiled up at him. This was where she belonged, loved and secure in Damien’s arms.





ALWAYS A WARRIOR Patricia Bruening

111





Chapter Eleven




The sharp buzz of the alarm clock jerked Laurie out of sleep and erotic dreams. She slapped the snooze button, slid over, and wrapped her arms around the man who had changed her life. Damien shifted, drawing her even closer to his warmth. A dreamy smile curved her lips. Her life was perfect. She would wake up next to him for the rest of her life.



Though it was late May, a ferocious wind roared around the house and rattled the windows in the dim light of early dawn. Damien grunted and rolled to his back, one arm still curved loosely around her and the other over his head. Laurie crawled out of bed and watched him sleep as she dressed. She stared at his bare chest and her mouth watered. She didn’t have to move the covers from his waist to know his underwear molded to that lean body like a second skin.



As her gaze skimmed over him, she grinned. His dark hair was tousled around his head in crazy waves. Sleep took the harsh edges of time off his face so he looked younger and a little more carefree. But when he woke, time and experience always caught up and left their marks.

But, day or night, she loved the look of him.



Ten minutes later, she looked out her kitchen window as coffee brewed, filling the room with its rich aroma. She heard movement upstairs. Damien was awake, getting ready for another job interview in Tucson. This was the second interview at Somerset Technologies. Damien had meticulously researched the company before submitting a detailed resume.



Yawning sleepily, Stacy shuffled into the kitchen and slid into a chair. Laurie gave her apple cinnamon oatmeal and a glass of orange juice. Damien came into the kitchen dressed in black slacks and a dark blue short sleeve shirt. He’d slung a black suit jacket over his shoulder.

He did not wear ties. Laurie stared avidly at him, her mouth watering at the temptation he presented. Though ruggedly handsome in jeans and Navy uniforms, Damien dressed up robbed her of breath and scrambled her pulse.



A spark brightened his eyes as he chuckled. He snagged her hand and drew her into his arms. She slid her fingers into his still damp hair and smiled up at him.