Chapter 5: The Locked Door
The heavy clang of the lock echoed in Devon’s dim office, sealing them away from the world. Cherish’s heart hammered against her ribs, trapped on the mahogany desk, his large frame caging her in. The air crackled, thick with the ghosts of her panic and the raw promise in his eyes.
“Shhh, Cherry,” Devon murmured, his voice a low, rough vibration that skittered down her spine. He leaned in, his warm breath fanning the sensitive shell of her ear. “Been dreaming ‘bout this. What I’ma do to you.” His large hands slid down her trembling arms, leaving trails of fire. “Just need you to relax. Let go.”
His lips found the wildly fluttering pulse point beneath her jaw – her sweet spot – pressing a hot, open-mouthed kiss there that drew a sharp gasp from her. “Gonna taste this whole neck,” he growled against her damp skin, his tongue tracing a slow, deliberate path upwards. “Claim it.” His teeth grazed the delicate skin just below her ear, a sharp sting that melted instantly into liquid heat, pulling another shaky breath from her lungs. He nipped her earlobe, sharp and possessive, before tracing the curve of her cheekbone with his lips, leaving a brand of heat. A deep, guttural groan rumbled from his chest as he nuzzled into the space where her neck met her shoulder, inhaling deeply. “Fuck, you smell like everything good.”
His hand fisted suddenly, firmly, in the thick cascade of her red locs near the crown of her head, tilting her head back, exposing more of her throat to his hungry mouth. The slight pressure wasn’t painful, but utterly commanding, anchoring her. He pulled just enough for her to feel the sheer weight of his desire through those curls. “Been dyin’ to get my hands in all this fire,” he rasped, his voice thick with need, his eyes locking onto hers, dark and burning. “Wanted to wrap these locs ‘round my fist while I learn every inch of this body… while I make you scream.” He tightened his grip fractionally, his gaze dropping to her parted lips. “Been too damn long since you felt good, baby.” His thumb brushed her swollen lower lip. “Tonight, you’re mine.”