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  Even though she knew Noah was probably tired from his travels, and their exertions once they made it to the bedroom, she wanted more. Janae began to kiss Noah’s bare chest, moving her soft lips over his hard body as he slept away. It wouldn’t take much to wake him, so she continued her quiet seduction. Sliding her hand down his body, she pushed the covers away from his waist, looking at the thick appendage lying to the left, resting on the inside of his bare thigh. Licking her lips, she moaned low under her breath as she relived their activities from last night.

  Even at rest, his cock was something to admire. Such a simple thing gave her so much pleasure. Then again, it was more than likely the man it was attached to. Adjusting her own body, she slid her leg over Noah until she was situated on top of him. Her pussy still wet from their earlier session, she began to slide her slick channel up and down his thick cock. Leaning over Noah, she whispered in his ear, “Noah, wake up. I want you.”

  Within a matter of seconds, Noah’s eyes flew open, almost jarring Janae as she sat on top of him.

  “Hey, Baby.” He moaned in a sleep-filled voice. “You want more?”

  “I always want more. I’ve missed you.”

  “I missed you more, Baby.” Noah’s hands reached up from the side of the bed and grabbed her firm ass. He squeezed his hands along her soft skin as she began rotating her hips, sliding her already wet pussy over his awakening cock. They both began to moan from the sensual feeling of being connected again.

  " I know it’s only been a week, but I’m glad you’re back. I was beginning to go through withdrawal.”

  “Is that right?”

  “Yup,” she answered.

  "Look at you…" he whispered huskily. "So damn beautiful…"

  Her head was spinning as he lay back on the bed, intense green eyes staring at her naked form. She could feel his desire for her in every delicious, agonizing grind of their hips. His grip tightened on her body as he slid his cock along her wet slit. Noah grimaced, as if in pain from forcing himself to go at her pace and not take over. Smoothing her long fingers and painted nails across his rippled, ink-covered chest and down to the dark pubic hair of his crotch, she gazed at him, enjoying this moment.

  A wicked grin came over his face before he spun them around. He was now leaning over her as she lay back on the pillows. Janae relaxed on the mattress and stared up at him, a loving smile on her lips. Finally, he looked at her, and when he did, her eyes filled with tears.

  "Make love to me, Janae. Claim your man."

  Janae’s heart melted. "Yes. You belong to me, Noah," she whimpered. Noah leaned down, bringing his lips to hers. As they kissed, he wrapped around her and rolled over, setting her on top of him again. She leaned over, bringing one of her bare breasts closer to his mouth. He lifted his head, clasping his lips around the nipple. Noah closed his eyes tightly as he suckled her flesh. She reached down between his legs and stroked his cock until he was gasping for breath.

  Janae sat up, separating her breast from his mouth. She pushed her lower body down, pressing her hot channel against his thickness. Sliding down, she impaled herself with his cock, and her mouth opened in ecstasy. Even after making love to him all night, his size still filled her to the brim, stretching her wide, and going deep inside her body.

  She watched Noah grit his teeth as she impaled herself on his hard shaft. His breath came out in harsh pants as she rolled her hips on top of him. Green eyes focused on her with increasing intensity. Raising his knees, he gave her something to lean back on. She moaned loudly as she tried to hold back her orgasm. Hips pumping, hands grasping her hips, he held her tight as they made love in the early morning light. The feeling coursing through her body caused her mind to short-circuit.

  Pleasure pulses triggered in her brain. Her stomach fluttered and her toes curled. She continued grinding on him, her hands bracing her upright over his chest. She kept her eyes closed because just the sight of him would make her come, and she wanted this to last. Janae couldn’t hold back the gasp of ecstasy. The minute the sound released from her; her body was overcome with sensation. Her orgasm would not be denied. Opening her eyes, she looked down at him. A keening whine traveled up her throat as her body locked up. Wetness flowed from her body to coat his hard cock as he fucked her harder and harder.

  Noah sat up and grabbed her body within his embrace. His arms wrapped around her back, cupping her shoulders within his hands. He continued pumping up into her body. His motions prolonged her orgasm as tears began to fall from her eyes. She wanted to escape the overwhelming sensation, and at the same time, never wanted it to stop.

  His jaw clenched and his eyes shut tight. As he continued his onslaught, masculine grunts escaped from deep in his throat, sending her into a chorus of moans. When she collapsed on top of him, she took a moment to catch her breath. Pressed against him this way, she felt a light coating of perspiration wherever their skin connected. As his grip tightened around her back, he whispered in her ear. "I love you, Janae. I love you so much. Thank you for giving me a second chance."

  She sat back to look down at his face. Smiling down at him, Janae took note of his expression. Concerned. Determined. Focused. He was afraid she’d reject him.

  "I love you, too, Noah Braddock."

  At those comforting words, tears ran down the sides of his face. He held her tight against him, like he’d never let her go. When his hips lifted and his thick cock penetrated her again, they both gasped with pleasure.

  "You feel so good. So fucking incredible," he breathed, as he stroked inside her. His hands grasping at her smooth skin, squeezing the soft flesh of her breasts. She dug her nails into his hard, muscled chest and groaned in pleasure. It was slow. It was deliberate. Noah was making sure it was just how she liked it. Slow. Deep. Hard.

  Loving the damp heat between her legs, she clenched her teeth and tried to hold back her orgasm. She wanted him to come with her. To her delight, she watched his chest rise and fall from exertion as she began to spin into an explosive climax. She arched her back and closed her eyes tight, holding on to the feeling. Janae felt her body burst with pleasure as he pushed all the way in, pumping deep and hard.

  “Damn. Baby. Take all this dick. Fuck, Janae. Your pussy feels so good.”

  Noah pumped harder and faster as they both chased their release. An erotic death swirled into a kaleidoscope of pleasure and pain. She gasped, and her eyes opened to look at his face. His green eyes were glazed over with lust and desire.

  Grinning at her, he licked his lips before hissing. “Yes. That’s it, Baby. Give it to me.”

  He thrust inside her deeply, groaning loudly as she used her nails to scratch at his skin. Janae could barely hold on as her body went along for the ride like a cowgirl taming a bucking bronco. A waterfall sensation came over her entire body in a flash of fire. Grunting like an animal, she pressed her hips against his as hard as she could and felt his cock throb inside her.

  Noah closed his eyes and grit his teeth as he came. His entire body shuddering with chills as his fingers gripped her hips with enough force to leave a mark on her skin tomorrow. Still catching her breath, she gave him a wicked smile as she watched him.

  "You look fantastic when you come," she whispered sensually.

  “Only with you, Sweetheart.” Lifting his upper body, he grabbed her close, capturing her lips with his in a wet kiss.

  Once they broke apart, she connected her gaze to his. "You are the only man I’ve ever made love to like this before. You take care of me so good, Noah."

  Rubbing one hand down her chest, he palmed each breast as he bit his lip. "I’m addicted to you."

  “I’m addicted to you more.” He ran a finger down her body, reaching the spot where her hip met her groin, and she burst out laughing. He remembered how ticklish she was in that spot. Falling over his chest, she wiggled her hips before wrapping her arms around his chest. "God, I’m glad you’re home. I don’t want lose you again."

  T
hey lay together in silence, letting the significance of her words sink in. They both knew the Navy forced him away in the past, and they’d do it again and again until he retired his commission. Nothing in this life was promised. A new assignment or mission could come any day, and he’d have no choice but to leave. They were both keenly aware that he’d have no other option but to go where they needed him, heading off into danger to save the world. It didn’t matter that he’d requested time off to spend with her and Nicole. If the Navy beckoned, he would have to go. Just the thought of that put a damper on the entire morning.

  Noah lifted her body from his, setting her to the side on top of the mattress. Swinging his legs to the other side, he sat frozen for a moment before taking a deep breath. Janae knew he was thinking about all the “what if” scenarios. She’d done that so many times over the years, she could probably give him a few new ones to think about.

  Just as he moved to lift from the bed and clean up, she grabbed onto his arm and stopped him. "Nothing is going to happen to us, Noah. I promise you.” Now if only she could believe her own words and stop the feeling of impending doom filling her.

  CHAPTER 20

  Noah

  “Janae. We need to talk about you meeting the family.” Another month passed with Noah down in North Carolina. The more time passed, the more certain he became that the call would soon come and he’d have to leave. Not that he wasn’t trained and prepared for whatever came his way, but leaving Janae behind without a connection to his life in Virginia wasn’t okay with him.

  Eyes wide, she paused in the act of making breakfast for the three of them. “So soon? I mean, we just found each other again. You’re still getting used to being a father. We’re still getting our footing with our relationship. No. I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

  Noah watched as Janae paced around the kitchen. Nicole was putting together a puzzle in the living room, so her attention was elsewhere. Good, because he and Janae needed time to hash this out. Something was wrong with his woman, and he needed to figure out what was going on in that head of hers. “Sweetheart, what are you worried about? Why don’t you want to meet everyone?” He noticed she was biting her nails, which was a nervous tic she’s had for years. “Janae. Talk to me.”

  She took a deep breath, her gaze avoiding his. “What if they don’t accept us? I don’t know those people, Noah. I refuse to put my baby in a situation where she’s not welcome. What are they going to think about you bringing your black baby momma to meet them? Child in tow and begging for acceptance. Nope, I won’t do that to my child.”

  Holding in his temper at the slight, Noah’s turn was harsh. “She’s my daughter, too. Do you think I’d ever place her in a situation where she’d be harmed or hurt in any way? Haven’t I proven anything to you these past months? I love Nicole. As a result, my family will love her.” He ran a hand over his hair, his frustration evident in that rough motion. “Janae, stop acting like this. I want her to meet my family.”

  “Those people aren’t your family,” she spat at him. Janae’s face was screwed up in anger.

  Noah was shocked at her outburst. He had no idea where this was coming from. “Janae, what the fuck? Why do you have a problem with the people I call family?” Noah’s mind whirled with questions.

  She began hyperventilating as wetness fell from her eyes. “None of them even knew about us before now. What exactly have you told them about me?”

  Noah didn’t want to have this conversation. Nothing he could say would make things better. If he told her the truth, she’d never forgive him. All her fears would be validated, at least in her head. But he also refused to lie to her again. “They don’t know about you and Nicole. That’s why I want the two of you to come with me to Virginia. This isn’t a conversation to be had on the phone. The entire group needs to be there to meet the two of you. I’m going to have a lot of explaining to do, so I’d rather do it in person.”

  Taking a deep breath, she looked at him with a question in her eyes. “Why do you owe these people so much? You didn’t feel you owed me anything for years.”

  At her question, Noah stood from his chair. His hands flew to his head, rubbing along the short hair. He thought they were done with this. They’d gotten through so much these past weeks. Her parents, the gossip about their relationship, and building a future together. No, it wasn’t what he’d envisioned for himself when growing up, but this was the one in front of him. Yet, they were still only living a half-life, with part of him still connected to Virginia in ways he couldn’t explain to her satisfaction. On the other hand, what he was building with Janae and Nicole was as real to him as anything else. He wasn’t going to let her push him away like this.

  “Why did you say they aren’t my family? After everything I’ve told you about them and what we’ve gone through. Why would you say something like that?” Noah ended his question in a near yell. He was trying to keep things quiet with Nicole in the house, but it wasn’t working.

  “Mommy? Daddy?” Nicole called out to them from the living room. He could hear her little feet skipping along the carpet. He moved to go to her, but Janae stopped him.

  “I got this,” she muttered.

  “This conversation isn’t over,” he hissed.

  Looking at him over her shoulder, her face was sad. “It is for now. We can talk later tonight.”

  Noah didn’t like the tone of her words. Nor was he going to allow her to hide behind their daughter. If she had a problem with his life or the people he chose to be around, then she needed to be honest with him. Not throw little fucking temper tantrums. Especially not when he was trying to merge his two worlds. Watching Janae and Nicole as they sat on the carpet playing with the pieces of a new puzzle, Noah knew his woman needed a bit more convincing. Good thing he was up for the job.

  Later that night, Noah was sitting on the edge of the bed when Janae walked into the room. “She asleep?”

  Janae paused after closing the bedroom door. “Yes. But I have to tell you, our little girl is smart. She kept asking me if we weren’t friends anymore.”

  Tilting his head to look at her, Noah could admit he had the same question. “I’d like to know what happened as well, Janae. What’s going on with you? I’ve never hidden anything from you. The only things we don’t talk about involve my work and what I do for the Navy.” Sighing, he rested his elbows on his knees. Briefly closing his eyes, he opened them to look at the woman standing across the room. He felt a wedge coming between them but had no way to fix it. “What’s going on, Baby?”

  She stood silent, arms crossed in a protective gesture, as they stared at each other. “Noah. I’m scared.”

  Standing from the bed, he walked over to her. Bending his knees, he positioned his face so he was looking into her eyes. “Why are you afraid? There’s nothing to be scared about when it comes to my family. We’re in this together and things are going to be just fine. I love you. I love Nicole.” Standing up straight, he used one finger to lift her chin. Her light brown eyes glistened in the darkness. “Baby, I need to know you’re taken care of. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

  At his words, her entire demeanor changed. Janae’s face crumbled as tears began flowing from her eyes. Sobs escaped her mouth as she grabbed him around the waist, pulling their bodies close together. All he could do was hold her in his arms as her emotions poured out, wetting his bare chest. Breaking his heart into pieces at the same time.

  “Baby, please. What’s wrong? Talk to me, Janae.”

  Her cries tore at him. Noah could barely make out her words when she began speaking. “Don’t wanna lose you… Going away… Family… Me and Nicole.”

  “It’s okay. Take your time. Let it all out.” Noah shifted his body, grabbing her up in his arms. Walking them to the bed, he lay her down before positioning his body next to hers. That she was fully clothed and he was wearing only his boxers ran through his mind quickly. But since he wasn’t a fucking animal, he le
t the thought fly away into the wind. His woman was hurting something fierce. Based on her words, he now had an idea why. She wasn’t angry at him or his family in Virginia. No, this wasn’t about them at all. This was about their life together. Their future. What would happen to her and Nicole if he left one day and didn’t come home? Because it was a real possibility. The threat of a bullet to the brain, or a roadside bomb, or any number of things could take him away from her, no matter how much he’d want to return.

  “I’m sorry,” her soft voice whispered in the silence. The worst of her tears seemed to have stopped.

  “Talk to me, Janae. What’s going on with you?”

  After a few seconds of silence and sniffling, she spoke. “Meeting your family in Virginia makes it real. I know why you want me to meet them, and I’m having trouble with it. You want me to have a support system in case you don’t return one day. People who’ll be there for Nicole and me if you die. I know what that’s all about. I’ve seen it here and met women who’ve gone through it.”

  “Is that why you acted the way you did earlier today when I mentioned going to Virginia?” Noah’s brain was playing catch-up. Women were interesting creatures. Damn confusing, too. Maybe he should call Adele to get her opinion on what he should do. This was not his area of expertise, and he had a feeling he was failing miserably. Dealing with female emotions wasn’t a skill he was trained on in the Navy. And at thirty-five, he’d never bothered trying to learn.

  “I can’t lose you, Noah.”

  Wrapping his arms tighter around her waist, Noah tried to reassure her. “And I don’t want to leave you. When I retire, you’ll never have to worry about me leaving again. But until then, I need to know you and Nicole are taken care of. I’ve started the paperwork to have her recognized as my daughter. There are some things I need to finalize in Norfolk, so you both need to go with me. I also want to make sure I have things arranged for you. That means getting you connected with my people in Virginia. I need you to meet Adele and the guys. Their spouses are an extension of them, as are their children.”