Behind the Mask

Chapter 23

Kota's POV

I arrived at the house just before they did. When North carried her in, still asleep, I felt my chest clench. She looked so pale, her eyes puffy from crying. My fists were clenched and I wanted nothing more than to go down to G&R and punch that bastard's lights out. "She's safe, Kota," Nate said, wrapping his hand around my fist. "She needs you here, not there."

I blinked then let my hands unclench as I felt his arm pull me against him. My body sagged. How had this woman so utterly and completely captured me? "I just feel so damn protective of her," I said, leaning into his embrace.

"Why don't you go and sit with her for a while?" I nodded and he pressed a kiss against my temple before I headed up the stairs. I stood outside her door for several moments feeling nervous like a kid again before finally pushing the door open. North was sitting next to her as she slept, curled into the blankets. He looked up and gave me a knowing smile as I walked in and he stood, brushed my hand, then walked out.

I sat down next to her legs, just watching her. I studied the heart shape of her face, her cheeks, and the way her pale hair spilled over the pillow, contrasting against the deep blue sheets. Even asleep, she was stunning. She didn't have a trace of make-up on and didn't need it either. I ran my hand over the top of the blanket and froze when her body shifted, then relaxed as she stopped moving and her breathing evened out again. I put my glasses on the nightstand and lay down on the edge of the bed, just watching her.

I must have fallen asleep because when I opened my eyes, hers were staring back at me. Even with my poor blurry vision, she was still beautiful. I reached for my glasses and then looked back at her. "Yep, still beautiful," I murmured. She gave me a confused look and I chuckled, "I was saying to myself that you're beautiful with or without my glasses."

She gave me a soft smile, "Thank you." She moved her hand forward and ran her fingers over mine. "Are you okay?" she asked.

I laughed, "The day you've had, and you're asking me if I'm okay?" She blushed. "I'm okay, Marissa, I was just really worried about you, and well, I needed to see that you were okay. Sorry if that sounds crazy," I babbled and suddenly her lips were against mine. I only hesitated for a second before cradling her head and pulling her deeper into the kiss. She let out a low moan and I flipped her onto her back, pinning her beneath me. I pulled back, searching her eyes, worried that after what Phelps had tried, I was doing more than she could handle, but all I saw in those brown eyes was desire. I ran my hand along her jaw, "Marissa," I whispered. She whimpered and leaned into my touch, pressing her lips to the palm of my hand. I felt her body shift beneath me and I groaned, my hips pressing forward instinctively.

"Kota," she gasped as her body arched toward me.

Hearing my name on her lips like that was intoxicating. I wrapped my hand around her throat and squeezed, "Say it again."

I could feel the heat of her core against my erection and pressed into her as she moaned, "Kota, please."

I practically purred with pleasure when she begged. Releasing her throat, I pulled the blanket down and smiled when I saw her panties damp with moisture. I ran my hand over them, then pressed my palm flat and pressed down hard. She cried out, bucking against me. Without warning, I slapped my open palm down on her clit. Her body shook as her orgasm rippled through her. "You like pain, my love, don't you?" I asked as I lowered my mouth to her core and nipped at her thighs.

"Yes sir," she panted. I bit down harder, making my way to her drenched panties, then slid them down, tossing them across the room. I pushed up the shirt she was wearing and breathed over her clit. She whined and twisted, then I slapped her again.