SEAL's Desire (Alpha SEALs Coronado #1) - Makenna Jameison Page 0,37

everything right,” he said, his lips at her temple. “When I saw you—” He cut off, his voice choked.

She nestled further against him and clutched his shirt, holding onto him tightly. “You saved me.”

Blake clenched his jaw, stiffening. “He touched you. He hurt you.”

Taking a deep breath, she looked up at him, lifting her delicate hand to his cheek. He looked at her in surprise. No doubt his stubble was rough against her skin, but he held her gaze.

“You saved me, Blake.”

He nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. Seeing her harmed had gutted him. He wasn’t cut out for stuff like that. He was strong and assertive, no doubt. Calculating in battle. But seeing the woman he cared about hurt?

He lifted his hand to hers, letting his fingers run over her gently. She was fragile. Beautiful. He wanted to touch and caress her, take away any lingering fear she had. Their eyes locked for a moment, and then he was ducking down. Kissing her.

Clarissa whimpered but submitted to him, relaxing in his arms as he claimed her with his mouth.

She was his. It didn’t matter that they’d just met yesterday, that they were stranded out here alone, that she’d nearly been harmed for a second time.

He needed to kiss her like he needed his next breath.

And she was soft. Welcoming. Desperate as she clung tightly to him.

Blake felt himself harden as she shifted slightly on his lap. If he was stronger, he would stop. He’d pull away, pull her to her feet, and head off for the river. Establish communication with his men.

He needed this though. He needed to touch her and feel her, to make sure she was really okay.

He kissed her again, deeper, savoring her sweet taste. She was so damn good and innocent. She deserved a man better than him, a guy who could be everything she deserved. That wouldn’t stop him though. She was clinging to him like he was everything she’d ever wanted, kissing him like she’d never stop.

And hell if nothing had ever felt more right.

Chapter 16

Clarissa gasped as Blake kissed her again. His lips were soft, but he was strong and warm and real. She felt his arousal stiffen beneath her, but at the moment, she was extremely turned on herself. She’d gone from feeling frightened to desperate in a matter of minutes.

Maybe it was the adrenaline pumping through her or some sort of hero complex she didn’t realize she’d had, but right now?

She was desperate to be as close to Blake as possible.

His large hands moved over her back, holding her tightly to him. Blake was muscular and strong, but she knew he’d never hurt her. The stubble on his jaw scraped against her skin as he kissed her again, and it felt real and raw and amazing. His mouth moved down her neck as his hands twined in her hair. She gasped and clung to him, her chest heaving.

“God, I’m covered in mud,” she murmured, really noticing for the first time.

Blake stilled, lightly kissing her jaw before meeting her gaze with a penetrating stare.

“He never should’ve touched you, Clarissa.”

“I got mud all over you,” she said softly.

Her admission seemed to bring them both back to reality. They were sitting out here kissing like lovers or something. They needed to get moving before more trouble came their way.

“You’re beautiful,” he said, his voice gruff.

She flushed under his heated gaze, feeling her nipples tighten. He looked down and briefly ran his fingers lightly over one breast, sending shivers racing down her spine. “I could touch you for hours, sweetheart. Kiss you and claim you as mine.”

“But we have to go,” she finished, smiling shyly at him.

He kissed her again, briefly, then helped her to stand. “We do. And I shouldn’t be pawing at you out here like some sort of animal.”

“Think we can clean up at the stream before we keep going?” she asked.

Blake nodded, grabbing his weapon. Fear once again licked through her. They’d gotten caught up in the heat of the moment, but there were real dangers out there. They headed for the water, walking across the damp grass and leaves, and Clarissa looked in disdain at the mud on her clothing. “Can you hand me my other shirt? I’m going to try to rinse this one out.”

“Sure thing,” he said, unzipping his bag.

He handed it to her, their fingers briefly brushing against one another. “You need any help?” he asked, his voice deep.

“Um.” Her hand went to the hem