I set the shopping bag on the table and pulled out the little bear, studying it for a moment.
A bold idea popped into my head.
I took a deep breath and walked to the bathroom. My hand touched the doorknob, heart pounding like it might burst from my chest.
Noelle, are you sure?
Yes, I'm sure.
I pushed the door open.
Steam filled the bathroom, swirling around the large round tub that brimmed with water. Kholod leaned against the edge, eyes closed, seemingly relaxed.
The mist blurred his form, but I could still make out his broad shoulders, defined abs, and what lay beneath the water...
My face flushed hot.
He heard the noise and opened his eyes, surprise flickering as he saw me in the doorway.
"Noelle?" His voice was husky, dampened by the steam. "You..."
I didn't respond. Instead, I unbuttoned my coat and let it fall to the floor. Then the sweater, the skirt, the underwear... My fingers trembled with nerves, but I steadily removed every layer.
Kholod's gaze grew hotter, his amber eyes igniting with that familiar fire.
When I stood before him completely bare, his breathing deepened noticeably.
"Come here," he commanded, extending a hand, his voice a low, beastly growl.
I stepped into the tub, the warm water enveloping my skin, and he immediately pulled me into his embrace.
"You know what you're doing?" He gripped my waist, guiding me to straddle his lap. "Offering yourself up like this?"
I wrapped my arms around his neck.
"So... how are you going to handle this willing prey?"
His eyes darkened further. "Prove it to me."
I leaned in and kissed his lips. My tentative initiative was quickly overtaken as his tongue took control, guiding me, teaching me how to respond. His hands slid down my spine to my hips, alternatingbetween light caresses and firm grips that sent shivers racing through me.
"Kholod..." I murmured against his lips.
His kisses trailed to my neck, fingers inching toward the softest spot between my thighs.
He slipped a finger inside me, thrusting slowly at first, then adding another, curling them perfectly to hit that sensitive spot. I moaned, rocking against his hand as heat built rapidly. The water sloshed with his movements, his thumb circling my clit, driving me to the edge. My breaths came in ragged pants, my body clenching around his fingers, chasing release.
Then, abruptly, he withdrew, his fingers sliding out, leaving me empty and throbbing with need.
I blinked in confusion, my hips still twitching involuntarily. "What... why did you stop?"
He smirked, leaning back against the tub's edge, his eyes locked on mine with a predatory glint. "You said you were taking the initiative. So show me. Touch yourself for me. Put on a good show."
I froze, a wave of heat flooding my cheeks—not from the steam. "You... you want me to... what?"
"You heard me." His voice dropped to a commanding rumble. "Play with that pretty little pussy of yours. Make yourself come while I watch. Or I won't lay a finger on you. No getting you off, no making you feel good. Your choice, Noelle."
My heart hammered, shame twisting with the insistent ache between my legs. I'd never done anything like this before, not with someone watching so intently. But his hungry, unyielding stare ignited something reckless in me. If I refused, he'd follow through and leave me hanging, frustrated. Fine. I'd do it.
