This was a mistake of epic proportions, but she was tired of thinking. Tired of running in circles and being lost, not only in the case but in her life. Where she should live and work and how she could protect her mother. She knew Huck could take her away from reality, and she wanted that right now. Maybe needed it. “Yes.” She didn’t need to think about it and ducked her head so he could yank the cashmere off. It flew over his head and then his mouth was on her lips, down her jaw and along her clavicle in wild nips and kisses. She ran one hand up his head to clutch his thick hair, surprised at the silkiness of the mass.

He raised his head again, seeking her mouth, taking her under. Her head clunked against the wall.

“Don’t stop,” she whispered when he halted. Her legs slid down him to find purchase on the wooden floor.

He yanked off his shirt and reached for the button of his jeans. In a raging and fumbling set of movements, they unzipped and kicked off clothing, leaving her in her bra and him in socks. His hands kneaded her breasts, and he flicked open the bra’s center clasp, yanking off the flimsy material. One strap snapped in two.

He lifted her again. “Tell me you’re on the pill.”

“I am and just had a checkup.” Everything inside her ached for him, and she lifted her legs again and pressed against him right where she wanted him. He was hard and ready. She moaned.

“Me, too. All healthy.” He smiled. “Although you’re the only person I’ve been with in a year.”

“Ditto.” She moved against him, more than trusting he wouldn’t drop her. “Stop talking, Huck,” she whispered.

He lowered his forehead to hers, his eyes blazing, his mouth so close. “All right.” Slowly, taking his time, he penetrated her. The muscles in his biceps clenched while he kept her safe against the wall.

She pushed her head back again, heat consuming her. Huck Rivers consuming her. She tilted her hips, and he shoved all the way inside, taking her over.

Pain and pleasure pinpointed in one moment, halting her breath. Then just pleasure.

Primal, frantic, animalistic pleasure ripped through her as he started to move, one hand digging into her glutei and the other holding her in place by the nape of the neck. Her head thunked again, and he swore, moving that hand up to cup and protect her head. But he didn’t stop. His body was one long line of muscle and strength as he hammered inside her, as out of control as she.

Sparks of pleasure burned from her breasts to her core, and she gasped in need, sinking her nails into the smooth skin of his chest. It was too much and not enough, a contradiction with no rational explanation.