A Hero to Rescue Me (Hero's Crossing) by Marteeka Karland Read Free Book Online Page B

into the hallway. Through the den and one kitchen to the second kitchen at the very front of the house, away from the master bedroom and his parents. The implications weren’t lost on Melanie. Was it on purpose?
    Once a cup of chocolate was in the microwave, Chase backed her up against the counter, caging her in. One hand slid up her hip to her waist, while the other cupped her face. His hands were so big—his body as well. Muscles clenched and flexed when her hands slid up his chest seemingly on their own. Melanie certainly didn’t remember making a conscious decision to cop a feel.
    His mouth at her ear, he said, “I was thinking, I believe everyone had a grand time today.”
    “We certainly did. Thank you for the wonderful memory. Neither of us will ever forget it, Chase.” It was true. The day had been so special to her that even the awful way Dan had showed up and done so much damage to her car hadn’t completely ruined it for her.
    “Good. But, you should know, I’m a mercenary at heart. I expect payment from you.”
    Had she not felt him smiling at her cheek, Melanie might have slapped the turd-head, but something made her say, “Oh? What’s my tab, then?”
    “A kiss.” Was his voice deeper? More husky sounding? His cock was certainly throbbing against her where he seemed helpless to hold himself away from her. Not that she minded. It was thrilling to know she could do this to a man like him.
    “Hmmm...” She tried to sound like she was thinking it over, but knew she’d give it up. A kiss or anything else he wanted. “You drive a hard bargain. Had I known the price was so steep, I might have declined your invitation.”
    His rumbling chuckle was the last thing she remembered before he turned her face up to him, threading his fingers through her hair to hold her still for his kiss.

Chapter Nine
     
    Had anything ever tasted so good? Felt so right? Chase clutched Melanie to him like his only lifeline in a storm. He knew on some level he couldn’t take this encounter any farther than a few furtive kisses and touches, but the reasons why seemed hazy now. The softness of her body, the sweet way she clung to him only made him want her more. In that moment he made a vow to himself. Someway, somehow, this woman would be his. He might not be able to claim her right here, but he would claim her. Thoroughly. Repeatedly.
    The sound of her soft whimpers drove him mad, encouraged him to continue kissing her over and over, shaping her succulent curves with his hands. When he lifted her onto the counter, her nightgown rode up her thighs revealing taught, milk-chocolate-colored thighs to his gaze. The sight almost brought him to his knees.
    “Spread those lovely legs, Melanie,” he whispered on a husky breath. “Let me press myself between them.”
    On a whimper, she did, pulling him to her, clutching his sides until her nails dug into his skin. Chase reveled in the slight pain, at the thought that she’d mark him when they made love.
    “Oh, God,” she breathed. “I can’t believe this is happening.” Her breathy moan made his cock throb with maddening intensity, needing to be inside her, needing to give her as much pleasure as he needed to take for himself. Had any woman before her ever felt so damned good? He didn’t know. Couldn’t remember any woman before her. There was only Melanie.
    With an impatient movement, he tugged one strap of her gown over her shoulder, shoving the material down to bare one dark breast. The ripe nipple that greeted him proved too much a temptation to resist and Chase dipped his head, closing his lips around the tight peak. Melanie’s head fell back, a strangled moan escaping before she could clamp her mouth shut, her hands fisting in his hair, holding him to her chest.
    No, he decided. Never before had anything tasted so sweet. It was as if any sexual experience he’d had in the past was cleansed from his mind because this woman was the only woman he’d ever have again.