“Texas.”
She blinked at that terse response. “Why?”
“Because that’s where Tucker grew up. I need to take another look at that town, at the people there. I could send some more agents but…it’s personal.”
“I-I have my studio. Classes will—”
“Tomorrow’s Sunday. You don’t have any classes scheduled then, and we’ll be back Sunday night.” His voice dropped. “Please, Skye. I don’t want to leave you here while I’m gone. I need you with me.”
“What about Claire?”
“Reese will keep watch on her. Hell, I’ll call Noah, too. They’ll make sure she’s safe.”
Skye nodded. “Okay.”
His breath expelled in a fast rush. “Thank you, baby.” His fingers slid up to cup her chin. “I need you close right now. I think about what happened to Sara—that can’t happen to you.”
She pressed a quick kiss to his lips. “And it won’t happen to you.” Her vow.
***
The plane rose higher and higher into the air. Trace kept his gaze locked on Skye as they ascended.
Her eyes were currently squeezed tightly closed. Skye hated flying.
The light flashed indicating that he could unbuckle his seatbelt. He did, then slid forward and pressed a quick kiss to her lips.
Skye’s eyes flew open. “Trace—”
He kissed her again. Her lips had parted, and he was able to easily slide his tongue right into her mouth. “Do you remember the first time we made love on this plane?”
She gave a little gasp at that question, and he drank it up greedily.
Then his mouth moved down to her neck. He knew she liked it when he licked her there. “You surprised the hell out of me then. And I’ve been wanting to return the favor.”
“Trace?”
Lucky for him, she was wearing a skirt. He pulled up the loose fabric of her skirt, edging higher and higher. And her thigh highs. Fuck, yes. His fingers slid up her thighs and found the silk of her panties. “This time, it’s my turn,” he said.
She arched against him.
“I get to give you pleasure,” he told her, “and I get to make you forget all about your fear.” His fingers slid under the edge of her panties. He found her sweet flesh—warm and wet. He stroked her, loving the way her breath caught in her throat, and she tipped her hips toward him.
Skye’s response always made him hot.
Made him want to take her endlessly.
He pulled her panties down. Thrust his index finger into her.
“Trace…”
“I don’t want you to be afraid. I don’t want you to feel anything but pleasure.” Because he hated it when her green eyes shone with fear.
He pushed a second finger into her. Her teeth sank into her lower lip. His thumb began to massage her clit, rotating in slow circles.
He licked her throat again. Bit her lightly.
Withdrew his fingers. Thrust. Again.
Worked her clit.
“Trace!”
Her body was tight against him. So damn tight. He loved it. He wanted nothing more than to drive into her as deeply as he could go.
And that was why he didn’t.
This is just for Skye. She needed to know that he could put her first.
She came with a gasp. Her inner muscles clenched around his fingers as she rode out her orgasm. So beautiful.
So perfect.
His Skye.
He held her while she shuddered. Then he slowly withdrew his fingers. Positioned her skirt once more.
Kissed her soft lips again.
Her hand grabbed his forearm. “Trace, you didn’t—”
“I’m a selfish bastard most days. Hell, we both know that.”
“No,” she said quietly, with certainty, “you’re not.”
But Trace knew the truth. “I am with you. I see you, and all I want to do is take.” His heart raced in his chest. “So this time, this once, just let me give.” He had to look away from her because while he was talking a good game…
I want in her.
“Do you want to know how I see you?”
Trace nodded.