When it was over, he collapsed on top of her. Their harsh breaths were the only sound in the silent hotel room, and even those began to lessen, growing slow and steady as their bodies returned to normal.
“It’s true,” Derek managed finally, his lips near her ear. “Nothing’s changed. The world could blow up when I’m inside you, and I’d never even notice.”
Sloane’s soft wisp of breath grazed his shoulder. “The world does blow up when you’re inside me. That’s the problem.”
“I don’t call it a problem. I call it a reprieve.”
There was a heartbeat of silence.
“Maybe you’re right,” Sloane acknowledged at last. “Maybe it is a reprieve. It’s honest. It’s uncomplicated.”
“And it feels so damned good.”
“That, too.”
“Oh, you forgot to mention that it’s also a great stress reliever,” Derek teased. “With the way we combust, think about the record number of endorphins we must release.”
“Good point.”
Derek kissed the hollow at the base of her throat. “Angel,” he murmured, inhaling deeply.
“Hmmm?”
“Your perfume. You still wear it. And it still drives me crazy.”
Sloane’s insides clenched. Yes, she remembered how crazy it drove him. She also remembered some of the spots on her body she’d dab the perfume to do just that.
“I have a small bottle in my purse.” Her fingertips traced his spine. “I can go get it.”
“Later.” His voice was muffled against her skin. “Right now I want you to stay right where you are.”
She could feel him hardening inside her. “I can tell.”
“Busted.” He kissed her, a slow, thorough exploration of her mouth. “Objections?”
“None.” She was already breathless.
“Is your hand okay?”
“What hand?”
Derek gave a low chuckle. “Am I as good as Vicodin?”
“Better. But just as addictive. Maybe more—at least in bed.”
“Bed is all we’re talking about. Nothing more. Deal?”
“Deal.” Sloane’s hands and lips were doing their own exploration, relearning his body by touch and taste.
A hard shudder racked his body, and Derek pulled her more fully under him, thrusting all the way in. “I hope you didn’t plan on getting much sleep tonight.”
“Much? How about none?”
“None works.”
CHAPTER
FIFTEEN