“I’m going to draw us a bath and get you another glass of wine, little one.” The words were out of his mouth. He’d pushed them through.
Sean forced himself to move. He got up and went to the bathroom, disposed of the condom and cleaned himself off. He needed a minute. That hadn’t been sex. That had been something more, and he was a bit unsettled by it. God, he had a job to do. He didn’t want to do it. How long would the drug take? Not long, he hoped. He prayed Alex had prescribed the right dose. If anything happened to Grace, he would never be able to forgive himself. Sean went back in the bedroom. Maybe the damn drug would have done its work. He didn’t want to give her another dose. Damn it, he wouldn’t. If this dose didn’t do its job, then they would make it another night. He knew Ian would have his hide, but Sean didn’t care.
“Are you all right, Grace? I didn’t go easy on you.”
She had a dreamy little smile on her face as she looked up at him. “Yes, Sir.”
Sean kissed her forehead then climbed back in with her. He had a bit of aftercare to take care of before he went into professional mode. Grace rolled over so she was flat on her back. She was so gorgeous, a goddess in repose. With a little sound of regret, Sean reached over and gently detached the clamps on her nipples. Grace’s lovely face pinched a little against the pain the rush of blood caused. Sean leaned over and kissed the affected area before moving on to the second nipple. He lowered his head and kissed that one as well. This time Grace’s hand moved to his head. Her fingers tangled in his hair.
“I love you.” She breathed the words, but they still hit him like an out-of-control locomotive slamming into a little bug in its path. He stopped and was perfectly still as the reality hit him.
Grace loved him. She’d said the words. Grace had said the “L” word, and not the one that always made him a little hot. She’d said the one that scared the holy crap out of him. His heart pounded in his chest as he realized he was really expected to say something back to her. What was he supposed to say? He knew what he was supposed to say, but she wouldn’t believe him. She would believe him now, perhaps, but later she would think he’d lied. He didn’t want to lie to her. God, did he love Grace? He knew she was the one. He just didn’t know if he actually believed in the concept of love.
Grace sat up, lightly pushing him away. “Wow. That’ll teach me to speak without permission.”
Sean looked into her eyes. They were wide and wouldn’t quite catch his own. She looked down at her hands. “Grace…”
Her smile was far too bright when she finally looked at him. “You said something about a bath? I think a shower is more in order. I have a really early day tomorrow, and I’m feeling a little woozy. I should probably get some sleep.”
She started to scramble off the bed. Sean’s hand came out to grasp her wrist. “I said a bath, Grace. Are we or are we not still in the bedroom? I’m still in charge here.”
“I don’t want to play anymore, Sean.”
“I’m not playing. The sex might be a game, but the feelings are real. I’m honored that you feel that way, little one. I’m crazy about you, too.”
He pulled her back into his arms. She was stiff at first. He was patient. He ran his hands along her back, tracing the curve of her spine. He tangled their legs together, completely unwilling to give up their intimacy. His lips found her mouth, and he insistently found his way in. He groaned when she softened under him and submitted. He rolled her on her back and covered her body with his. He wasn’t going to let her go. He was never going to let her go. She was his.
Without a single thought to anything except branding her, Sean forced her legs apart. His dick was already at full attention again, something of a miracle. He’d always needed a bit of rest between bouts, but not with Grace. His hunger for her seemed insatiable. He placed his forehead against hers and thrust into her pussy.
“Oh, Sean.” No Sir this time. Sean knew she wasn’t playing. This wasn’t a game.
Sean pulled out and thrust back in. She felt perfect around him, so hot, so tight and needy. He couldn’t say it. He couldn’t tell her he loved her. But he could show her. He could give her this. Sean let his body lay on hers, forcing her to take every bit of his weight. She could handle it. She was his mate. Rather than protesting the rough treatment, Grace held on. Her legs wrapped tightly around his waist, and her hands dug into his back, urging him on. The first time had taken forever. This one was already racing to the conclusion. It felt too sweet to be inside her with nothing between them. Vaguely, alarm bells rang in Sean’s head. He wasn’t wearing a condom. He was going to come. He was going to come deep inside Grace. His balls drew up as though they completely agreed with that bad decision.
He didn’t pause. He shoved his full length deep inside. His pelvis ground down onto her clit. Grace moaned as she came, her legs a vise around his waist. Her pussy clamped down on his cock, and the deed was done. Those tiny muscles milked him. His eyes watered as he pumped come into her. He never wanted the sensation to end. He spasmed as he gave up the last of his semen and slumped forward into her arms. He laid there listening to the steady beat of her heart.
He was so fucked.
It didn’t matter. She wouldn’t believe him, so it didn’t matter what he said. He could be honest.
“I love you, too, Grace.”
He looked up so he could see her reaction, enjoy a little time with the only woman he’d ever said the words to.
Grace was asleep. The drug had finally done its work. It was time for Sean to do his.
Chapter Ten
“Took you long enough, man. I thought you were going to go another round.” Jake pulled away from the shadows, his lean body moving like a ghost. It was his special talent. Jacob Dean had been a ghost in Sean’s unit. Jake had been the one he sent in when the situation called for an invisible man. His old friend grinned at him, even white teeth showing through the low gloom of Grace’s living room. “And I thought Adam was going to die from the desire to be in your place.”
“He still might.” Sean was feeling a little savage. The last thing he needed was to be reminded that the ménage boys would love to take his place with Grace.
“Liam said you were taking it easy on Grace.” Adam followed Jake into the living room. He carried a small case with him. “That’s not what it sounded like from out here.”