Free One to Protect (One to Hold Book 3) by Tia Louise Page B

the perfect level of hotness. My head rests on a foam pillow attached to the side, and I close my eyes, allowing the swirling water to soothe away the night. I don’t realize I’m asleep until the soft press of Derek’s lips against my forehead followed by the light scruff of his beard against my brow wakes me. My eyes flutter open, and he smiles down, fully dressed and leaning over the tub.
    “Tired?” His voice is gentle.
    Nodding, I lift one hand out of the now-warm water and touch his cheek. “Join me?”
    I watch as he unbuttons his sleeve and rolls it up to his elbow. One hand on the wall behind my head, he leans forward and captures my lips as his other hand slides beneath the foam to cup my breast.
    A breathy moan slips from my mouth into his, and keeping my eyes closed, I cover his hand with mine, following his movements from one breast to the other, his thumb slowly circling my hardening nipples.
    He leans up and our eyes meet. “Good news.” My eyebrows rise with curiosity, and he continues. “Sloan’s back on the radar. He’s in Charleston. Bennett’s watching him and promises to keep me updated.”
    “Now you don’t have to worry.” My voice is thick from napping followed by all the steamy kisses and touches. “I can stay home and work tomorrow.”
    “I’d still like it if you had someone with you.” His voice is soft with a touch of sexy, fanning the heat he’s aroused in me.
    “ I’d like it if you were less clothed and in here while we discuss it.”
    “I’m not sure we’ll do much discussing that way.”
    Sitting forward in the tub, I carefully unfasten his buttons with the tips of my fingers until his olive chest is revealed. A scattering of dark hair covers the top of his lined torso, and I chew my bottom lip remembering how it feels against my breasts. With the pad of his thumb, he touches my mouth.
    “Don’t bite your lip.” He leans in and brushes his against mine. “Let me do that.”
    He gives me a little nibble, and I’m coming undone. “You’re taking too long.”
    In a flash he stands, pushes his dark jeans down his hips, taking his boxer briefs with them. My breath catches at the sight of his gorgeous body nude in front of me. He’s fully erect as he steps in and slides beneath the foam at the opposite end of the tub.
    “Mmm… warm.” Large hands slide to my waist, pulling me onto his lap as he leans back in the water. I’m already slick, so it doesn’t take much. I reach around behind me and guide his tip into my throbbing opening. We both sigh as he rocks deep into me.
    I lean forward, holding the tub on each side of his head while his mouth covers my breast, sucking a tight nipple.
    A loud moan from me, and he moves up, his voice cracking in my ear. “We’ll probably get water everywhere.”
    The sound of his growing desire sparks mine even hotter. “That’s what towels are for.”
    His lips consume my words, his tongue sweeping in to find mine, and his hands grip my ass beneath the surface. Holding my body still, his hips rock into mine. Our mouths break away with a groan, and the water is swaying with us, splashing over the side. His mouth is at my shoulder, and he gives me another little bite. I tremble, holding him as his thrusting increases in speed and depth.
    My orgasm mounts, and I feel my brow tense in ecstasy as he moves. The tightness below my navel becomes unbearable until at last it breaks, leaving me crying out his name. His movements don’t slow, and I clutch his shoulders. The sound of me coming seems to push him over, and after a few final thrusts, he groans low, shooting off deep between my quivering thighs.
    His hips move slower, and I kiss him along his rough jaw. My body is so relaxed and satisfied. I make my way to his ear, whispering my love for him as his arms wrap tightly around my waist. He kisses my neck, moving his hands out of the water to cup my cheeks, bringing my face so our eyes are level.
    “Nothing is going to take you