“I am uncertain what you mean.”
“I mean—” I brace my hands on his chest. “I’m going to be on top. I’m going to set the pace. Control what happens. Because in my time? Women don’t just lie back and think of England.”
His brow furrows. “Why would they think of England?”
“It’s an expression. Never mind. The point is, I’m in charge here. That work for you?”
Something flashes in his eyes. Heat. Interest. “Yes.”
“Good.” I nip his lower lip… just lightly, teasing. “Because some guys have fragile egos about women being in control. And I need to know you’re not one of them.”
“I ruled a kingdom for decades,” he says. Voice rough. “I am not threatened by your strength. I am intrigued by it.”
Okay. That’s hot.
I lean down. Kiss him. Pour every ounce of want and need andchoose-you-choose-you-choose-youinto it.
His hands rest on my waist. Not demanding. Just present.
When I pull back, we’re both breathing hard.
“Last chance,” I tell him. “To tell me you’re not ready. Because now that I’ve made up my mind…”
“Mara.” There it is again. My name. Clear and certain. “I am ready. I have been ready since I felt you go down in that helicopter. Since you refused to die. Or to leave me. Since you picked me.”
My throat closes. “You’re really good with words, you know that?”
“I have centuries of practice.”
“Show-off.” I reach between us. Wrap my hand around his shaft. I stroke once. Twice. Guide the throbbing head to where I’m already slick and ready.
Then I sink down.
Slowly. Because holy shit, he’s—
“You okay?” His voice is tight. Controlled.
“Yeah. Just… you’re big. Give me a second.”
I lower another inch. My body stretching to accommodate him. It’s intense. Almost too much. But not painful.
Just… full.
I take him another inch. Then another. Until I’m seated completely.
We both go still.
“Fuck,” I breathe.
“Is that good or bad?”
“Good. Really good. Just…” I rock experimentally. “Need to adjust.”
The angle shifts. Sensation sparking through me. Better. So much better.
“Okay,” I say. “Okay, I’m ready.”
I start to move. Slow at first. Finding the rhythm that works. That hits the right spots.
