Free Tarnished by Becca Jameson Page B

moaned softly, most likely unaware of her rapture.
    A subtle tip of his head, and he locked their mouths together tighter, tasting, licking, memorizing her feel.
    She gripped the arm he’d wrapped across her middle with both hands, her nails digging into his flesh and grounding him. He loved the contact. Anything from her was a blessing.
    Louder moans escaped her lips, and she flinched. She broke off the kiss, turning her head away from him and gasping for air. “Oh God,” she muttered. Her grip tightened on his arm.
    Her stiff body shifted toward him. He draped his top leg over hers. Her smooth skin felt so feminine against his rough leg.
    “You okay?” he muttered. He dared to nibble her ear.
    “I’m…” She didn’t finish the thought. She pushed against him and scrambled to stand next to the bed. She sucked in deep breaths, staring down at him. And then she turned and fled the room.
    Drake face-planted into the pillow where her warm body had just vanished. It took him several minutes to recuperate from the intensity of that one kiss. Had he frightened her? Or had she frightened herself?
    In the silence, he flipped over and stared at the ceiling. He had no idea how long it took, but eventually he fell asleep.

Chapter Six
    Kenzie slid back between the covers in the guest room, feeling out of control. It unnerved her to be unable to maintain a single thought. That man was like a drug. Her hands shook and she needed a “fix” like a junkie needed their next line of cocaine. Only in this case, she needed a different kind of relief.
    She curled up into a ball and squeezed her legs together, wishing the ache would go away and return her to her normal state. This lack of control was annoying. And she didn’t want to succumb to the physical demands of her body. She was her own person. No one controlled her. Hell, she didn’t even control her right now.
    Another fitful night passed with Kenzie tossing and turning on the bed, desperate for a comfortable position. Snatches of rest would end with her gasping for air and staring into the darkness as though she’d had a nightmare. The only nightmare was her fear of the unknown.
    In the early dawn, she stared at the window. What would happen if she let Drake claim her? He already owned her. Her body aligned with his like a magnet. She was a fool to deny it.
    The house was silent. She slinked out of the bed and tiptoed back across the hall. I’m such a bitch. How many times am I going to tease him?
    His breathing was even as she approached. She stared down at him in slumber. He lay on his stomach, his arms wrapped around his pillow, his head facing her direction, his broad tanned shoulders exposed to her perusal. The sheet had slipped so low she could see the top of his shorts.
    Minutes passed while she itched to run her fingers over his skin.
    Suddenly, he opened his eyes and smiled at her. “I sensed you.”
    She chuckled. “Not very quickly.”
    “How long have you been staring at me?” he teased as he rose onto his side.
    “A while.” She flushed. “Sorry I ran.”
    “It’s okay, Kenzie. You are entitled to take this at whatever pace you need.” Drake pulled back the sheet and raised his eyebrows. “Come here.”
    Her movements were tentative, nerves eating at her, but she crawled into the same spot she’d vacated hours ago and relaxed into his side. “You smell so good.”
    He chuckled. “I haven’t even showered yet.”
    “Don’t. I like you this way. The soap washes away your … you.”
    He grinned and kissed her cheek. It felt so nice having him next to her. Why had she fled? Oh, right. The sex. A shiver racked her body.
    “Talk to me.” He smoothed her hair from her face and stared into her eyes.
    “Kiss me again.” She wasn’t ready to talk, but she did want to experience his lips once more.
    He didn’t hesitate. His mouth descended on hers faster and more demanding than last night. He cupped her chin with his hand and held her captive with