Last night, he tossed me a large t-shirt to sleep in since our bags hadn’t been brought up yet. By the time he returned from his security check—a routine I’ve grown used to—I’d already changed and crawled into bed and was almost asleep.
With a sigh, he sets the tray down; the soft clink of the glass fills the quiet. Then, he collapses onto the spot next to me, lays his head in my lap, an unreadable gleam in his silver eyes. There’s a dare behind them, telling me to be brave and ask him what he’s thinking. Unable to resist touching him, I run my fingers through his tangled, messy hair. It’s soft and sleep-warm, grounding me in this new, fragile rhythm we’re building.
“I’m glad you’re here.” His grin wicked as he toys with a lock of my hair, his touch sending heat rushing through me. “I thought we’d have breakfast in bed. But screw that, I can think of something far sweeter to feast on.”
Heat blooms across my cheeks, my heart skipping as I whisper, “And what’s that?”
He waggles his brows, flips us in one quick move, and suddenly I’m flat on my back with him hovering over me. “Where do I begin?”
“Darius.” His name is nothing more than a breath, a secret slipping past my lips, all that previous doubt gone in a flash.
“I want to eat you alive, cupcake. Every damn inch. Say yes.” He slides a hand beneath the covers, the touch feather-light yet electrifying against my bare thigh. His silver eyes darken as they roam my body, unwrapping me, before they climb back up. “I’ve thought about this since you drove me mad on that video chat. Now I want the real you. All of you.”
I swallow hard, remembering how sensual that moment was. “Okay.”
The blanket disappears in one solid yank, and I squeal.
“I’ll take my time, be as gentle as I can.” He grabs my legs and moves me where he wants. “But Ingrid, I’ve dreamed of this moment for months. I don’t know if I can hold back.”
Sitting up, I grab the hem of my t-shirt and yank it over my head. “Don’t know that I want you to.”
He crashes into me, hands on my face, mouth devouring mine. His lips are soft but demanding. The kiss is fire, raw, and tender all at once. It’s a brand on my soul. Scorching through me until all I can hear in my head is the truth I can’t say out loud: I love him.
Once the kiss ends, he gently lays me back. Those delicious lips trail down my throat to the swell of my breasts.
I’ve had hands on me before—boys fumbling, impatient—but nothing like this. He’s worshipping, lavishing my skin with his lips, tongue, and teeth until my body arches into him. My core is on fire, throbbing so intensely it causes me to squirm.
“Getting a little needy, cupcake?” His chuckle vibrates against me as he pinches my nipple, teasing it to a hard peak. “Patience. Let me take care of you.”
I watch as he draws the tip into his mouth and sucks hard. It sends a current through my body, and I swear I shatter. Every nerve on alert, begging for more.
“Oh god.”
“Darius is the name you’re searching for. I’m not a god, just a man, starving, and you’re the one I crave.” He bites down and then licks his way down my stomach, dragging his tongue over my navel. “Even this little nub is sexy.”
I’ve always hated my half-in, half-out navel—until now. The sensitive nerve sparks under his touch, making me shiver as he toys with it. His fingers tease lower, building me higher and higher until I’m trembling with need. He lets his tongue swipe between the waistband of my knickers next. Destroys me. I’m awithering mess by the time he’s worked his way back up to my lips; my body is so limp I almost miss his next words.
“We’d better stop. I don’t have any condoms in the house. It’s been a few years since I’ve been home.” His thumb grazes my cheek as he brushes my hair back. “You looked too much like a gift in my bed. I couldn’t resist a taste. Call this round one. We’ll eat breakfast first, then I’ll drag you around my country. Tonight… we’ll finish what I started.”
Disappointment flickers through me, though I try to ignore it.
He distracts me with coffee, pouring two mugs like he’s done it a hundred times. Offers me bites of the delicious treats he brought up until I can’t help but smile. Once we’re finished, he nudges me toward the bathroom.
“Go on. You first. I’ll clean up when you’re done.”
I don’t argue. Showering together would only tempt fate, dragging us right back to where he stopped. And since I’m not on birth control, that’s a risk I can’t afford. My life already feels like it’s balancing on a knife’s edge. I can’t let an unexpected pregnancy tip it over.
After digging through my suitcase for clothes and setting them aside, I turn around and flip on the water to warm it up while I brush my teeth. Steam curls around me as I step beneath the spray and close my eyes, letting the shower help calm my body.
The peace doesn’t last long. A loud bang rattles the silence, followed by another.
My gut flares with warning fire, dread licking up my spine.
“Darius?” I shout.
When he doesn’t respond, I grab the fluffy green robe hanging behind the door and slip it on. It’s way too big, but it will do for now. Securing it tightly around my body, I try one more time. “Darius?”
An ominous chill sweeps through me, urging me into motion. Something is terribly wrong. I throw open the bathroom door and rush out of his bedroom and down the stairs.
