It filled her chest and heart with wonder and love. Yes, love.
She held his gaze, mesmerized by his will and seemingly unending capacity to give. She lifted up, eyes still on his to press a kiss to his firm lips.
“Come, Henrik.”
She dropped back, flattened by the primal groan that tore from his chest. He thrust into her hard, demanding, and she opened to him, spread her legs wide and reveled as he unleashed his trapped desire. Each rapid drive pounded her closer to the headboard until she braced her hands on it.
He buried his face in her neck, tensed and held for a hitch of a breath before he roared his release. The vibration tickled over her neck and infused her with a strange power as he shuddered through his climax, hips slowing until he sank into her, muscles going lax with his gasping breath.
That was amazing. Wonderful. Incredible to watch and feel. She’d driven him to that wild release and damn...that was cool.
She wrapped her arms and legs around him, held on like before, only this time she wasn’t mired in fear. No, this time she was filled with contentment.
Chapter Eighteen
Henrik shuffled his shoes on the cheery welcome mat, its greeting mocking the nerves that’d held his stomach in a tight ball most of the day. Thankfully, he’d had practice and an extra-long workout to keep him busy, or he might’ve driven himself crazy with doubts.
The tiny ranch home was well maintained on a quaint street lined with similar style houses. The sun had already set, streetlights warding off the night. The mature trees and large shrubs lining the neighborhood matched the older homes. Quiet, a little worn but hardy. The home before him with burgundy trim against gray paint and white shutters was sharp, even if it appeared a bit faded.
The amber hue of lights glowed around the curtain-covered windows and the faint sound of the TV drifted through the closed door to reach him. Another welcome that had him sucking in a fortifying breath.
This wasn’t the first time he’d met a girlfriend’s parents and family. They were just the first ones who mattered to him. He’d grown closer to Jacqui since they’d opened up to each other last week, and this meeting was a big step forward in their relationship. He cared about the impression he made and wanted Jacqui’s family to like him. The distant charm he’d mastered before he’d hit his teens wouldn’t work here.
A set of headlights flashed against the house, and he jerked around to watch a car pull into the narrow drive. He’d opted to park on the street. An easier escape if a quick exit was needed.
The low rumble of the car engine turned off, silence descending. The interior light clicked on to highlight a man with shoulder-length dark hair tucked behind his ears. His gaze was clearly leveled on Henrik before he shoved the door open.
Henrik straightened his spine, shoulder shifting back as the guy came around the older model sedan, a cold expression hardening his features. He was being judged, no doubt about it. He was more than used to it. Ready for it.
The man bounded up the stairs to stand before him. The stoop wasn’t very big, which put the other guy well within Henrik’s space. A few inches shorter and a lot leaner than him, the man didn’t waver in his drilling assessment.
Henrik held out his hand, eyes never shifting from the guy he assumed was one of Jacqui’s brothers. “Henrik.”
The man didn’t move for a long moment, long enough for Henrik to think of withdrawing his hand. But the guy finally conceded, the shake a brief hold that was far from welcoming.
“Aiden.” Face still stiff with cold distance. “Jacqui’s brother.”
Henrik sucked up his manners to say “Nice to meet you,” even though he didn’t feel that way. Not anymore.
Aiden jerked his chin up and shoved his hands into his jacket pockets. “Likewise.”
A car passed on the street, tires grinding over the asphalt. “I was just going to knock.” Obviously.
“So you’re really dating my sister.” The yellow glow of the outside light cast a sinister edge to Aiden’s features. Or maybe it was the snarling doubt in his tone that did that. “Why?”
Henrik puffed out a breath, a snarky smile forming. “Because I like her.” Fuck you, asshole.
“Right. Why?”
“Why?” He looked away, the defensive anger burning his throat before he shoved it back. It must be nice to have family who cared enough to ask that question.