Protecting Rose by Cheryl Yeko Page A

hand moved up her back in a tender caress until stopping at the base of her neck. Her soft curves molded to his hard lean frame. Her feet floated just above the floor as he held her tightly against him. The feel of his erection pressed against her filled her with breathless anticipation. She felt like a beautiful, desirable woman in Nate’s strong arms.
    He took command of her mouth with a kiss that seared her with its heat. All coherent thought vanished as his mouth devoured hers. The taste of him sent waves of desire to her center. Her body tingled and moisture pooled between her thighs. Her need for him grew, kiss by fiery kiss. Her tongue met his in an ancient dance of passion and she trembled from the fierce rush of emotions induced by his fervent demands.
    Nate propelled her backward until she came up against the condominium door. With a soft moan, she wrapped her legs securely around his hips. Her skirt slid up over her thighs and put her in the perfect position for his erection to grind against her in just the right spot, dispelling any lingering doubt about how much he wanted her.
    He swallowed her lusty moans and with an impatient groan, fumbled with the keys. She giggled against his mouth at his desperation, until he was finally able to open the door and they stepped inside.
    Nate lifted his lips from hers, met her gaze and grinned. He gave her bottom a playful smack before he turned back to lock the door. “Think that’s funny, do you?” He held her against him and kissed her nose and then her lips. His breath softly fanned over her face to her ear. “Are you sure?”
    Rose trembled, clung to him, and breathed in his heady masculine scent. The musky aftershave he wore, the hint of cinnamon on his lips. “Yes...please. I need you.”
    With a husky laugh, he swung her up into his arms and carried her to his room. His eyes blazed hot as he lowered her onto the bed.
    “Last chance.” He stood and pulled the Glock from his waist, placing it on the nightstand. His eyes remained locked onto hers, but he didn’t make a move toward her.
    Rose was entirely caught up in her emotions. The only possible answer was to reach up and pull him down on the bed with her.
    With a deep growl, he covered her body with his and reclaimed her mouth. The hunger in his kiss sent shivers of desire racing through her. His hands moved down her body in a slow, sensual exploration.
    Rose moaned. She wanted more, wanted to forget about everything but the incredible man in her arms. Her hands found their way under his shirt, and he shuddered as she stroked the hard-corded muscles at his back.
    Nate reached between them and slowly unbuttoned her blouse, his fingers caressing the soft swell of her breasts. He seared a path down her neck with hot, wet kisses and back up to claim her lips.
    Rose blushed...shivered in anticipation. She longed for the sexy black underwear purchased that afternoon, instead of the plain cotton briefs she wore.
    Nate chuckled. The husky sound sent a jolt of heat straight through her. The desire to be taken by him pushed all shyness aside and she waited breathlessly for his next move. He unsnapped the front closure of her bra, allowing her breasts to spill out.
    “You are so beautiful,” Nate murmured.
    He leaned down to kiss her breasts, first one...then the other. She sucked in a quick breath when he cupped them in his palms and pinched sensitive nipples between expert fingers, until they stood taut under his touch.
    She closed her eyes and pressed against him as he suckled her aching peaks. His tongue’s warm caress left her flushed with desire. A bolt of electricity shot from her breast directly to her core, and she moaned her pleasure. Nate playfully bit her nipple before sucking it further into his mouth.
    His hand slid up under her skirt, and heat burned along her inner thighs where he touched. He placed his hand over the damp cotton material of her panties. “Sweet, Rose,” he groaned, “you’re