The words came out on a gasp because her whole body was melting under his clever hands. She could feel the orgasm building and they weren’t even naked yet.

“My mom-mom didn’t speak a lick of English. She was pure Cajun. She used to live out on the islands. Disappointed her family when she moved to the big city, and yes, they meant Papillon. If I wanted to talk to that old woman, I had to learn her language.” He’d found a perfect rhythm. “J’ai besoin d’apprendre ton langue.”

She leaned back against him, letting him control her body and her balance. “Armand . . . Armie . . .”

“That’s right,” he cajoled. “Let it go. Let me take you away.”

He pressed down and she went flying over the edge. The world fell away and there was only him, the feel of him, his masculine scent. He filled her senses, surrounded her entirely.

For the first time she could remember, she utterly surrendered.

chapter nine

Armie held her up, still rubbing that sweet button of hers. His dick was dying, but he wasn’t going to give in. He wanted her to understand that there was no going back in the morning. He’d meant what he said.

She held his heart in her hand. Maybe it was far too soon to think that way, but he didn’t care. Today had proven to him that she was it. Full stop. No moving on from this one. She was the one he’d waited for all his life, the woman who could handle him. Lila wouldn’t wither when times got tough. She wouldn’t beg him to find a safer job. He might have to beg her to play it safe from time to time.

And he meant the other thing he’d said to her in French. He would learn her language. It was different for a woman like her. He couldn’t win her over with presents or taking her out. She would need something more to teach her how serious he was. She would need patience. She would need to be able to poke and prod at him without losing him. She’d been hurt and she would need time to trust him.

Tonight, he intended to make a start. If she could trust him physically, at least they were on their way.

He adored how she’d gone soft against him, her whole body dependent on his strength. He picked her up, her slight weight no problem for him at all. He could carry her around all day, not letting her feet hit the ground until her unique skills were needed.

Her eyes fluttered open and she looked softer than she normally did. This was a look only he’d seen. He knew it instinctively. This was a side of Lila she wouldn’t share with anyone but a lover.

“Are you taking me to bed now?” And her voice was soft, too.