“Stop it, Oz. You’re being a...a...” I can’t think of something mean to call him, because I don’t want to hurt him. I want him to know I’m mad. “A panda.”

He laughs and holds me tighter. “A panda?”

I think for a second, and then get mad at myself. “I was trying to think of a bear. Damn it, I messed it up.”

I fall against his chest and let out a sigh. The rumble of his chest resonates as he pulls me close.

“Baby, you can call me whatever you want. As long as you don’t try and run from me.”

I melt into his body, not wanting to fight. I missed him so much I can hardly stand it, and I hate to admit how much I don’t want to resist. His hands move up my back and the hum of excitement rolls over me again.

“Don’t do it again,” I mumble into his chest.

His mouth moves to my neck, and then his lips are on me there. “I’ll always keep you safe, baby. That isn’t up for debate. Ever. But next time I’ll try not to hit someone.”

His promise, although not exactly what I mean, is good enough for me. I squeeze my arms around his neck and his hands palm my ass.

He licks behind my ear while his words melt over me like hot fudge, and I’m a slave to him once again. I fall into him, giving my body over and loving him against me.

“Oz,” I whisper, and I’m in a cloud of lust.

Now with him around me, I’m sexual and wanton and I stare at his face, looking into those sapphires I’ve missed so much. I run my fingers through his hair and stare at him. It feels like it’s been months since I’ve seen him, rather than days. He pulls me in close and leans down, placing his lips on mine.

The kiss is like coming home, and my body responds instantly. The sexual thump of lust around us and being deprived of him for so long makes me bold. Pulling myself up on him, I wrap my legs around his waist, and he grips my ass.

He breaks the kiss, looking around, then he’s in motion.

“Where are we going?” I ask, kissing his chin and down his neck.

“Home.”

“Mmm,” I hum as he carries me out of the club and into the back of his limo.

I know it’s his immediately because it smells like his warm honey and amber. The scent surrounds me as he shuts the door. I grind on his lap, wanting him against me.

“I missed you so much,” I whisper against his neck as his erection presses in the right spot.

“How much, baby?” he asks, reaching between us and pushing my dress up the rest of the way.

His fingers are at my panties, and then the cool air hits my pussy. It’s dark in the back of the limo, but he’s got my panties to the side as his finger pets my clit, and then dips inside me.

“A lot,” I moan, throwing my head back and riding his thick finger. A tiny pinch of pain stings as he puts in a second one, but I’ve had enough alcohol to make me forget about it.

“That’s it, Mallory. Ride my hand. Come for me, baby. Let your body show you who you belong to.”

He’s got two fingers in my pussy and his thumb on my clit as my hips rock back and forth on his hand. I didn’t realize how horny I was until I was next to him again. It was like my body shut off until I could be with him again.

Then he pulls back making me whimper. I was so close. It was right there.

“Who does this belong to, Mallory?” The palm of his hand cups me, lying against my clit. I try and push forward wanting the friction but he only pulls back more. “Say what we both know to be true and I’ll give it to you.”

“It belongs to you,” I moan in a begging plea. Not fighting what he’s saying because it feels so right and he gives me what I need.

“Oz!” I shout as the orgasm rockets through me. It’s fast, but it’s so good that I nearly collapse on top of him afterward.

I whine when he takes his fingers from inside me. I want his warmth back. But when I hear him licking his digits clean, I remember how much he missed my taste, and I can’t be mad.

I’m half-asleep when the limo comes to a stop, and Oz carries me out of the car.

“I want to sleep with you,” I mumble against his chest.

“You are, baby. I told you I wanted a whole day. And I’m getting it. Starting now.”

Smiling, I throw my arms around his neck and let him lead. It’s good being in his arms again and knowing that he’ll take care of me. There’s nothing like trusting someone completely to make you fall in love.

Chapter Seventeen

Mallory

* * *

My dreams are scattered, and I can’t make anything out clearly. I’m in a sea of people, and suddenly Oz is there. He’s the only thing I can focus on, and I run to him. His heat is against me, but he’s so far away. I want to pull him closer, but he’s out of reach. I’m aching for him, but I can’t get there.

Opening my eyes, I see the room is pitch-black and I have a tiny moment of panic. But then his smell fills my lungs, and his strong arms tighten around me and I know I’m safe.

The cool sheets brush against my skin, and I discern I have on panties and nothing else. I must have passed out in Oz’s arms when he carried me inside his home, because I don’t remember anything beyond the limo. Looking at the bedside table, I see it’s four in the morning. I can never sleep through the night when I drink, but on the plus side, I don’t have a hangover.

I’m lying on my back with Oz wrapped around me, and it’s the most wonderful feeling in the world. His warm skin against mine is making my body come alive, and I want him. His head is against my neck, and his breaths on that sensitive spot are driving me wild. His big hand is on my naked breast, and I’m reminded of how he played with my nipples when he got me off. Suddenly, desire is pooling between my legs, and I’m yearning for him like never before.