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  “Yes.”

  That’s all he stated. She wrote another line then returned her attention back in his direction to find him waiting for her.

  Damn. Those eyes. She wanted to get lost in them. Drown in them. Forget the rest of the world even existed when she held their stare. An unwavering stare.

  “I see.” The silence was filled only by the scratch of her pen on the sheet as she dove back into her work.

  “I found your picture,” he commented after they’d been quiet for a brief time. “The one you sketched of me.”

  That’s where it had gone. She was so certain she’d swiped all of them, only to learn later some were missing. “Sorry,” she blurted out. “I didn’t mean to…”

  “What? Draw me? Have me see it?”

  “Have you see it. But, I’m also sorry for sketching you without your permission. I just couldn’t ignore the need to put it on paper when I saw you lying there, finally at peace.” She squeezed her eyes shut shortly then focused on the large hands he had and their blunt, clean nails.

  “You’ve had my permission since I let you into my house.”

  She furrowed her brow. “How did you know I was an artist? I mean I haven’t told—”

  “Loretta, are you done for the night? We’re closed, and I need to leave.” Ava’s cold tone filled the air. “Oh, I see you’re still here. You do know customers aren’t supposed to be back here.”

  “I’m not a customer,” Jason cut in.

  Ava hesitated. “What are you doing here, then?”

  “I came to get this woman and bring her back home where she belongs.”

  Etta wondered if her eyeballs hadn’t been exchanged for ping pong balls the way they bounced back and forth between the other two in the room. Ava’s cool, nigh haughty sophistication and Jason’s knife sharp aura, which told her he was constantly aware of anything that could be a threat against not only him but her, as well.

  “Who is she to you?” A slight frown. “You’re not married, are you? To her?”

  Wow, that was a cold blow. Back to Jason, who shook his head.

  “Not yet. She’s my salvation; that’s all you need to know, and if it’s time to leave, then we’ll be going, now.” He slipped seamlessly to his feet, reminding Etta once again how he made any movement like an act of sex. She sucked on her teeth as her body reacted to him, again. “Come, Etta.”

  She put away her items and moved over to stand at his side, skin burning when he slid an arm around her waist. “Good night, Ava,” she mumbled. Salvation? What the hell is he up to?

  Jason led her off, ignoring the sputtering her boss’s girlfriend was making. He guided her to his truck and, ever the gentleman, held it open for her. His fingers grazed the top of her ass as she climbed into his truck.

  He eased in as she hooked her belt. A quick glance in her direction and he drove away. “Address?”

  She gave it to him and rested back as he drove easily through the streets to her small studio apartment. Jason was quiet until they were in the privacy of her place. The moment the door clicked shut behind her, she was in his arms.

  His tongue thrust deep into her mouth, sliding and tangling with hers. She whimpered, twining her arms around his neck. Gods, she’d missed this. Missed him. His hard body pressed against her, being wrapped in his strong embrace. He wound his hands in her hair and pulled so she tipped her head back.

  “You cut your hair and got rid of your braids,” he mumbled against her lips.

  She tangled her fingers in the silken strands of his own. “Yes.”

  “I meant what I said in there, Etta. You are my salvation. You saved me from a darkness I don’t even want to contemplate. Tell me why you left.”

  Her entire body went rigid. He watched her, seeing far more than she wanted him to. Jason loosened his grip enough to slip his hands to her waist. “Either here or naked in bed.” Another passionate kiss. “Those are your choices. And, personally, I hope you pick naked in bed.”

  She couldn’t formulate a single coherent thought. His decadent chuckle made her feel alive, again. Reminded her she had something with him when they were both in Lindsay.

  He truly didn’t give her a chance to say anything else, guiding her over to the small bed, and took his time undressing her. Her gut clenched with need as she slowly became exposed to his gaze.

  “Damn,” he uttered. “I want to sink deep inside you. Feel your heartbeat. Make love to you until your voice is gone from crying out my name.”

  Her clit pulsed, and she nearly touched herself to allow herself release. “Now, you.”

  Holding her gaze, he undressed, and she moaned again when his thick cock sprang into view. “This is the point where you climb into bed, Etta.”

  God, his voice was pure temptation. She slipped into her double bed and curled up against him when he joined her.

  “Come here, Etta.” He held her closer and kissed the top of her head. “Talk to me.”

  “I left because you want a family.”

  The fingers on her shoulder tightened briefly. “So, because I mentioned I wanted a wife and kids, you ran?”

  “I did. You deserve to be with someone who can give you a child or two.”

  He was quiet, for a moment. “Tell me.” That was all he said.

  Etta tried to melt into him so she wouldn’t have to look at his face. He allowed it, and she shut her eyes, losing herself in the feel and scent of his body.

  “I was pregnant before.”

  “And?”

  “It was winter, and I was going home from a show. I’m an artist, or was. Sleet had been coming down for a few hours.” She shuddered as the cold from the memory seeped into her bones.

  Jason rubbed her arms and angled closer to her, his erection pressing into her.

  “I was almost home. Less than a mile from the safety of my house. I looked up to see a truck spinning down the hill, out of control.” Her voice wobbled. “I did what I could to correct, but there was just no time.” She trembled and pressed on. “I woke in the hospital. My friend, Affrica, was there. And they told me the one driving the truck had been my sister. She hadn’t made it nor did my baby. I was six months pregnant, and I lost my baby. Not only that but I can’t have them, again. I can’t give you a family.” Tears burned her eyes as they leaked free of the barrier she’d set up with her lids. An ineffective barrier for the tears slid right down her face. “Until I saw you lying there, I hadn’t had the urge to pick up a sketch pad again, then it hit me, and I had to. Again, I’m sorry I sketched you without your permission.”

  His murmured words didn’t make sense to her as she struggled with her recounting. Jason rolled her over so he lay on top of her, between her legs and his cock resting at the juncture of her thighs. However, his attention was on her, not sliding into her pussy.

  “I need you to look at me, Etta.”

  There was command in his tone, and she listened. Found his gaze right there, waiting for hers. Warmth and, dare she hope, love lingered in his eyes.

  “No amount of words I give you can ease the pain you have. If I could take it all away, I swear I would in a heartbeat. I have two questions. Where were your parents? Are you talking about Affrica O’Shea?”

  “You know Affrica? She’s Affrica Leighton, now.”

  “I’ve met her brother, Aidrian, and work with her brother-in-law, Scott.”

  She smiled. “I know Harrier. Great man. She’s one of my best friends. I was at her wedding in Ireland.”

  “Yes. Your parents?”

  “Hadn’t spoken to me since I told them I was pregnant and haven’t since.” More sorrow piled on her shoulders. “I’d disgraced them.”

  “Bullshit.” His tone hard and unforgiving. “Don’t make excuses for them.” His entire body softened slightly. “What do you think a family is?”

  “Husband and wife, children.”

  He dipped his head and kissed her. “Okay, then.” Jason shifted, and she moaned as his cock filled her. �
�Me, husband. You, wife.”

  Her face fell. “And I can’t have children.”

  “I was raised by a wonderful couple who took me into their home and out of the state system.”

  “You were adopted?”

  “Yes.” He moved, and her lids fluttered with the sensation. “Being a parent doesn’t mean you have to have them of your blood. We both have seen plenty who give birth and are part of the genetic makeup, yet I wouldn’t ever call them a parent. You, Etta, have a brilliant heart and the kindest of souls. You’ll make a wonderful mother.”

  “Why me?”

  “Like I told Ava. You are my salvation.” He slid home again at the finish of that statement. “I want everything with you, Etta. Everything.”

  “I ran from you.”

  “You ran from the situation. Thinking you knew what I wanted and needed.” He laced their fingers together and held her hands over her head, spreading her out even more beneath him.

  “I don’t know why people think you’re so mean and scary,” she said, arching her hips to take him in deeper. “You’ve always been so wonderful to me.”

  “I don’t give a damn why they do. You’ve infatuated me since I laid eyes on you. What do you think?”

  “I think you’re trying to get my mind off the past.”

  His smile was gentle. “At some point, you have to allow yourself to move forward.”

  “Does that advice go for you, as well?”

  His jaw clenched briefly. “Yes. It’s not going to be easy, I know this. But, we’ll take it together, Etta. I just need you to say you’ll give us a shot.”

  She rose up slightly, flicked her tongue along his lips. “A shot.”

  “Yes.” He thrust again and again until she writhed beneath him with ecstasy. “Like living together. Being together.”

  “You’re asking me this while you’re deep inside me?”

  This time, his grin was positively wicked. “Bargaining power.”

  She clenched her pussy around his cock and grinned when he groaned. “I’ve got some, as well.”

  He dipped his head. “We’ll get through this, Etta. You and me. We’ll get it all figured out. I need you in my life. I need your joy and happiness.” He held her gaze. “I need you.”

  She wrapped her legs higher around his waist, encouraging him even deeper. “And the need to talk?” Etta dug her nails into his back as he pounded into her.

  “Is still there.” Deep strokes sent her catapulting her toward the edge of the cliff. “Just put on hold for the moment. I’ve missed you.” He kissed her. “Missed being deep inside you. The feel of this tight pussy choking my cock. The feel of your breasts against my chest. Over four months.”

  Etta kissed him. “Let’s make up for lost time, then.”

  Additional Books by Aliyah Burke:

  Sensual Romance Publishing

  If You Dare

  Holiday Surprise: Unwrapped

  His Purrfect Mate

  Raw Exposure

  A Knight’s Vow

  Lion of Midnight

  Megalodon Team

  Kincade’s Rose

  Harrier’s Healer

  Connelly’s Flame

  Greeley’s Spyce

  Vittano’s Willow

  Dimitri’s Moon

  O’Shea’s Love

  Chayton’s Tempest

  Forgotten Shadow (A MT Christmas Novella)

  Haikon

  A Love for Lera

  Rakes & Rogues

  What the Earl Desires

  Her Reluctant Viscount

  Her Pirate Rogue

  Cottonwood Falls

  Relentless

  Fracture

  Ravish

  Spark

  Savor

  Intensity

  Inferno

  Snake’s Salvation

  Born to Fly

  Landing in Love

  You Save Me

  Wild As The Wind

  Zulu Spectre

  Hearth, Holly, & Honor (3 in 1)

  It Could Happen Again

  Tungsten Protective Services

  Down Range

  All In

  Winter Bliss coming Fall ‘18

  Twisted E-Publsihing

  Under the Mask

  May You Always

  Code Name: Sleeper

  Graham Family

  Justice Is Always Ready

  And We’ve Come Full Circle

  Denim & Spurs

  With This Ring

  Dream Lover

  You Don’t Know Jack

  Maddox Family

  The Detective’s Lover

  D.A.R.K Cover, Inc.

  Breaking All the Rules

  Trust Me

  Handling the Perks

  The Second Time Around

  Prince Brothers

  One Cold Night

  Last Call

  Tequila Smash

  Quad Series

  A Little Taste of Home

  Too Dangerous To Love

  Someday My Prince Good Ol’ Boy Will Come

  Black Queen

  Beyond His Control

  Totally Bound

  Preconception

  Seducing Damian

  Through the Fire

  Serial

  Keeper of the Stars Pt. 1

  Keeper of the Stars Pt. 2

  Keeper of the Stars Pt. 3

  Keeper of the Stars Pt. 4

  Keeper of the Stars Pt. 5

  Astral Guardians

  Chasing the Storm

  Highlands at Dawn

  Fields of Thunder

  Branded by Frost

  Driven by Night

  Moon of Fire

  Interludes

  Temporary Home

  Alone with You

  Till We Ain’t Strangers Anymore

  In Aeternum

  Casanova in Training

  Harbour of Refuge

  Protected by Shadows

  Polar Opposites

  Code of Honour

  A Marriage of Convenience

  The Lieutenant’s Ex-Wife

  A Man Like No Other

  When Stars Collide

  Theta Corps

  Restitution

  Contrition

  Vindication

  The Edge

  Called Home to The Edge

  Straying to The Edge

  Returning to The Edge

  Cuffed at The Edge

  The Monore Sisters

  Need You Now

  Entangled

  Code Name: Papa

  Standalone

  Dutch & Lobo (in In the Trenches collection)

  Love Under the Endless African Sky

  Emerald Myst (Tempting Luck Boxset)

  Co-written with Taige Crenshaw

  Unbreakable Bonds

  Kemet Uncovered:

  Talios

  Devi

  Linc

  Saffron

  Taber

  Ashia

  Co-written with McKenna Jeffries

  McKingley:

  All the Wright Moves

  The Best Thing Yet

  Risky Pleasures

  Pure Harmony

  Irresistible Forces

  Seductions Dance

  About the Author:

  Aliyah Burke is an avid reader and is never far from pen and paper (or the computer). She loves to hear from her readers and can be reached here. She can also be found on Facebook, Twitter: @AliyahBurke96, or Pinterest. And on TSU: @AliyahBurke

  She is married to a career military man. They are owned by three Borzoi, and a DSH cat. She spends her days sharing time between work, writing, and dog training.

  I hope you enjoyed reading, Snake’s Salvation. If you could help others to find and enjoy this book as well, I would appreciate that act of kindness. You can do this by recommending it to your friends and/or reader’s groups. Also by reviewing it to let others know you liked it—and why—on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes
& Noble, ARe, and other places.

  Thank you so much for your support!!

  If you would care to be kept abreast of Aliyah Burke’s news, release information and the occasional contest, please join her newsletter.

  Blurbs for Cottonwoods Falls stories

  Relentless (Book 1)

  Not everything new is best.

  Tobias Latner has come home to buy up property and build a new mall. With the misguided belief it will be best for the town, he’s shocked by the amount of resistance he receives. More than that, he’s shaken by the intense attraction he feels to one of the residents.

  Dr. Melinda Glazer comes home when her father is diagnosed with cancer, to work the clinic so it doesn’t have to close. Her lust for Toby Latner is a distraction she feels she can move beyond if she gets it out of her blood. She doesn’t realize how wrong she is, nor how relentless the businessman can be when he sets his sights on something he wants.

  αβ

  Fracture (Book 2)

  Homecomings can be wonderful in breaking down old walls.

  Once the princess of Cottonwood Falls, Vicki Boshay had exchanged her crown and dresses for a badge and a gun as a deputy in her hometown. Disowned by her family for her decisions she has moved on and carries her head high. One foggy night she’s reunited with a man who lived on the wrong side of the tracks but had always interested her.

  Chase Ellery is out of the Army and has come back home. He is shocked to see Vicki Boshay wearing a uniform when she gives him a ride into town. Some memories are harder than others to get rid of and despite the passion arching between them, their past is still there. Will they be able to move on or will it fracture the budding relationship?

  αβ

  Ravish (Book 3)