His eyes are glued to mine, but he stands speechless.

“And, it wasn’t just words. I meant every part of it. I’m falling for you, Pierce.”

His hands come up to the base of my neck, thumbs caressing my skin until his palms cover my cheeks. He tilts my head up and presses his lips to mine, punishing and possessive. He’s fighting to be with me just as I’m fighting to be with him. We face different obstacles, but as long as we want the same thing, we can do this.

He softens the kiss, skimming his lips over mine twice more before pulling away. His eyes show some of the sparkle they lacked earlier. “I meant what I said, too. Those words held more meaning than they’ve ever held before.”

“So, do you trust me? Can we do this?” I ask, my voice begging.

He closes his eyes and pulls me in for one more kiss. It’s answer enough. “I trust you. If you want to continue on this project, you’re doing it with me by your side.”

“It’s a deal.”

Wade chooses that moment to walk back in the room. I can tell by the look on his face that he’s disappointed to see us locked in an embrace. There’s no doubt in my mind he planned all this.

“I see everything is good in paradise now,” he jokes. “Where does that leave us?”

Pierce winks at me before turning his attention to Wade. “The project will go on as planned, but you, my friend, better watch yourself because this project doesn’t mean shit to me.” He stops, glancing back at me with a smile. “But it means everything to her, and she means everything to me.”

“Someone is getting a little soft in his old age.”

“Don’t let my kindness fool you, and don’t fuck with me again.”

Wade’s cocky grin falls. Inside, I’m smiling. He deserves every second of it. “I take it you’ll be at the planning meeting this afternoon then?”

“We’ll be there.”

After grabbing some brunch, Pierce and I retreat back to the hotel to regroup before the afternoon meeting. The only thing I want to do is curl up in the comfortable bed and drift off to sleep. This morning was draining, and the thought of having to be in the same room with those two again in a few hours is frightening.

Pierce stands next to me outside my hotel room, smiling. “Can I join you?” he asks.

“Don’t your moods ever wear you out?” I ask.

He shrugs. “You’re a woman. You should know what it’s like.”

I sock him in the arm, but it’s the truth. My moods change daily like the weather outside. “I guess you can come in, but all I plan on doing is showering and taking a quick nap.”

His hands grip my hips, pulling me into his body. “You didn’t shower this morning, did you?”

I shake my head.

“You still smell like me,” he whispers, lips brushing my cheek.

“I guess I do,” I answer back, feeling a tingle between my legs. His whisper sings the song of sex.

“Since you’re tired, maybe it would be best if I help you in the shower. It’s the least I can do after the morning you had.”

My body trembles just thinking about his hands on me … all over me. “It would make up for the problem you caused. I’m still a little mad that you left me alone in bed. I was cold and lonely.”

He grabs the key card from me, opening the door with one hand while keeping his other arm wrapped around me. The door slams shut, and he lifts me in his arms carrying me to the bathroom. He sets me on the edge of the counter then turns the shower on. I’m in awe over the size of his heart. He doesn’t just tell me that there is nothing he wouldn’t do for me; he shows me every single day.

You can fall in love.

You can be in love.

Or you can simply love.

And, the best type of love is felt before it’s spoken. It elevates your soul and fills your heart. I’m falling hard, and it just … it just feels right.

I watch as he undoes his cuff links and quickly unbuttons his white dress shirt. I ponder reaching over to help him, but instead I enjoy the show. As he slides his shirt off, I look into his eyes. They’re glued to me, and I can’t help but be stuck on him. I hear his belt hit the floor then his zipper, but my eyes are still on his.

He steps between my legs, running his long fingers up the inside of my thighs until he reaches my panties. His thumbs curl around the edges, carefully pulling them down. The way he does it—slow, methodical, letting his thumbs brush my inner thighs—drives me absolutely crazy.

Next, he pushes my skirt up, leaving me completely exposed. I scoot to the edge of the counter wanting him inside of me so badly, I could almost scream. Instead, he slides me off and pulls my dress over my head, leaving me in nothing but my bra.

“Pierce, I need you to touch me,” I beg, wrapping my arms around his neck.

He remains silent, pulling my arms away and pinning them behind my back. He uses his leverage to bend me back enough to give him full access to my covered breasts. Leaning in, he bites my nipple through the fabric. I yelp. He does the same to the other side before carving a path of kisses down the center of my chest. I rub my legs together to relieve the ache, but it’s pointless. He’s the master of my body; he controls my desire and release.

My bra falls to the ground and I’m lifted into his arms and placed in the oversized, steam-filled shower. Tiny droplets hit my back as I wait for him to join me.

He surprises me, taking a seat on the bench rather than joining me. “I want to watch you,” he says, resting his head against the tile.

“I thought you were going to help me,” I groan, the ache between my legs building just staring at him naked.

“When the time is right,” he answers, a huge grin lighting up his gorgeous face. He hands me a bar of soap, purposefully brushing his fingers against mine. “Soap up, Lila.”

I follow his instruction, soaping my arms, back, stomach, and legs. His lips part when I rest one foot on the bench, opening myself up to him. I glide the bar between my legs, back and forth watching him. I brace my hand against the shower wall and close my eyes, rubbing faster—harder. My tongue darts out to lick my lips. I’m so close … so damn close.

“Stop,” he commands, wrapping his hand around my wrist.

“Please,” I beg. “I need you inside me. Please.”

He stands up, and in one swift move, he has me sitting on the bench staring up at him. He spreads my legs, sitting on his knees between them. Water drips from the ends of his bangs, falling to his lashes and rolling down his cheeks. I couldn’t want him any more than I do right now.

He pulls me to the edge of the bench, forcing my back to arch with my head resting against the tile. “I give you pleasure. Only me,” he growls, circling his thumb between my legs as he presses his lips to the inside of my thigh. “Your scent is so sweet.”

I grip his long hair between my fingers. “Pierce, please,” I beg, pulling his hair gently. He buries his head between my legs and works his tongue against my sensitive skin, occasionally tugging to cause the most painful, yet pleasurable experience I’ve ever felt. I cry out as the first orgasm rocks my body. He pulls me up holding me against the shower wall as he pushes inside of me, feeling the ride he’s taken me on.

“You’re so fucking perfect,” he groans as I come down from sweet bliss. His strong arms hold my legs up as he pumps into me. I fall apart two times before he finds his release.

“I’ve never been with someone who’s so amazing at everything,” he breathes as he slowly tries to regain his composure.

I smile, burying my head in the crook of his neck. “Where did you learn to do that?”

He laughs. “Probably not what you want to hear, but I’ve had experience.”

I lift my head. Lila Fields actually feels a hint of jealousy, and she doesn’t like it one bit. “And where do I rank?”