His answer was breathless and low in her ear. “I love you, too, Sara."
Relief washed over her, relief and a thrilling, dizzy pleasure that she realized a second later was actually cl**ax. Her voice caught in her throat as her back arched and her legs tightened around his h*ps instinctively.
He made an approving noise and chanted her name, dropping light kisses over her neck. His voice broke and he gasped, his teeth sinking into her skin. The easy pace he'd maintained shortened into quick, hard thrusts that sent another ripple of pleasure through her, and then he froze. A shudder wracked him, and he collapsed onto her.
Sara wrapped her shaking arms around his body, letting out a soft noise of protest when he started to shift away. Six feet of lean muscle pressed her down into the bed, but it was Reed. Aggravating, brilliant, wonderful Reed. And he loves me.
Her breathing slowed and she loosened her grip a little, moving to slide her fingers absently down his back. “You know, just because you're hot and you love me doesn't mean I'm going to stop kicking your ass at everything at school."
He raised his head and blinked at her. “I would be sorely disappointed if you did. That's hot."
"Damn straight it is.” She lifted her head to kiss him, a kiss full of love and promise and just the slightest bit of heat. Then she bit his lower lip. “Don't forget, Professor Mercier, you still have to teach me how to tie people to a bed correctly."
"My teaching philosophy, Professor Patel,” he answered in a low, smoky voice, “has always been one of practical application and experience.” He laughed and winked. “In other words ... I'd buy some scarves, if I were you. Preferably silk."
"I've got a perfect excuse, seeing as my favorite scarf caught on fire.” As she dragged his mouth back to hers, it occurred to her that she should thank Erin for that.
Later. Much later.