Page 61 of Armed ’N’ Ready

“In Greek mythology, Andromeda was the daughter of Cassiopeia.” As he pushed one finger inside her, she sucked in a breath. “Andromeda was…chained to a rock to be eaten by the sea monster, Cetus, to…pacify the monster’s craving for human flesh.”

“Speaking of flesh…” He swirled his finger over and around her swollen folds, getting more excited by how wet she was. “So, your parents named you after a poor woman who was fed to a monster?” He pushed two fingers inside her heat and began pumping them in and out.

“It was either that, or…” She rocked against him, taking his fingers in deeper. “…be named after the eleventh brightest star in the sky.”

“What’s that?” Christ, she really was turning him on. He was so hard beneath his jeans he was on the verge of exploding.

“Betelgeuse.”

He laughed and used his other hand to spread her slick folds apart, rubbing her swollen clit while he continued pumping his fingers in and out.

Her breath came faster, her body tightening around his fingers. “Did you know that Sirius—the brightest star in the sky—is also called, um, the ‘dog star’?”

“I did.” He began kissing her shoulder, loving her taste, her smell, and…everything else about her. “It’s in the constellation Canis Major. That’s it, come for me, baby.”

Her channel squeezed his fingers. When she cried out, he turned her chin toward him, capturing her mouth with his and absorbing the rest of her cries as her body convulsed around him. The last thing they needed was for the patrolmen out front to hear her scream and come running.

And if he didn’t get inside her, he really would erupt in his pants.

He yanked down his zipper, thankful he’d crammed the remaining condoms into his pocket. With fumbling fingers, he ripped open one of the packets and quickly rolled on a condom. He turned her around, then lifted her, spreading her legs as he lowered her onto his aching cock. She linked her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck.

He growled with barely controlled restraint, desperate to last longer, knowing he wouldn’t. “Jesus, baby.” With his hands at her waist, he raised and lowered her onto him as she arched her back. Pert nipples beckoned to him, and he caught one between his teeth, sucking it into his mouth.

Turning, he lowered her to the mattress and began thrusting more forcefully. Her legs were linked over his ass, gripping him, holding their bodies tightly together. Their breathing became labored as he held himself back, clenching his teeth, wanting to make her come again before he did.

“Can’t hold out…” His body strained above hers, his muscles strung tighter than a rubber band. His entire body was primed, screaming for release.

He kissed her as she came again, absorbing her cries while she convulsed around him, arching her breasts upward. Nick came hard and fast, pushing deeper as he exploded inside her.

Moments later, a sense of utter contentment enveloped him like a warm caress. Lowering to his elbows, he rested his forehead in the valley between her breasts. His breathing and heart rate took another full minute to slow. When he pressed a kiss to her chest, her heart thudded against his lips.

They lay that way for several more minutes, basking in the silence. Finally, he lifted his head. Her eyes were closed, her smooth skin glowing in the moonlight. As he gazed down at her, he couldn’t summon any words that could come close to describing the strong emotions gushing over him. He’d never been a poet or one for flowery declarations, but making love to Andi outside under the stars had been one of the most beautiful, memorable moments of his life. And there was no way in hell she was in league with a gun dealer. He’d know it if she were.

He threaded his fingers through her hair, loving the silky softness against his calloused hand. He could get used to this. Being with her. Touching her. Making love to her. But there was still so much between them.

A warm breeze picked up, fluttering her hair against his arm. Even if she was officially crossed off the suspect list in the next five seconds, could he ever love again?

He honestly didn’t know. The only thing he knew for sure was that he was standing on the edge of a steep precipice he’d only fallen from once before in his life.

…

Andi opened her eyes to find Nick watching her intently, his brows lowered. The look on his face was a combination of determination and something else. Did he have misgivings about what they’d just done?

A lump of anxiety the size of a softball settled in her chest. In all likelihood, their relationship had no place to go. Too late to turn back now. Because, without intending to, she’d already begun opening her heart to him. At this point, she had to let the chips fall wherever they were meant to be.

Remember your vow. No regrets.

Unable to meet his gaze a moment longer, she glanced at the corner of the deck, relieved to find Stray resting comfortably. Saxon lay a few feet away, snout pressed to the deck but ever alert, his golden eyes glinting in the moonlight.

She didn’t know what to say or do. The last impression she wanted Nick to have of her was that of a clingy girlfriend who wasn’t even officially his girlfriend. She didn’t know if she was his anything.

“Did you know that Sirius is twenty times brighter than the sun?” she asked, hating the awkward silence.

He grinned. “Nope.”

“Or that the only things in the sky brighter than Sirius are a few planets and the International Space Station?”

“Who knew?” He brushed a lock of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear.