He shuddered, dropping his head to kiss and suck at her throat as she stroked him exactly the way she knew he liked. It felt so good to touch him this way, to know she was giving him as much pleasure as he was giving her.

Pulling down the lace cup of her bra after pressing a tender kiss to her heart-surgery scar, he ran his thumb over her bare nipple. “I want to suck you everywhere, baby.” His breathing was ragged. “Especially here.” He dropped his hand to between her legs, pushed up with the heel of his hand.

Catie’s nerves short-circuited. “I want you inside me.”

“Oh fuck yes.” Shifting back with alacrity, he kicked off his jeans and briefs while she somehow managed to undo her shorts and get them off.

Danny’s hands on her hips, the slightest pressure. And she realized he wanted her to turn.

Damp heat between her legs, she did as he’d silently requested and pressed her palms to the wall. He rolled her panties down her thighs, stroked his hand over one bare cheek.

“You are so goddamn beautiful.” A rough whisper against her neck as he leaned in to press a kiss to her nape.

“Danny.” She lifted a hand, moved it back to stroke his hair.

He nuzzled at her before pulling back, and she heard the familiar sound of a condom wrapper tearing. Then he was gripping her hips tight, the blunt head of his cock bumping against her in erotic pulses before he slid into her so slow and deep that she almost couldn’t stand it.

Her body clenched around him, her hunger for him a raw need.

She’d thought she wanted fury, but she didn’t urge him to go faster when he settled into a slow and intense rhythm that hit every sensitive spot inside her. All the while, he kept on saying the sweetest, hottest things to her until all her shields and walls lay in splinters at her feet, her heart in Daniel Esera’s careful hands.

33

A BROKEN HEART

She didn’t want to leave him. But here they stood at the departure gate as her flight began to board. They’d booked flights close in time so they could be in the departure area together, but hers was an hour ahead of his.

Throat thick, she threw her arms around him and hugged him tight. His own hug was as fierce. “Best holiday ever,” he said, his voice rough.

She nodded, unable to speak. They were breaking apart all too soon and she turned to walk away. She couldn’t draw this out. It was always better to cut things off hard and fast. It hurt less that way.

“Hey.” Danny’s voice stopped her.

She turned to see his eyes dark with emotion.

“Vietnam next?”

Her heart shuddered. Nodding, she managed to get out “Count on it.” Then she was striding through the boarding gate.