Free Jagged Hearts by Lacey Thorn Page A

for the past few years, that’s all you’ve done.”
    “I know,” she agreed. “It’s not enough anymore. I want more. I need more.”
    “You deserve more,” Bare stated. “I can’t imagine any man who loved you would want anything less for you than a life filled with love and happiness.”
    She nodded, and a tear slipped down her face. He swiped it away with his thumb.
    “Thanks for being here,” Paisley told him. “You’ve been a great friend even when I didn’t realize it.”
    “I’ll always be your friend.”
    “But you want more?” she prompted, needing him to say the words again before she took the step she contemplated.
    “Yeah,” he agreed in a rough tone. “I want to be much more than friends. But I won’t rush you. I’ll be here, beside you, in any way you need me, for as long as you need me.”
    “If I asked you to hold me tonight while I sleep, would you?”
    “I’ll hold you and chase all the nightmares away,” he vowed.
    “And this?” She moved her hand to slide her fingers along his erection.
    Bare caught his breath and jerked his hips back. “You know I want you. I won’t hide it from you. Touching you, tasting your kiss. My body is going to react. I’ve wanted you for a long time. Sporting wood around you is nothing new, but I’ll survive.”
    He laid back down and held his arm out to her. “Now, come here, and let me hold you while we get some sleep.”
    “I’d rather you do something else,” she whispered, turning toward him. She slid to her knees, rising and shifting until she straddled his lap. There was no missing the way his eyes widened when she sat on him. She centered her heat over his shaft, enjoying the way it felt pressing against her with so little clothing between them. It took all she had not to rub against him. “Touch me, Bare. Make love to me.”

Chapter Seven

    Bare gripped her hips and pressed up into her, making them both moan. One touch and his dick was ready to explode. He saw the tight points of her nipples pressing against the silk of her gown. He wanted to suck them through the material, wanted to rip off her clothes, lay her down and lick every inch of her. And he would, as soon as he could breathe again.
    “Touch me,” she begged again and lifted her hands to cup her breasts, thumbs flicking over the swollen tips. “I ache.”
    “Christ,” he muttered and sat up so fast she grabbed his forearms in alarm, nails sinking deep as she clung. Yeah, he wanted to feel those sharp points scratching his head while he ate her hot little pussy—soon. Then, maybe, she’d use them on his shoulders and back while he pounded his cock into her. Fuck! He had to stop thinking and start doing or this would be over far too quickly.
    “Are you sure?” He forced the question up from his throat, desperately afraid she’d change her mind, despite the hunger in her eyes. Jesus, it would kill him.
    She nodded. “Yes, Bare.”
    She lifted up onto her knees and reached for the hem of her gown. His gaze was glued to her hands, following along as she caught the bottom and slowly slid the material up her body. He licked his lips as each inch of bare flesh was revealed. The backs of her fingers lifted her breasts and held there, only the bottom curves showing. He caught his breath and let it out in a whoosh as she jerked the gown the rest of the way up and over her head.
    Perfect. She was absolutely perfect as far as he was concerned. The flare of her hips, the fullness of her breasts. Then she tossed the material aside and looked down, meeting his gaze. And that was what got him. The flames of desire ignited in her deep-green eyes.
    He jerked, pinning her beneath him on the bed. She gasped, but he caught the sound with his mouth, drinking the pleasure from her lips and sharing his in return. His hands roamed, touching and exploring her body unfettered by clothing. He broke the kiss, moving his lips over her jaw and down the long length of her neck until he met her