Falling for Her Husband (5 page)

If she only knew the truth to that statement. They hadn’t been together in months. And her words of promise, the way she moved against him, the honey sweet taste of her still on his lips…it was taking everything within him not to jump her. Take her back to their new bedroom and christen that giant king-sized bed properly.

“Amber,” he said warningly, but it was no use. His persistent wife was now nibbling on his ear.

And she knew how much he loved that. What it did to him. Such a dirty trick.

“If you’re afraid you’ll hurt me, don’t be.” She nipped his earlobe, and a low hum that he couldn’t hold back escaped him. “I know you’ll be gentle this time. We can take it slow. Can’t we?”

He wanted to. God knew how badly he missed having her beneath him, naked and willing. But it would kill him if he hurt her. He’d never forgive himself. And what if he couldn’t control himself? Her body, the way she responded to his every touch and kiss had always been his weakness. The first time they met she’d flashed that wicked smile at him and he’d been done. Dead.

They’d moved fast. One minute they were flirting, the next, they were kissing. And then…he got her into his bed.

He never let her out of his life after that. Sexually, they were combustible.

Could he hold himself back if he had her naked in his bed? He wasn’t sure.

And he hated that he doubted himself.

“What if you just make me come?” she suggested hopefully, making him laugh. “Don’t laugh, I’m serious. I’m all amped up, having you next to me. I can smell you. Feel you.” She nuzzled her nose against his cheek, and he pulled away so he could study her.

“How do you think I feel? This is torturing me too, you know,” he said, meeting her gaze.

The triumphant smile told him she knew she had him. “Finally, the ice man cracks. I was starting to think you’d turned into a nun.”

“I’m insulted,” he murmured.

Amber laughed. “Fine. A priest, then. Did you take your vows, Vince? Have you given up on our marriage and become a man of God?”

“Now you flat out mock me,” he said on a growl.

“I can’t help it.” Her tinkling laughter taunted him further. And aroused him almost past his breaking point. “I’ve wondered since the accident, what happened to my husband. He’s been replaced with a stranger, I swear.”

That was it. He’d had enough. Standing, he brought her up with him as he cradled her in his arms and held her close. A soft gasp escaped her and she hooked her good arm around his neck to anchor herself. “What are you doing?”

“Taking you to our new bedroom and showing you exactly where your husband is.” He jostled her in his arms, giving her a little bounce but still being careful. Maybe he knew his limits after all.

“Really? Where is he?” She trailed sweet, hot kisses along his jaw as he strode through the living room and down the hall, entering the giant master bedroom.

“He’s right here. And he’s about to give you exactly what you want,” he said as he set her on her feet near the foot of the bed.

“Promise?” She sounded so hopeful, he almost laughed.

But he kept a straight face as he reached out and tucked a stray tendril of golden blonde hair behind her ear. “Would you ever doubt me?”

She slowly shook her head. “No,” she whispered, her eyes wide and luminous.

“Good. Because I vow I will never let you down. Ever,” he said, just before he kissed her.

And completely lost his head.

Chapter Eight

Vince’s large, rough hands cupped her cheeks and held her still for his onslaught of devouring kisses, not that Amber protested. She loved it when he grew so commanding, so fierce when he touched her. As if it took everything within him to hold back from unleashing that restrained passion all over her. Usually, he broke down quick—always to her benefit.

She had the distinct feeling that wouldn’t be the case today. He was too cautious, too afraid he’d hurt her. His consideration for her injuries touched her, but she wanted more. How could she express to him that she didn’t want him to hold back? She’d already tried once.

At least they’ve gotten this far.

They stood at the foot of the giant bed, Amber’s body trembling with need as his tongue delved deep inside the recesses of her mouth. Oh, how she’d missed this. Craved it. Human contact, specifically from her husband. She’d longed for his kisses, his touch, the entire time she lay in that hospital bed. The long nights alone in her room, staring out the window when she was unable to sleep. Thinking of Vince and how much she wished she were at home with him alone. Just the two of them. Talking and laughing, eating and exploring the city during the day, making love all night long. That was what they’d done when they first got together.

Maybe once she was fully recovered, they could do that again. She’d like to travel more, especially since she would probably eventually give up on her modeling career. A sore subject she didn’t like mulling over too long since it depressed her. It was a decision she’d have to face eventually, but now…now it was too tough. She could hardly look at herself in the mirror; the gash in her cheek made her sad every time she caught a glimpse of it.

Thank goodness she had plenty of money in the bank saved up for her future and her family’s future too. She couldn’t depend on her husband’s money no matter how often he told her she never had to worry again. She was too independent. Didn’t believe that her family’s poor financial situation should become Vince’s burden. Her mother had wanted to come see her, but her busy schedule hadn’t allowed it and they couldn’t get away…

“I’m losing you,” Vince murmured against her cheek just before he dragged his lips along her jaw in a shiver-inducing kiss. “You’re drifting, Amber. Thinking too much.”

“H-how did you know?” The man could read her every action, she swore. It was rather unnerving.

“I have my ways. I know you better than you think.” His hot mouth closed over hers once more, his hands releasing their hold on her cheeks to drift down along her body before they settled on her hips. “Are you comfortable?”

“I’d be more comfortable if I was lying on that massive bed,” she said, gesturing toward it with her uninjured arm.

Vince chuckled and moved away from her, his eyes twinkling as he studied her closely. “You’re a funny little thing, aren’t you?”

She frowned. He made her sound like some sort of strange creature when he described her like that. “If you’re trying to pay me a compliment, I think you’re going about it all wrong.”

His chuckle deepened, the sound slipping over her and warming her skin. “Trust me, my wife. It is definitely a compliment. You always have a quick thing to say. You’re very…feisty.”

“Mmm, you used to say you liked my feistiness.” That she could remember. He’d always liked her attitude, the way she gave as much as he. Vince didn’t like weak women, and she was far from that. She even remembered him telling her that she was too strong-willed.

You think you can do whatever you want and I’m going to stand by and let you? You’re my wife, Amber. We belong together.

Huh. Where did that conversation come from?

“Let’s get you out of these clothes,” Vince said, tugging on the hem of her sweater. She lifted her arms dutifully, her mind elsewhere as she tried to recall the exact conversation when he would’ve said that to her. It sounded terribly macho and old-fashioned of him, to make such a broad statement.

She didn’t like it. Not one bit.

“It’s been so long,” he said on an exhale after he pulled her sweater up and over her head, tossing it on the floor without a care. He stared at her, his gaze drinking her in as she stood before him wearing just a simple black bra. “You still have bruises.”

His fingers pressed gently on her right shoulder, trailing to her collarbone. She winced, hating that she wasn’t perfect for him. “Do they look bad?”

“No.” He shook his head just as he bent and ran his lips along the length of her neck. “You’re beautiful. So beautiful.”

When he said it like that, with such complete reverence, she could believe him. “I’m scarred,” she whispered. And scared. Vince was so handsome. He worked in an industry where he was constantly surrounded by gorgeous, perfect women. What if he grew tired of her? Her arm may never heal properly. She may never have full capacity of it again the damage was so great.

And what about her face—what if all the plastic surgery in the world couldn’t hide her new scar? It was huge. She’d hardly looked at it in the mirror, but late at night, when worry nagged at her like a relentless beast, she touched her face, her fingers tracing the edge of the bandage. That bandage went on forever. Clear across her right cheek, practically the entire side of her face, from her ear to the corner of her mouth. She was ruined.

Ruined.

“Your scars don’t matter,
bella
,” he whispered, his voice deepening with his accent. “I’m just so damn thankful you’re alive, standing here with me.”

His brutally honest words touched her heart so completely she felt tears form in the corner of her eyes. Her throat thickened with emotion and she swallowed hard, closing her eyes to fight off the well of tears that threatened to slide down her face at any given moment.

“You mean everything to me,” he continued, his accent still thick, which usually happened when his words were so raw. “I love you. When I thought I might lose you…I was beside myself.”

“Well, you can’t get rid of me if you tried. I’m here now.” She cracked open her eyes and rested her hand against his chest, her palm flat against the center. His heart beat a thunderous race beneath her touch and she curled her fingers into his shirt, suddenly eager to pull it off him. “And there’s no place I’d rather be.”

A hint of uncertainty appeared in his dark gaze and he bent his head, his eyes peering into hers. “Really? Do you mean that, Amber?”

She gaped at him, confused by his switch in moods. Her husband was rarely unsure. She honestly couldn’t remember ever see him look at her this way. He was always confident, assured, arrogant at times but then sweet and thoughtful too.

“Of course I mean it. I couldn’t wait to come home. I was so tired of being cooped up in the hospital when all I wanted was to be with you,” she admitted.

He crushed her to him, careful of her arm, his hand cupping the back of her head as he pressed her close. She nuzzled her face in the crook of his neck, breathing deep his warm, familiar scent and she closed her eyes, her head buzzing at being so close to him, so completely enveloped in his embrace. “I missed you too. So much I felt a part of me was gone while you lay in that hospital bed. Promise you’ll never leave me again.”

“I-I promise,” she vowed, her lips moving against his neck with her words. “I love you, Vince.”

Hearing his wife say those words sent a wave of relief crashing over him so soundly, he was surprised he could still stand. It was ridiculous, the swell of emotions that overtook him lately every time he thought of how he almost lost Amber. He’d held it together the entire time, from the moment she’d been hit by the car, through the ambulance ride to the hospital, to sitting beside her bed while she lay there unconscious, her cool, slender hand clasped in his. All the while he both mentally and verbally implored her to wake up, show him a sign that she heard him, squeeze his hand, something.

He was a rock. Solid. Dependable. His family praised him for his strength. Amber’s family thanked him for sticking by their daughter since they couldn’t be there themselves. Her mother broke down on the phone, sobbing as she asked for forgiveness that she wasn’t there by her daughter’s side. He reassured her that it was no one’s fault. Amber’s family dynamic had always confused him and probably always would.

Having her in his arms, nestled so close, her bare skin on display for his hands to caress and her declaration of love…he almost broke down and wept like a baby. This was his second chance. No way could he mess this up. If he did, he’d only have himself to blame.

And he refused to ruin this opportunity.

Carefully he guided her to the bed, gently pushing her so she sat on the mattress’s edge. She gazed up at him, those big blue eyes drinking him in, her face flushed a delicate pink. She was beautiful, even with the bandage, the cast, the scratches and bruises on her skin. He both hated seeing that reminder of her suffering and loved that his wife was a strong little warrior who could survive anything.

“Now who’s the one thinking too much?” She flashed him a smile, her teasing words drawing him back to the present. Reaching out, she took his hand and settled it on her unharmed cheek, leaning into his touch as her lids fell at half-mast.

She’s gorgeous. Tempting. And she knew it.

“I was thinking how grateful I am to have you here in front of me. Your injuries could’ve been so much worse…” His voice drifted off and she sat up straight, letting his hand drop as she sent him a stern look.

“Let’s not think of what we could’ve lost and instead focus on what we have.” Her hand went to the waistband of his jeans, slender fingers curling until they brushed against his skin. “Let’s concentrate on each other. I need you, Vince. So much, it hurts.”

Amber slowly unbuttoned the fly of his jeans, her fingers nimble as she tugged the buttons from their holes. Swallowing hard, he watched as she spread the denim wide, then smoothed her fingers down the front of his black-cotton-covered erection. “Someone is happy to see me.” The teasing lilt in her voice was his undoing.

“Lay back,” he rasped, his harsh voice surprising her. She jerked her head back, her gaze meeting his, and without a word of protest she dropped her hand away from his cock to lie on the bed. Waiting for his next command. “Stay still.”

She didn’t move. Pleased with her obedience, he shoved his jeans from his hips and kicked them off, then reached for her, pulling her yoga pants off of her, until she lay there, trembling and gorgeous in just her black cotton panties and bra.

He looked his fill, his skin tightening, his need growing. She was beautiful. All his. He could’ve lost her. If not from the accident, then with her threatening him with a divorce. Somehow, he lucked out and she was here.

And he vowed to himself that he would never let her leave again.

Methodically he stripped off his clothes until he stood before her naked. Now it was her turn to look her fill, her gaze roaming over him, lingering on particular spots, her eyes darkening with arousal. His cock hardened painfully and he grasped hold of it, giving it a slow, squeezing stroke, trying to get himself under control.

“Are you going to stand there and play with yourself or are you going to join me in this bed?” Her voice had gone husky like it usually did when she was turned on and his body heeded an answering call.

He was just as aroused as she was, maybe even more so.

Without a word Vince climbed onto the bed, climbed over his wife until she was pinned directly beneath him. He braced his hands on the pillow on either side of her head and he caged her hips with his knees. She arched the slightest bit, her breasts straining against the cups of her bra and he reached out, drew his finger atop first one, then the other breast. Goose bumps followed in his wake.

“Beautiful,” he breathed, bending down to run his lips over the path his finger just took. She shivered beneath his mouth, a breathy little moan falling from her lips, and he darted out his tongue, licking her skin. “You taste just as good as I remembered.”

“Has it really been that long?” She thrust her fingers into his hair, clutching him to her, and he closed his eyes for a brief moment, trying to calm his racing heart, his overly amped body.

She didn’t realize it had been months since they were last together. Her memory was gone. He had to tread carefully for fear of alarming her. Curiosity could prompt her into asking too many questions.

Questions he didn’t want to answer.

“It feels like an eternity,” he murmured against her skin as he wound his arm around her, fingers undoing the clasp of her bra with one simple flick. “Seeing you in the hospital and not being able to touch you was almost the death of me.”

“Well, you can touch me now.” The smile on her face almost blinded him it was so bright. His heart tugged in his chest. She seemed so happy to be with him, so content. A far cry from the woman he’d argued with on the sidewalk less than a month ago.

“Vince.” She pressed up against him, her breasts in his face, and he tugged on the straps of her bra, baring her to him. “Touch me,” she urged again.

So he did. He touched her everywhere, his hands mapping her entire body, his mouth following the same trail. She writhed beneath him, gasping and moaning, encouraging him when he stroked her in a particular spot that she approved of. She was so wet for him, so hot as he delved his fingers between her legs, searching her delicate folds. He brought her to the brink of climax with only a few caresses, sent her careening over the edge with his tongue on her clit, and when he finally entered her welcoming body, it had taken everything within him not to come right on the spot.

But he got himself under control because he wanted to make it good for her. Make it good for them both. She touched him with such reverence, her hands sliding over his body, making him shiver. And when it was over, when the remnants of his orgasm still clung to him and he collapsed on top of her, careful not to crush her, she touched his cheek, her fingers petal soft as she caressed him.

“I love you,” she whispered, and he closed his eyes, pressed his lips to the side of her neck.