The fire returned, twice as strong, threatening to pull him under with every stroke. He clenched his jaw, angled her toward him a bit more, when she stiffened, squeezing him so damn tight he had to use more force just to keep moving. She hung there, breath held, her fingers digging into his arms before she started pulsing around him, her release sparking his.
He plunged deep, emptying inside of her.
Streaks exploded across his vision, the room blurring into a numbing haze until the feeling passed, everything coming back in sharp relief.
Her hair wrapped around his fingers. Her head resting against his shoulder. The water splashing against the tiles in the background. His unspoken love hanging in the steam billowing out around them.
It took a few moments to regain his senses, gentle his hold on her. Not enough she’d collapse on the counter, but not using her as an anchor, either.
Tierney leaned against him, chest rising and falling beneath his palm, that flush making her skin glow. She finally opened her eyes, staring at him as if he’d answered her prayers — finally freed her from the cage she’d escaped eighteen months ago.
The thought humbled him, and he dropped a soft kiss on her cheek before slipping out, instantly missing the warm, sweet pressure of her. She shivered, turning to face him, stepping into his arms as he gathered her close.
They stood for another minute before his brain kicked in, and he ushered her beneath the spray. No lingering, just a quick rinse so she’d be able to sleep, before he had her wrapped in a thick towel, the water turned off.
The door creaked as he shoved it open, half-directing, half-carrying her out. He didn’t stop at the counter, afraid he might want another round, just continued into the bedroom, had her sitting on the edge of the bed in record time.
He found the tee on the floor and helped her into it before tugging on some boxers, just in case they had to adapt to a dynamic situation, then scooted her over, lifting his arm and tucking her into his uninjured side.
Tierney burrowed into him, one hand resting over his heart, her leg wrapped around his. She dropped a kiss on his pecs, glancing up at him. “Are you sure this doesn’t hurt? Because I wouldn’t be surprised if your ribs are screaming after that… performance.”
He kissed the top of her head, pulling her closer. “My ribs are fine. And even if they do end up being a bit sore, it was more than worth it.”
“You say that until you wake up and have to beg Chase for some pain killers.”
“Or I just get you to love me, again, and I’ll be pain free.”
She laughed, her breath feathering across his skin. “Thank you.”
“Oh, sweetheart. The pleasure was mine.” He nudged her a bit. “I didn’t scare you, did I? Or go too hard, too rough?”
She smiled up at him, eyelids already drifting shut. “You were perfect. I don’t want you to change, Buck. And I’d drop you on your ass if you stepped over the line.”
“Good to know.” Another kiss because he couldn’t get enough. Couldn’t touch her enough. “Sleep. I’ve got you, and Dalton’s still guarding the doors. Knowing him, he won’t sleep until the sun’s up. And then, probably only for an hour or so.”
She nodded, her breath already deepening.
Buck held her tight, staring at the ceiling, listening to the ocean surge against the pier, the foghorn still moaning in the background. He closed his eyes, making a mental note to ask Avery about the lighter in the morning — hopefully give Tier the closure she needed before starting a deep dive into her contacts at MI6, Interpol, and the CIA.
Someone had sold her out. And he wouldn’t rest until he had the answers.
Chapter Sixteen
Tierney woke to the sound of the lighter snapping closed, the scent of tobacco and smoke wafting through the air. Hinges creaked beyond the door, hollow footsteps sounding on the floorboards above her head. The mattress scratched her skin, the damp air settling like death in her bones.
Pike stepped out of the shadows, mouth twisted into a grin, that lighter clicking open, the flame illuminating half his face. “What’s wrong, pet? You look like you’ve seen a ghost?”
“No!”
She bolted upright, thrashing against the covers, fighting the arms holding her tight. Pain throbbed through her leg, the chill from the staples tugging against her skin.
“Whoa, easy, Tier, it’s just me.”
She lashed out, tried to jump off the bed before Buck got in front of her, forced her to look at him. “Tierney. It was a nightmare. You’re here. In the loft. With me.”
Her chest squeezed tight, every breath filled with a hint of lighter fluid and cheap cologne. She stared up at him, breath wheezing out, her heart beating so fast, she thought it would just pound through her chest.
Buck gentled his touch, dipping down when she tried to break eye contact. “It’s okay. I have them, too. But you’re safe. Not gonna let anyone take you. Just breathe…”