I turned on my side and nuzzled closer. “Is what we did okay?”
He stroked my back. “There’s no right or wrong in the bedroom. There’s only consent.”
“I like the way we talk.”
“Me too, but I can’t just say anything.”
“Why not?”
He caressed my arm. “Because whenever you try new things, it’s best to go slow. Too much is overkill, and you need to figure out where your boundaries are. We were strangers the first time and rushed into it blindly. I might have called you those names you don’t like, and I’m sorry if I did.” He rested his hand on my hip. “Wolves are assertive. Most women have no trouble saying what they want. Maybe that’s not your animal’s nature, but never be afraid to tell a man to stop what he’s saying or doing if it feels wrong.”
I glanced up. “It’s never felt wrong with you.”
His lips twitched. “That’s because I pay attention. I don’t ignore a woman’s reaction.”
“I guess that’s why you’re such a good lover.”
“What you asked me earlier about punishing you—I don’t want to do that with you in the bedroom. Ever. Even playing around.”
Drawing in his scent, I said, “You make me feel like I’m the most beautiful woman in the world.”
He pressed a soft kiss to my neck. “That’s because you are.”
I traced invisible circles on his chest. “You make me feel safe, and that scares me.”
He eased back and studied my expression. “Why?”
Is this too much emotion to dump on him all at once? Maybe he just wants to bask in his afterglow and slip out in the night, and here you come with your truckload of emotions.
Shut up, brain.
“Tell me,” he insisted.
“Because I trusted Noah once. Now I don’t know if I can trust my own instincts.”
Archer kissed my forehead. “A man needs to earn your trust. If he ever breaks it, walk away and never look back.”
I stared at his mouth, wondering how he felt about me. Wondering if this meant anything more than a physical connection. Wondering if I was crazy for snuggling next to a wolf, albeit a handsome wolf.
When he reached down to adjust the sheet, I admired the flex of his biceps and pecs. I debated whether it was appropriate to ask him about his amputation, given his sensitivity on the matter.
“Archer, can I ask you something personal?”
He slipped his arm beneath the sheets and flattened his hand on my thigh. “Maybe.”
The thump of his heart tapped against my palm. “What happened to your arm?”
He stroked my hip in circular motions, stirring something within me. “Another time,” he replied, his voice deepening an octave. “Let’s not spoil tonight.” Archer buried his face in my neck and peppered it with sweet kisses, making me squirm with delight. “So, what’s your craving? Say it’s cookies. Then I’ll know it’s destiny.”
“I’m sorry to disappoint, but it’s pears.”
“Mmm.” He slowly kissed my shoulder.
“Do you want to make love again?”
“I want to do a lot of things.” He reached across the bed, rolling his naked body on top of mine, and switched out the lamp. “Let me hold you for a while.”
After a tender kiss on the mouth, he settled beside me.
