Page 42 of Protecting What's Mine

He smirks, a hint of pride in his expression. “Glad you think so. I wasn’t sure if it’d measure up to your fancy science meals.”

I laugh softly, shaking my head. “Science meals? You mean takeout and microwavable pasta?”

“Exactly,” he says, his smirk widening.

We fall into an easy rhythm as we eat, the earlier tension slowly fading. The conversation shifts to lighter topics—our favorite movies, favorite foods, even a debate about whether pineapple belongs on pizza. (He’s firmly against it; I’m a staunch defender.)

By the time we finish dinner, I feel lighter, calmer. The worry is still there, but it’s not as suffocating.

“Thanks for this,” I say as I set my fork down.

Ranger leans back in his chair, his dark eyes watching me carefully. “Anytime.”

I help clear the table.

“You don’t have to help. I can take care of this,” Ranger says, taking the plate from my hands.

“It’s okay. I don’t mind helping.”

He deposits the plates into the sink and takes hold of my hands. “Tory, I don’t know what’s happening between us, but I don’t want this to end.”

I smile wide. “Me either.”

He pushes me against the kitchen counter and kisses me. My eyes drift shut as he trails kisses down my neck. I’m completely in the moment with him.

He leans back, staring at me. “You’re so beautiful.”

I blush. I feel like telling him he’s the epitome of male beauty, but I lean up, claiming his lips with my own. Because that’s what I want to do right now. Claim him. I want this man to be mine, and only mine.

I want him inside me, so once I finish kissing him, I lower my night pants. He watches as I lift my t-shirt over my head and fling it to the floor.

“So fucking needy,” he says right before kissing me once more, removing my clothing as he does.

It’s so crazy. We’re right here in the middle of the kitchen, but I no longer care when his body comes in contact with mine.

He repositions me, so my chest is against the cool granite countertop. He slaps my ass as he spreads my legs. “I hope you know I’m never letting you go.”

And I hope he means every word. Because I don’t think I can ever let this man go, either.

“You’re mine. From now until forever. You aremine.” He sinks his dick inside me, pushing slowly as I take him all the way in.

It feels better than the times before, mainly because I know what to expect now, but more so because of the words he’s said to me. I am his.

And I want to prove it to him.

I lean my head back, wanting his lips on my own. But he doesn’t give me what I want. Instead, he teases me, kissing down my neck and to the back of my ear.

“Tell me what you want, sweetheart,” he says as he thrusts deeper into me.

“A kiss,” I moan out.

He murmurs against the shell of my ear, “Is that it? Just a simple kiss?”

I nod, and he wraps his fingers into my hair until he closes his hands into a fist and tugs gently. “Please.”

He leans, breathing me in. “You’re being such a good girl, making me want to come all over your ass. I guess I can reward you.” He kisses me, his tongue going nearly all the way down my throat. I moan out as soon as he breaks the kiss.

He ramps up his speed, rocking his body into me harder. He controls my movements and leans my head down, and I place my cheek on the cool counter.