His bark of laughter was as unexpected as how quickly he lifted her and strode for the bedroom. “You are such a pain in my ass.”

Was that affection? She could swear there had been affection in that pained statement. Then the world spun, and she found herself flat on her back. His big hands yanked off her jeans and panties before he lifted her and planted her squarely on her hands and knees.

Facing the wall.

“Oh,” she murmured. Well, all right. He had mentioned helm of the bobsled that first night. Amusement took her, battling with the overwhelming desire. “Should this be so much fun?” It took her a second to realize she’d spoken out loud.

“No.” A hard smack to her butt punctuated his response, but that was definitely humor in his tone. Heat spread from his palm across her back and down her abdomen to land between her legs.

Her head dropped and her body burned for him. If they could laugh together, even while fighting and having wild sex, they had a chance. For what, she wasn’t sure. But it was there, and she’d figure it out later. His clothing rustled, and then his hand slipped between her legs.

“Ah, Irish.” He bit the back of her shoulder, not so gently. “You’re wet and ready. Like getting spanked?”

“I liked your laughter,” she said, giving him the truth and moving against his hand. He felt so good.

He was silent for a moment, stroking her even higher. “Then I’ll laugh more often.”

So sweet. Even pissed at her, he had a sweetness hidden in all that toughness that shot right to her heart. And even now, he was taking time, making sure she was ready for him. Whether he liked it or not, Raider Tanaka was a good guy.

“You’re ready,” he rumbled, sliding his hand around her body to press her neck to the bed. “Down and vulnerable, baby.” A condom wrapper crinkled.

She didn’t feel vulnerable. Oh, she was open to him and unable to move, but that hungry and dark tone promised she had power. He pressed against her, and she held her breath, her eyes rolling back in her head when he pressed the tip of his penis inside her.

So big and full.

Then he drove into her, his hands clamping on her hips to hold her in place. She lost her breath, her eyes opening wide. God, it was so much. No hesitation, no fear.

“More,” she whispered.

“Gladly.” He gave her no more time to become accustomed to him and started thrusting, hard and fast, a nearly impossible tempo.

Pleasure surged through her, rolling an orgasm quick and burning through her body, making her climb higher for the next one. He leaned over her, his tight stomach warm on her back, his fingers threading through hers on the bedspread. And somehow, he powered harder into her. Deeper.