“I don’t like being back here,” she told him quietly, “but I’m glad that I’m with you.” She rose onto her toes. Her lips brushed over his. “I’ve wanted to be with you for a long time.”
He’d been rough with her before, so hungry and desperate. This time, before the mission started, he was determined to use care with her. She deserved care.
Gunner lifted her up. Held her in his arms and then took her to that big, giant bed. He laid her down, slowly stripped her, kissed every inch of flesh that was revealed to him, and he kept a stranglehold on his control.
This time, he’d show her the way things were supposed to be between them. This time, it would all be for her.
He kissed her breasts, loving the tight peaks of her nipples. Like candy. So good and sweet and perfect for his mouth. Her stomach dipped down, and he explored all of her, sliding his fingers gently over her skin, over her sensitive core.
She arched against him, whispering his name.
He kept touching her, kissing and enjoying the silken feel of her skin.
“Gunner, I want you.”
Those were the words he needed. He’d never be a stand-in for a ghost, but Sydney wasn’t asking for a stand-in. She wanted him.
He pulled away from her just long enough to push down his jeans. Then he positioned his body between her thighs. One strong thrust—yes—and he drove into her, pleasure pulsing along his aroused length.
Her legs wrapped around him. She urged him to thrust deeper, harder, and he gave in to her. Moving quickly, wanting to give her as much pleasure as she could stand, wanting to give her everything.
When her body tensed beneath his, he knew her release was close. His spine tingled, his body tightened, but he forced himself to hold back.
He needed to feel her pleasure first.
Then she was gasping, calling his name, and her nails were scoring his shoulders. The pleasure washed across her face, brightening her eyes and flushing her cheeks.
Only then did he give in to his own need. He drove into her and let go.
The climax ripped through him, just as strong as the pleasure he’d gotten the night before.
He’d always known that Sydney was a dangerous woman, but he hadn’t realized that once he’d had a taste of the paradise she offered, there would be no turning back.
* * *
THE RAP SOUNDED on their door an hour later. Gunner glanced up to see Sydney coming out of the shower. Her hair was still wet, and her clothes clung tightly to her body.
“Must be Cale...or Logan,” she said, glancing toward the door.
Logan would know what they’d been up to. Even though they’d tried to fix the wrecked bed, Gunner knew that the minute Logan looked into his eyes, he would know.
Logan was his friend, and the man could read him too well.
Logan also knew well enough not to say a damn word that would make Sydney feel uncomfortable.
Gunner rose and headed for the door. He checked through the peephole and saw Logan staring straight ahead. After opening the door, Gunner stepped back so that Logan could enter.
Their team leader stalked inside, his body tight with tension.
Frowning, Gunner locked the door behind him.
“Did you get a visual?” Sydney asked as she approached him.
Logan gave a grim nod.
Then Gunner saw Logan’s gaze sweep from Sydney, to the bed, to Gunner.
Logan’s stare was...guarded. No emotion.