Past Promises

Chapter Thirteen

All the tension that had filled Levi since he’d gotten back to Jamesville slipped away as Linda tightened her arms around him. Their lips melded together in a tender kiss. He wanted to be gentle with her, show her a softer side. She’d seen a side of him today that he’d never wanted to show her. But she’d taken it all in stride. He still couldn’t believe that she was worried about protecting him from her father.

He let his palms slide down her slender back until he was cupping her ass. It filled his hands and he squeezed. She moaned into his mouth before sucking on his tongue.

Levi was a man renowned for his patience. He was a legend in certain circles for his ability to block out all else and concentrate on the problem at hand. But this slender woman made a mockery of self-control.

She stroked her fingers over the nape of his neck before tunneling into his hair. Her nails scraped over his scalp in an erotic caress. She rubbed her breasts against his chest. Even through the layers of clothing, he could feel her taut nipples.

He had to have her. Now.

Lifting her, he started down the hallway. Linda didn’t break their kiss. Instead, she wrapped her legs around his waist and ground her mound against his erection. Levi staggered, bouncing off the wall before regaining his balance. He tore his mouth from hers and gasped for breath.

That didn’t stop her. Linda peppered his face and neck with hot little kisses. He managed to make it into her bedroom. The light from the hallway was more than enough. He stopped by the bed, but she kept her legs wrapped tightly around his waist.

“Linda.” He tried to get her to unlock her legs. Really, he did. But he didn’t want to hurt her. “Darlin’,” he tried again. “You’ve got to let go if we’re going to get naked.”

That seemed to galvanize her. “Right.” She slid her legs away, brushing the entire front of her body against him. She smiled, a sexy teasing smile, as she ripped her top off and unhooked her bra. The straps slid down her arms and the scrap of material fell to the floor at her feet.

Levi grabbed a handful of his shirt and dragged it over his head. He couldn’t stop staring at her. As always, the sheer beauty of her drew him. His hands were trembling as he reached out, using his thumbs to trace the soft skin surrounding her nipples. Her breath was faster now, short puffs of air that were warm against his skin.

Leaning down, he blew softly on her nipples. They pebbled even more. Satisfied, he drew one of them into his mouth and sucked. Hard. Linda’s fingers dug into his scalp, tangling in his hair, tugging him closer. He worked back and forth, teasing one breast, then the other, loving the sounds of pleasure that came from her.

Suddenly, it wasn’t enough. He had to have her naked. Beneath him. He had to bury himself deep in her warmth. He’d been cold for so long. Only Linda could warm him.

Releasing her nipple, he kissed a path down her torso until he reached the band of her jeans. On his knees in front of her now, he flicked open the button and drew down the zipper. Levi pushed his hands inside, dipping beneath her silky panties to the even softer skin beneath.

He inhaled the scent of her arousal, pushing one of his hands between her thighs. She was hot and wet, her cream coating his fingers. She whimpered, digging her nails into his shoulders.

“Levi.” She drew out the sound of his name on a moan. His cock jumped in response.

“I need you naked.” He stood and reached for the opening of his jeans. “Finish it,” he prompted her as he toed off his sneakers and kicked them aside. He shoved his jeans and briefs down his thighs. He stepped out of them and drew off his socks, leaving him naked.

His eyes hadn’t left her while he’d been stripping off his clothing. Linda shimmied out of her jeans and panties, skimming off her socks in the process. Her pale skin gleamed in the light from the hallway.

As always, he was struck by the sheer wonder of her. She was so slender and delicate in appearance. Her short black hair framed her fine-boned face and her dark blue eyes to perfection. She might be tall for a woman, but she was so much smaller than him. He was always aware of his strength when he touched her. Right or wrong, it brought out the primitive part of him. He wanted to claim her, fuck her, protect and cherish her. It was as confusing as hell. But it also felt right.

She shivered and he swore at himself for keeping her standing there while he looked his fill. He started toward her, but she stopped him by raising her hand.

“What’s wrong?” He didn’t know if he’d survive if she wanted to stop, but he’d damn well do it.

Linda licked her lips. He shuddered as a fiery need coursed through his veins. His balls ached for release and pre-come seeped from the head of his cock.

“Sit down on the side of the bed.” She walked forward and placed her palm in the center of his chest and pushed. He took the two steps necessary to bring him up against the bed and sat.

Her eyes were wide, her pupils dilated. Her nipples were tight buds of desire. He knew she still wanted him. He swallowed hard and recited complex math formulas in his mind as she stared at his erection. It jumped and flexed toward her.

“I’ve never had my turn.” She looked at him then and he could see the uncertainty in her eyes.

“Your turn?” he questioned gently.

She nodded and reached out her hand. Using her index finger, she stroked the length of his shaft from base to tip. He swallowed hard to keep from coming.

“You’re always pleasuring me, but I never get to do it in return. Not since that time in the bathtub.”

Was she saying what he thought she was saying? Linda put both hands on his knees and pushed his thighs wide. Then she gracefully knelt on the floor in front of him.

Sweat broke out all over his body. Every muscle in his body tensed and he began to shake. The mere thought of her mouth on his cock was almost enough to make him come. He swallowed hard. “My control is hanging by a thread, darlin’.”

“Good.” She gifted him with a brief smile before turning all her attention to his erection.

Linda no longer felt the chill of the room as she knelt between Levi’s thighs. Between his body heat and the fire coursing through her limbs, she was hot. Her breasts felt swollen and her nipples were hard. She felt empty inside, filled with a hot, wet ache that only Levi could assuage.

She studied his shaft. It was long and thick. Blue veins ran up and down the length. The bulbous head at the top was plum shaped and much darker. As she watched, a pearly bead of liquid seeped from the slit.

Leaning forward, Linda swiped her tongue over the tip. Levi groaned and his knees tightened around her. She raised her head and licked her lips. He tasted salty and musky and masculine. As good as she remembered.

“You’re killing me, darlin’.” He ran his fingers through her hair, gripping her head and holding her steady. She wasn’t sure if he was going to pull her closer or push her away.

Knowing what she wanted, she leaned forward again, curling her tongue around the head of his cock. His fingers tightened around her head as he tugged her mouth closer.

Grinning, she opened her mouth over the tip. Hollowing her cheeks, she sucked. Levi’s hips bucked, driving him deeper. Linda gripped the base of his cock with one hand, squeezing it. Using her other hand, she cupped his balls and rolled them gently.

Levi roared her name, rolling his hips as she stroked and sucked, using mouth, teeth, tongue and hands to pleasure him. It was a heady feeling to be in command of this man’s pleasure. He was always so in control, so restrained.

She rubbed one of her breasts against his hairy thigh. The rasp of the hair against the taut bud of her nipple made her moan. The throaty vibration surrounded his shaft, drawing a groan of pleasure from him.

“I want to be inside you.” He used his grip on her head to try and pull her away.

She retaliated by raking her nails over his scrotum.

“Darlin’,” he gasped. “Linda, I have to be inside you.”

She heard the desperation in his voice and realized she’d have to finish this way another time. She ached for Levi to take her, to fill her. Releasing his shaft on a wet pop, she leaned forward and nuzzled him one final time.

Levi didn’t waste any time. Grabbing a condom from the nightstand, he ripped it open and rolled it on. Linda’s legs were shaky as she started to stand, but it didn’t matter.

Levi lifted her easily, pulling her onto his lap. He raised her up higher. “Put me inside you.” His eyes were almost black with desire. “Put my cock inside your pussy.”

Linda didn’t hesitate. Only Levi could stop the pulsing ache that was consuming her. Taking him in hand, she fitted the head to her opening and then slowly sat down. One inch at a time, she drew him into her.

His hands were on her waist, guiding her, supporting her. When she was seated to the hilt, she sighed with pleasure. Her inner muscles were stretched tight. She could feel his shaft pulsing inside her. They were joined. Connected in the most intimate way.

“I love you.” The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them. She hadn’t meant to say them aloud. But there was no use denying them now. Levi was staring down at her, an expression on his face she couldn’t identify.

Before she could say anything else, he stood. The motion drove him deeper into her. She gasped and clutched his shoulders for support. Levi put one knee on the bed and lowered her back to the mattress. Gripping her shoulders tightly, he began to thrust. Short, hard stabs were interchanged with long, hard strokes.

Levi pushed her higher than she’d ever been before. She didn’t know what was different this time. Maybe it was because she’d told him she loved him.

She ignored the pain in the vicinity of her heart. He hadn’t told her he loved her back, but she knew he cared. He showed it in every action he took. That meant more to her than false promises spoken to make her happy.

He shoved one arm beneath her back, hammering into her. Every thrust pushed her closer to the edge. Her fingernails dug into his shoulders as she clung to him. She wrapped one leg around his back, trying to pull him even deeper.

Every nerve ending in her body was primed and ready. She arched her hips up to take every thrust, welcoming him, encouraging him.

“Come for me,” he commanded.

As if that was the signal her body had been waiting for, she felt the pleasurable heat rise up inside her and then, forcefully, she came. Her vision dimmed as her orgasm exploded deep within her. Her inner muscles clenched hard around him. His cock jerked and she felt the hot pulses of his release inside her.

She cried out as her body shook from head to toe. When it finally receded, a lone tear trickled down her cheek. She lay sprawled on the bed, totally spent with Levi draped over her.

Absently, she toyed with the silky strands of his hair that tickled her skin. He raised his head and stared down at her. She smiled at him, but he didn’t smile back.

Pulling out of her, he lifted her and tucked her beneath the covers before padding to the bathroom. Linda swallowed back her tears and took a deep, cleansing breath. She had no idea what was going on in Levi’s mind right now.

Closing her eyes, she let her thoughts drift away. There was nothing to be done about what she’d blurted out. And she wouldn’t change it even if she could. She loved Levi. He could either accept that or not. It didn’t change how she felt.

The mattress dipped and the covers shifted. Reluctantly, she opened her eyes. Levi stretched out beside her, supporting himself on his elbow as he watched her.

Reaching up, she cupped the side of his face. In the shadows, his face appeared even more rugged. She loved every inch of it from his high forehead, to his slightly crooked nose, to his golden-brown eyes and dark brows, to his stubborn chin and kissable lips. He was Levi and that was enough for her. She knew she’d never love another man the way she loved him.

He turned his face into her palm, placing a kiss there. The stubble of his jaw lightly abraded her skin.

“Did you mean it?” His voice was low and slightly raspy.

It took her a minute to understand what he was asking. She dropped her hand back down by her side and nodded. “I did. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable or anything.”

He placed a single finger over her lips, halting her explanation. “Say it again.”

Linda chewed on her bottom lip. She felt very vulnerable and open. But she’d taken a big step forward in her life today by dealing with her family and cutting off contact with them once and for all. There was no way she was going to become a coward now. She owed Levi a lot, the least of which was her total honesty.

“I love you.” Sitting up, she tucked the covers around her to keep them from slipping. Levi sat up beside her, letting the covers fall to his waist. He faced her, his features unreadable. Placing her palm over his heart, she repeated her vow. “I love you, Levi Mann. Now and always.”

He stared at her for so long she began to get uncomfortable, but she didn’t look away.

“I’m not an easy man to live with,” he began.

She could feel the heavy thud of his heart beneath her hand. “I don’t know about that. You don’t seem to have any trouble taking care of yourself. Plus, you cook.” She’d been hoping for a smile but his serious expression never wavered.

“I’ll never have a normal nine-to-five job, but I can support myself.”

Linda nodded, not quite certain what he wanted her to say. But it was obvious he required some sort of response. “My job isn’t exactly nine-to-five either.”

He nodded solemnly before covering her hand with his. His fingers fit between hers until they were linked together over his heart. “I can’t change my past, where I come from, what I’ve done.” He sighed. “You’re a classy lady, Linda, and I come from the gutter.”

“The past doesn’t matter.” She hated that her father had dragged out Levi’s past in order to hurt him. “You made yourself into a good man. The best I’ve ever known.”

The air in the room changed, becoming charged with each passing second. Tension surrounded Levi and his grip on her hand tightened almost imperceptibly. “Good enough for you to marry?”

She blinked several times, certain she hadn’t heard him right. “Marry?”

Even though it should have been physically impossible, his features grew even grimmer, more remote. “Yes,” he gritted out.

“Are you asking me?” Her stomach jumped and this time it had nothing to do with her ulcer and everything to do with hope.

He nodded stiffly. He was expecting rejection. How many times in his life had he been rejected by someone he loved? And he did love her. She knew it in her heart even if he’d never said it. He never would have asked her to marry him otherwise. Not Levi. If he made a vow, he’d keep it. He was that kind of man. She’d never have to worry about Levi falling into bed with another woman or breaking his promises to her.

“Yes.” She threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

He wrapped his arms around her, holding her so hard she could barely breathe. “Thank you.” His voice was barely a whisper, but she could hear the relief in it.

She wanted to talk, but Levi had other ideas. He rolled her beneath him and proceeded to make love to her. Twice.

Hours later, Linda was nestled in Levi’s arms, resting her head on his chest when he suddenly spoke.

“I love you.”

She waited, but soon realized he wasn’t going to say anything else. Levi was a man of few words, but those he said, he meant.

“I know,” she assured him, rubbing her hand over his chest. “I love you too.”

“I don’t want to wait.”

“For what?” She let her nails skim over his abs, loving the way they flexed and rippled.

“The wedding.”

“I’ll need at least two weeks. I have to find a dress, arrange for flowers and the church and invite people.”

Levi shifted slightly, drawing her closer. “You want a large wedding?”

She shook her head. “Not large. But we have to invite Shamus and Cyndi and Jonah and Amanda. Probably Patrick and Shannon as well.” She started making a list in her head.

“Whatever you want.” He kissed the top of her head. “As long as it only takes two weeks.”

She grinned, already planning on asking Cyndi if they could have their reception at the B&B. “Don’t worry. I can make it happen.”

He rolled until he was staring down at her. “Thank you.”

“For what?” She sensed the change in him. Whatever he was thinking now was important to him.

“For loving me. For giving me a home.”

Such simple words, but they touched her to her core. “Oh, Levi.” Wrapping her arms around him, she held him tightly. “I’ll always love you.”

He settled beside her again, neither of them speaking. But it was a good quiet, a contented one. Just as she drifted off to sleep, she heard him one final time.

“I love you.” A soft kiss grazed her temple and she was wrapped in the strength of Levi’s body and his love. Content, she drifted off, still making plans for the wedding.