She whimpered and drew up her legs. He pushed her knees back. “Don’t move.”
She gave him a short nod.
Certain she’d leave them in place, he braced his hands on either side of her head and let himself go. He thrust into her over and over, losing himself in her cries and the pleasure rushing through him, but never breaking the connection he’d sought.
His eyes remained locked with hers, and her gaze held steady as they climbed higher. He was strung so tight, it wasn’t long before he felt a warning tingle rushing along his spine. His balls drew up tight. Knowing he couldn’t hold off any longer, he slid his fingers between them, running one over her clit, rubbing until she began to come.
She stiffened beneath him and ground her body into his. “Knox, I’m… Oh, God. I’m coming.” Her eyes lost focus and her body shuddered around him, triggering his release.
He came so hard he damn near lost consciousness as he pounded into her, then finally stilled, as he continued to fucking come.
Eventually he collapsed and immediately rolled over so as not to crush her. “Jesus.” He laid a hand over his forehead as he did his best to come back to himself.
He turned his head and found her eyes closed, dark lashes fanned over her pale skin as she pulled in deep breaths. At the very least, he knew she’d come as hard as he had.
“Are you okay?” he managed to ask.
She turned and met his gaze. “I really don’t know,” she muttered, her cheeks flushed red. “That was intense.”
It sure as hell was, he thought. “I hope that means it was good for you, too.”
His wisecrack did the trick, and she burst out laughing, breaking the tension. Because that experience had shaken him as nothing else ever had.
He got up and walked to the bathroom to get rid of the condom and clean up, returning with a washcloth for Jade. Her cheeks remained a pretty pink, telling him that nothing about tonight had been in the realm of normal for her, either.
He tossed the small washcloth onto the nightstand and turned to pull her against him.
“I should go,” she said softly.
Oh, hell no. He understood the need to run, and she’d made her intentions, or lack of them, clear. But so had he. “You promised me one night,” he reminded her, then wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. “And tonight isn’t over yet.”
He waited until her body softened against his, telling him he had his answer. She was staying. If one night was all she’d give him, he intended to make the most of it.
***
Jade woke up,immediately aware of the fact that she was in Knox’s bed. It had been a night to remember. When he said it wouldn’t just be one time, he hadn’t been joking. She was sore in places she’d forgotten about and feeling muscles she hadn’t known she had.
She glanced over to find his breaths coming deep and even. He was asleep, giving her the perfect opportunity to slip out unnoticed. As much as she’d enjoyed their time together, he was too sexy, too good in bed, and all too tempting. The only way for her to stick to her no-relationship rule was to leave before he woke up. Because this man was potent and made her want so much more than she was ready for.
She slid out of bed, collected her clothes, and made her way to the bathroom, where she washed up and did her best to run her fingers through her hair to tame the messy strands. It was bad enough she’d be doing the walk of shame in last night’s clothing. She didn’t need her wild hair announcing what she’d been up to.
She opened the bathroom door and tiptoed through the bedroom, hoping to find her purse in the outer area of the apartment. Although she felt guilty leaving him without saying goodbye, it was better this way. There’d be no uncomfortable conversation or awkward silences.
She made it to the bedroom door and was about to step into the hall when she heard his voice. “Going somewhere?”
She cringed and slowly turned toward him. “Good morning!” she said with a forced, bright smile.
“Is it? You’re running like you have regrets.” He’d pushed himself to a sitting position and was now studying her, his arms folded across his broad chest.
“No. Definitely not. I just thought it would be easier for both of us if I—”
“Made a quick getaway?” He raised an eyebrow. “Easier for you, maybe. But I’m not so difficult to handle. Stay and have breakfast before you go.”
She paused. “Didn’t we say one night?”
“And now it’s morning.” He swung his legs over the side of the bed and rose, standing there in all his naked glory.
As her gaze clung to parts of him she knew intimately, her mouth grew dry.