He crossed to her. They were lost in shadows now, but very much aware of the other being near.

He moved up behind her and circled his arms around, taking over the unbuttoning. "Let me do it," he whispered. "I've practiced a hundred times in my mind."

His fingers tickled her, warmed her as he slowly removed her clothes. His hands moved over the material first, then gently pulled the layers away. Before the cool air chilled her, his fingers slid over her skin, caressing each inch as he undressed her. When he reached her stockings, he knelt and felt his way to the top of each before sliding them down. Once she was free of one, he lifted her foot to his knee and let his fingers brush along her flesh.

She closed her eyes, feeling a fire building deep inside her. Part of her wanted to hurry him, to beg him to satisfy the ache within her, but another part of her wanted him to continue torturing her with his gentle touch. She dug her fingers into his hair and tried to stand perfectly still as he continued to explore every part of her.

When she stood before him with nothing on, he stared for a long while. His hands spread down her body, molding her shadowy form. When his fingers closed around her full breasts, she swayed with the pure pleasure he brought her. His hands moved behind her, holding her hips as he pulled her close and kissed her. When she cried softly in need, he lifted her gently and carried her to bed.

Pulling the covers to her throat, he leaned over, kissing her cheeks. "Before I found you, I don't think I was alive. You make me believe in magic." He brushed her hair away from her face. "I doubt I'd get enough of you if we both lived ten lifetimes."

Rainey couldn't answer. He was saying the words to her she thought she'd never hear.

The room was dark, light drifting only from the fire beyond the door, but Rainey wasn't afraid. She'd never be afraid of the dark again.

He crossed to the other side and slipped into bed.

They were both still for a moment, then he whispered, "Come closer, Rainey."

She rolled toward his open arms.

When she touched him, she froze. There was nothing, not one stitch of clothing between them.

"I promised"-she could feel him grinning as he kissed her gently-"that you'd have your turn."

She laughed and spread her hand across his chest, knowing she'd learn every part of her Ranger before the night was over. "I love you," she said as she tasted the warm skin of his chest.

"And I love you," he answered.

JODI THOMAS

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