Page 52 of Reckless Love

“You’ve survived the last six years just fine without me.”

“Survived, yes. But that’s not really much of a life, is it?”

He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. When he meets my gaze again, determination coats him. “You cannot just stop by. That’s not who we are anymore. You coming here with your son doesn’t look right, and anything that raises the eyebrows of the wealthy on this island puts my company and my reputation in danger.” The door opens behind him. “Don’t do this again,” he says in a harsh whisper, intended only for my ears. “Hey, buddy,” he says, turning around and lifting Landon into his arms. “Did you win?”

“I did.” He wraps his arms around Stephen’s neck and hugs him tight. “I miss you.”

Stephen cradles him close, but he doesn’t tell him he misses him back, even if his embrace says it anyway.

“School’s going well?” he murmurs instead.

“Yep,” Landon says, drawing back to put his hands on either side of Stephen’s face. “I think I could beat you at checkers too.”

“Maybe someday, we’ll find out.”

“We should get going, Landon,” I say with a catch in my voice. No part of me wants to leave.

Stephen sets Landon down, and he rushes toward the car without me. I catch Stephen’s gaze one last time, and he says, “I meant what I said.”

Then he turns and goes back into the house without casting me another glance.

Chapter Eighteen

Ava

Iwake with a start, a cool sweat coating my skin, and a thick, muscular arm drags my naked body close.

“You okay, baby?” Stephen’s deep voice murmurs into my ear. “Bad dream?”

“Yeah,” I say, breathing out the word and snuggling deeper into his embrace, getting as much skin-to-skin contact as I can. “I dreamt you didn’t love me anymore.”

“Sounds impossible.” He presses his lips to the curve of my neck. “You know you’ve been mine in every lifetime we’ve had before this one, and you’ll be mine in all the ones that come after.”

“You mean that? What about this life?”

“Definitely mine.” He slides his hand over my hip and then draws my leg over his, opening me to his touch. “And I’m going to claim what’s mine right now.”

“You really should,” I say with a contented sigh.

“I’m going to make you forget that dream and any thoughts of a life that isn’t this one.”

“Yes,” I moan as his fingers trail lightly along my inner thigh, dipping close and then retreating. “Don’t tease me. Take me.”

“Let’s see if you’re ready for me,” he says, and he dips his fingers in. The groan he releases only fuels my desire more. He takes his soaked fingers and slides them into his mouth. “Every time,” he says. “Every time, you’re so wet for me. You taste so good, and later, I’m going to get my fill.” Over my shoulder, I catch sight of his wicked grin. “After I fill you.”

No one has ever loved me so completely, as though everything about me—even the unsavory parts—is delicious.

He rolls me so he’s poised above me. I cup his cheek with my palm, and our gazes are locked.

“Who else makes you feel this way?”

“No one,” I say.

He backs off and widens my legs. “Look at how beautiful you are,” he says. “I could look at you all day. This pretty pussy is just waiting for me to make it purr.”

“I like my cats a little bigger,” I say, wiggling underneath him. “Make it roar.”

“As you wish,” he says with a strained chuckle.