Page 79 of Retribution
Cobra pushed up from the bed and went over to their bags and zipped them up. “I’m gonna close out then we’ll take off. You think you can ride on the back of my bike?”
“With you as my support, I can do anything,” she replied.
He stared intently at her then strode across the room. With a growl, he bent over her and crushed his mouth to hers. Her lips burned with the fierceness of his passion as he buried his fingers into her hair.
“Cobra,” she murmured against his mouth as she pressed closer to him, breathing in his familiar scent.
“I’m fuckin’ crazy about you, darlin’.” His hand trailed over her shoulder and down her bare arm. He gently nipped her lips then kissed her neck. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered in her ear.
“I’m so fucking crazy about you,” she murmured.
His lips made a trail upward over her chin and to the side of her mouth. Dakota shivered in his arms, and she didn’t want him to stop. The way her skin heated from his touch made her hunger for more.
“That feels good,” Dakota said.
His mouth covered hers, and Cobra kissed her again, longer and deeper this time, the palm of his hand cupping the back of her neck. Then he pulled away and looked into her eyes.
“I want you, but I understand that you may not be ready.”
A slight smile ghosted her lips and she relaxed into him. Dakota felt safe and warm with him, as though nothing could touch her as long as she was in his arms. Painful memories had become the staple in her life for too long. There was nothing she wanted more than to erase them from her mind and focus on being happy with Cobra.
“I don’t want to let the bad stuff define who I am or what I can do. I’m not a victim. Inner strength is what has gotten me through some of the dark moments of my life. I want to be with you—that’s it.”
Cobra cupped her face between his hands and kissed her tenderly. When he pulled away, Dakota could see the desire brewing behind his smoldering look. A surge of excitement coursed through her.
“I want you real bad, but I don’t want us to do anything in this dump. Let me pay up then we’ll be off.”
“I’ll go with you.”
He nodded then took her hand in his and they walked out of the room into the early afternoon heat.
* * *
Located in theheart of Philipsburg, the Crestwood Hotel was an elegant yet cozy inn, which offered modern comfort in a historic building that dated back to 1885. Large pots of greens, vintage furniture, Native American rugs, and a distressed limestone fireplace decorated the lobby. Chandelier-like iron fixtures adorned the ceilings and an artisan mural depicting the history of Montana wrapped around the room. A few guests sat in large, cushy chairs, their heads buried in books, which lent to the causal and unhurried atmosphere.
“This is beautiful,” Dakota whispered as Cobra waited for their room key. “I’ve never stayed at a place as nice as this.”
“Only the best for you.” Cobra winked and took the keycard from the front-desk clerk.
When they entered the room, the sweeping view of the Sapphire Mountains greeted them, and she rushed over and threw the French doors open then stepped out on the balcony.
“We got some fruit here,” Cobra said from behind her.
She looked over her shoulder and saw him holding a wicker basket filled with pears, apples, bananas, and oranges.
“Looks good,” she said then turned back to the spectacular view.
Dakota smiled when she heard footsteps and smelled the scent of his cologne and leather, a sensual blend that caused her pulse to race and sent sparks sizzling through her veins.
“You like it here?” Cobra said. His warm breath fanned over her shoulder.
“Very much,” she replied softly.
“My sweet Dakota,” he said in a low, gravelly voice as he pulled her against him, burying his head in the crook of her neck.
She moved her hand to cover his. “Thanks for everything—I really mean that.”
“You’re welcome, sweetheart.” He nibbled at her ear.
