Taken by the Pirate Billionaire(19)

"I don't need your money, it was pocket change, really. Keep the brooch  for yourself." He glanced at his watch. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have  a flight to catch."

Renee's stomach dropped and panic slammed into her. She fought back tears. "You're leaving?"

"For a while, yes."

"Please." She took another step toward him, shortening the distance that  separated them. "This has nothing to do with the money, Devon. This has  everything to do with me being a complete and utter idiot."

Despite her determination not to, her eyes filled with tears now. And  just for a moment, she thought she saw his gaze soften. Some of the ice  in his demeanor thaw.

"It wasn't just passion talking in the shower that morning," she choked out. "I really do think I'm in love with you."

His jaw flexed, and his chest rose unevenly. "I'm all wrong for you, Renee."

"You're perfect for me."

"I'm not exactly society's idea of a role model." His voice was harsh  now, and she could see his knuckles turn white as they gripped the  railing. "I managed to smother the first news story about us, but there  would be many more. Harsher. Dissecting-"

"I don't care, I'll risk it. And I'm not looking for a role model,  Devon." She took another step toward him, until they were almost  touching. "You're a perfect match for my heart. It just took me a while  to see it. To realize that I don't want to lose you-"

Devon dragged her into his arms and his mouth closed over hers,  silencing her broken words. She kissed him back just as fiercely, so  eager for his touch, for any sign that he might love her, too.

Then they sunk to the floor of the landing, Devon pushing her to lie on her back.

"You love me," she whispered hopefully, as his hands moved under her  shirt to caress her breasts. "I know you love me, or I wouldn't still be  here."

He didn't answer, but ripped open her shirt, sending buttons flying  everywhere. She'd been in such a hurry she hadn't put on a bra. His  mouth closed over her nipple, and she groaned, holding his head to her  breast.

"You've got to at least care for me? You said you did."

She felt his smile against her breast, even as his fingers moved under  her skirt, inside her panties, and then inside her. She gasped and tried  to squirm from beneath him, but he followed, sending his fingers  deeper.

The sound of his zipper going down resonated, and then the thickness of  his cock thrust into her. She gasped, closing her eyes, losing all  motivation to think of anything but pleasure now.

The sound of their heavy breathing filled the air as they rocked together in a slow, languid rhythm. Neither of them spoke.         

     



 

Devon touched her face gently, his gaze holding hers, and she knew the truth before he said the words.

"I do love you, Renee."

He moved deep inside her. "So much that your message nearly killed me."

Her heart swelled with a mix of relief, pleasure and guilt.

"I know, and I'm so sorry. I was just stupid and scared."

"And I hope you know it's for more than great sex." Even as he said it, he thrust harder into her. Faster. "Amazing sex."

"Amazing." Her body clenched around him, and she felt the swelling of an orgasm.

His gaze darkened. "You're mine, Renee."

"Always," she admitted raggedly. "And you're mine."

"Yes."

The words between them died as he claimed her fiercely, passionately, until they both cried out in release moments later.

She wasn't sure how much time passed, only that she still trembled  beneath him, when she could finally speak. "Does this mean you forgive  me?"



"You have doubts still?" He kissed her nipple and gave a husky laugh.

"No," she murmured. "I think you've cleared up any of those." She  stroked the back of his head and sighed. "Not that I want you to leave,  but do you really have a flight to catch?"

"Not anymore. I'll fly in tomorrow instead." He lifted his head and  propped an elbow on the ground, staring at her. "I'm glad you came  back."

Renee smiled. "I realized I would be stupid not too. I thought about  Darren and Anne, and how they didn't have much of a choice. Then I  thought about us and how we did. And really, it was pretty much a  no-brainer after that."

He threaded his fingers into her hair. "And you hadn't sold the brooch yet."

"No. Almost, but no. I kept putting it off..." Because of everything it  stood for. The connection to her past and present. And now her future.

"Good." He stood, scooped her up and carried her towards his room. "I want you to wear it if we get married."



Renee blinked in surprise. He wanted to marry her?

"If?"

He kissed her forehead. "Well, you have to say yes first, sweetheart."



"You don't think it's too soon to be talking like this?"

"I think it's a few centuries overdue."

"That sounds awfully romantic, and your pragmatic mind doesn't work that  way, remember?" she teased as love and happiness raced through her  blood.

"Just picking up where our ancestors left off." He laid her on the bed and then kissed her gently. "So what do you think?"

"Well I'd hate to be responsible for dropping that ball again." She  looped her arms around his neck and pulled him down to her. "I don't  care how quickly it happened, or if we're reborn souls given a second  chance. I love you Devon Murray and my answer is yes."

The words were barely out before he was claiming her mouth in a hungry  kiss again. With a sigh she surrendered her body and heart to the one  man who would always have them.

She knew somewhere in the heavens, her and Devon's ancestors were probably smiling down and thinking...about damn time.