Page 164 of I Will Mend You
Silence stretches, broken only by the soft crackle and pop of burning wood. Outside, the wind rustles through the grapevines. Xero’s gaze darkens, taking on a predatory glint. His fingers slide down from my lip, tracing the column of my throat and lingering at the hollow base. The touch feels possessive, and I shiver at the thought of him claiming me as his.
“Pick a safe word,” he rumbles, his lips grazing my ear.
Shivers skitter down my spine, and my breath hitches. “Why?”
“Because when I fuck you, it will be with all my heart. I’ll erase the touch of any man who thought he could lay claim on what’s mine, and I won’t stop until you’re sobbing my name. If you can’t take it, you need a way to stop me before it gets too intense.”
As his words sink in, my pulse thrums in my ears. I swallow, my mouth suddenly dry. “McMurphy?”
“What?” he draws back, his lip curling in distaste. His eyes narrow, searching mine.
“Too much?” I ask, my voice trembling with uncertainty.
His features tighten. “That word is like being doused with ice water.”
“Good,” I say with a nod. “What happened to her?”
“She lost an eye.” He lowers his mouth onto mine, his kiss searing and possessive, claiming me completely.
All thoughts of that pervy prison officer disappear as his tongue ravishes my mouth. His kiss is fierce and commanding, with an intensity that leaves me breathless. I melt against his larger body, surrendering completely to his desire.
His hands find their way to the front of my corset and unfasten the hooks. His touch is electric, each brush of his fingers igniting my skin with sparks. The leather falls away, revealing my breasts to his gaze.
A draft swirls around my exposed skin, making my nipples tighten. Groaning, Xero rolls them between his thumb and fingers, igniting waves of ecstasy.
“Xero.” I arch into his touch, a moan escaping my lips as I crave more of his intoxicating caress.
His lips graze my neck as he unzips my skirt. My skin tingles as the leather slides down my thighs, a chill rushing over my skin before it’s warmed by the fire. I step out of the puddle of fabric, standing before him in just my boots and panties.
His eyes roam over me, taking in every inch of my figure. I try not to squirm, pushing away thoughts of the cuts marring my skin. I’m no longer damaged, but battle-hardened. A warrior, just like Xero.
He leans in close, his breath warm against my ear as he whispers, “You’re exquisite. Every inch of you is perfect.”
The warmth of his breath against my neck makes my skin tingle. Then his lips find my collarbone, trailing lower to my breasts, each kiss a burning brand. I cling to his biceps, losing myself in the sensation of his touch.
“Get on your knees,” he growls, his voice a low, commanding rumble.
Obeying, I sink to the rug, feeling the heat from the fire seeping into my back. Desire coils in my belly as I meet his gaze, his eyes now pools of black with just the barest ring of blue.
His erection strains against the fabric of his pants, the outline of his pierced, thick cock clearly visible and tantalizing.
With trembling fingers, I reach for his waistband, unbuckle his belt, and pull down his zipper. His cock springs free, its piercings glinting in the firelight.
Suddenly, memories surge to the forefront of my mind. I’m back in that chair, my mouth wedged open with steel, surrounded by men jerking off at Dolly’s command. I flinch, my heart stuttering.
“Are you still with me, little ghost?” Xero asks, his voice snapping me back to the present.
I shift on my knees, the memory fading. “Sorry,” I mutter. “Flashback.”
He slides his fingers through my curls, making my scalp tingle. “Look at me.”
I glance up at Xero, seeing those pale eyes filled with banked fury. The firelight catches his platinum hair, giving him an unearthly glow. He looks like a warrior god crowned with flames. The sight is both terrifying and breathtaking. As I lock gazes with him, every other man fades into insignificance, leaving only the intensity of his presence.
“You’re with me, understand?” he asks, the conviction in his voice unwavering.
Gulping, I nod, my heart pounding in my chest.
“I will castrate every bastard who ever touched you and burn their balls on a pyre,” he growls, his voice menacing and low. His fingers tighten in my hair, his eyes burning with fierce protectiveness.